Retinal Tear Laser Surgery
Posted , 66 users are following.
I recently went to a retinal specialist because I was getting some flashes now and then and a lot of floaters and she told me I had a retinal tear that actually had tried to repair itself but said she would do the laser retinal repair surgery to prevent it from opening. The doctor acted as though it was very low risk and I went a long because I feared any vision loss and I didn't think there were common complications. Since the laser a few days ago I have this blank black/gray spot in my lower peripheral. Sometimes I see it more than others like in certain lighting or if I'm moving my head a lot. Sometimes it even just looks like a little light. I told the doctor about it and she says she thinks it's from the inflammation from the laser and should resolve but there might be a chance that the spot will remain but I'll only see it if I try to look for it and most people don't notice it. I notice everything however and I am only 24 and have good peripheral vision so it's a big deal for me. I was wondering if anyone had this experience and saw the spot and over time it disappeared. I saw a post in another forum that someone had the cyro procedure, saw what sounded similar to what I was seeing and it eventually disapeared. Any comments on experiences with this retinal tear laser would be helpful. Thank you.
1 like, 439 replies
lisa86932 rose912910
Posted
I had my retinal detachment surgery June 24th and I still see a flash every so often. I just had my third checkup with the surgeon and he said all was well. I'm guessing it must be normal for some to see it after surgery for a while.
My issue I noticed recently is going out in the sun. I was outside in the pool for 2 hours without sunglasses and the sunspots stay in your eyes for a long time after you go back in the house. Not sure if this is normal. It seems to be in the spot where I first noticed my retinal detachment.
judith80907 lisa86932
Posted
I guess you are in the usa. I did not have a detachment, but a retinal tear.
My tear ocurred in december, and i still have floaters. You are in the early days of surgery and i m sure you may have improvement over time. The sun does make the spots or floaters seem worse. We in the uk dont get a lot of sun, generally speaking.
Take care
lisa86932 judith80907
Posted
judith80907 lisa86932
Posted
I have been where you are at present, anxiety is common with eye problems. I have had so much help from this site. So if you ever feel that you need to chat to keep you sane, someone will come online to help.
Take care
Elle7678 rose912910
Posted
Hi, I know this post is over a year old however I would love to know what happened with your vision. I just recently had retinal laser surgery as well in both of my eyes. I am still seeing the floaters as well. Last night one of my eyes kept itching then it swelled up and I put a hot rag on it then it went down in less than 30 minutes. I'm constantly washing my hands to keep away germs. I am not sure what's happening since my eye lids keep itching and they feel dry. One eye will not stop shedding tears. I plan on contacting my doctor tomorrow but I moved and I fear my healthcare with my former job just expired. I honestly don't know what to do.
Elle7678
Posted
Evelyn63 Elle7678
Posted
HI Elle, it could be something as simple as hay fever or an allergy making your eyes itch. I have had very itchy eyes this past weekend. I had laser treatment for a torn retina in March of this year. I went back twice for reassurance check up's as I was experiencing flashes of light in my pheriperal vision in that eye. I was reassured that all was well and this was unfortunately a side effect of laser treatment, I ntoice it particulary going from dark to light. My vision woudl be less good on the affected eye, but apart from that I have had no further problems. The floaters have almost stopped completely or maybe I am just " getting used to them " I never had health anxiety until this past six months, its deadful, and very debilitating so I have evey smypathy with you . I would speak to your pharmacisit meantime to see if they could suggest some eye drops , whilst waiting to get in touch with your doctor. I hope your health insurance is still valid and you can be seen quickly and your mind put at rest.
Elle7678 Evelyn63
Posted
Hi, Thank you for your response and reassurance. I really thought my vision would increase back to normal but however, it doesn't seem to be doing so. Maybe this is the new normal. Hey, at least we all still have our eyesight.
doug75871 rose912910
Posted
Hi guys
I had laser surgery 6 months ago. My floaters bother me when on a computer screen or outside in sun. Since the survey I noticed a cluster of clear circular floaters like 8-10 of them and my retina specialist said it was normal. For the past week I think a few of those circles appear darker now. Has his happened to anyone?
Thanks
judith80907 doug75871
Posted
I hope you have been back to the eye specialist to check things out. The anxiety is too great and sometimes it just puts one mind at rest. I had laser treatment for a retinal tear in december and still have floaters, but mine are clear at the moment, but they are more noticable in the sun too.
doug75871 judith80907
Posted
Judith
Do you notice them indoors or at night? I usually do not...it's only outside in bright light or on phone/computer
judith80907 doug75871
Posted
I see floaters most of the time, they never go, however they are most noticable in sun and really bad when trying to read newspapers. I no longer use a computer as i retired from work last year, therefore only use a tablet, but not for long periods of time. I hope that in the next few months my floaters become less.
