Risk of Laser Retinopexy for Retina Tear?

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My eye doctor noticed small retina hole/tear and recommended this Laser Retinopexy procedure for next week. Says that it is "extremely low" risk and that it'll prevent retina detachment.

I was asking for the % of the risk that something goes wrong/side effects of the laser procedure and the % of not doing it and getting retina detachment but I got a generic answer that everyone's anatomy is different. The doctor didn't really answer my concerns and I haven't found a better answer online.

I am a software developer in my twenties. My eyes are currently fine and I am scared that I'll get permanent floaters, flashes or worse after the surgery which will affect my livelihood.

Can someone with Retina Tear share their experience?

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  • Posted

    I had the laser surgery for retinal holes in one eye. I started seeing flashes like lightning streaks on the outer perimeter. It was two days before thanksgiving and i didn't want to end up in ER, so i called an eye doctors office, and they told me i needed to be seen right away in case of possible detachment. I was able to get an emergent appointment with a retina specialist who gave me the exam. I didn't have detachment, so I scheduled the surgery the following Monday. I was told there's a 10% chance of detachment, but he also said it could happen next week or not at all. I didn't want to take that chance as I would never get actual eye surgery for detachment because just the thought of it grosses me out and it's actual surgery in the hospital. I thought the laser was like the type you put your head and chin in like a regular eye exam, but you just sit in chair with head back as he lasers and tells you where to look as he is doing this. I'm still recovering since November, and still see the flashes. Some say it takes time, some say they still get flashes many months after. I'm feeling like it didn't even work, but I still have yet to see doctor for follow-up appt. I rescheduled twice already because my eye is not ready for dilation once again since I'm still recovering.

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