Judith
TiffanyNOLA rose912910
Posted
Hello, everyone. I am so glad that I have found this thread! Almost 3 weeks ago, I had laser surgery for a hole in my retina due to lattice degeration. I started off with a few floaters, went to the opthalmologist but he didn't see anything at that time (that was a Friday), then over the weekend had a few flashes and so I went back in on Tuesday and he found the lattice and referred me to a vitreoretinal specialist. The retinal specialist said that I was at risk for a retinal detachment and ended up doing laser on my left eye that same day. After surgery , I had a miriad of new symptoms, lots of new flashes, some new floaters, at one point it looked like someone was shining a red light on my retina when my eye was closed, small black flashing dots that would come and go, black rain especially when my eye was closed, and lightning strikes. Also, like some of you have described, the day after I noticed 4 black circular "holes" in my vision, and a blurry spot in my peripheral vision by my nose. I went back the next day and she told me that everything was looking ok. I assume it is where she lasered. Currently, I am dealing with the static electricity/flashing in my left eye from about 12 o'clock to 6 o'clock from my perspective which is more noticable in dim light/darkness/when my eye is closed. The static gets worse when I'm in bright light for some time and calms down after I'm in the dark or sleep but comes right back when I'm in light. I also get a flash here and there close to my nose that is noticable in any light, and infrequent small black dot flashes. I've also been dealing with terrible dry eye in my left eye, which I think has led to swelling of my eyelid, pain, and twitching of my face around my eye. My eye is slightly light sensitive and blurry which I think is from the dryness. The retina specialist also found lattice in my right eye (less than my left) and is recommending I have it lasered once my left eye is not symptomatic. This has all been so terrifying and I have been an anxious mess since it started. Crying at the drop of a hat. I'm a nurse and worrying about myself while at work is just adding to my stress. But I have to find a way to power on because I have 2 kids (1 and 7 years old) that depend on me. I am only 34 years old and this has thrown me for a loop especially because my vision has always been good, I just need a slight prescription for distance. My fiance says that I shouldn't worry so much because each time I've gone to the doctor since the laser, she's said that it looks stable (4 times so far in a little over 2 weeks, I've gone back for every change worrying that the worst was happening). It's nice to know that I'm not alone. I am so thankful to have found this thread and know that other people have had similar symptoms since my doctor didn't explain these things as potential side effects or occurrences and when I go back she says it is stable but it doesn't feel that way. I just went to urgent care and was diagnosed with blepharitis, which explains some of my discomfort, so hopefully the ointment helps.
jes2000 TiffanyNOLA
Posted
Oh my goodness! I just posted on here for the first time and our stories are so similar.
Are you sure you haven't always seen static? I see static all the time and I'm convinced it's because I'm always working on my laptop and phone. (Wedding photographer) maybe you are just noticing static now? I used to read about it before I was lasered and it's called "visual snow" I try to be on my phone and laptop less now and try to be outdoors more often.
I as well am seeing a flash up near my nose but it's only 2-4 times a day and I went in today to get checked and everything was normal. Most importantly strong and the jelly is still attached to my retina all around my eye. Have they mentioned any fluid tugging on the retina?
I'm sorry you're going through this with kids. I live with my nieces and I have the option to get in my car and drive to clear my mind. As a mom with you going through this I can't imagine how hard it is. Sending you my love and hang in there. I hope the symptoms subside and just know that you've had so many check ups and find comfort in knowing your eye is strong and will percervere.
TiffanyNOLA jes2000
Posted
Just seeing this reply. I had perfectly clear vision before all of this happened. It has hit me like a ton of bricks emotionally. The anxiety of a potential detachment looming Everytime I see a flash, shimmer, or new floater.
My doctor and the second opinion doctor said that the Vitreous jelly is tugging on my retina and that I will eventually have a pvd and hopefully "it doesn't take your retina with it". Quite the harrowing statement. They've also said my Vitreous is more fluid than most people my age (I'm 34). I've gone in atleast once per week since having the laser and I think the doctors office is tired of seeing me! Anytime something news comes up, I go in..
How are you coping? I haven't been coping well. It's given me tremendous anxiety. I want to see my kids grow up!
jes2000
Posted
montu31583 jes2000
Posted
Hi Jes,
Has your shimmering got any bettet?