Detached Retina Symptoms and Signs
If you suddenly notice spots, floaters and flashes of light, you may be experiencing the warning signs of a detached retina. Your vision might become blurry, or you might have poor vision. Another sign is seeing a shadow or a curtain descending from the top of the eye or across from the side.
These signs can occur gradually as the retina pulls away from the supportive tissue, or they may occur suddenly if the retina detaches immediately.
No pain is associated with retinal detachment. If you experience any of the signs, consult your eye doctor right away. Immediate treatment increases your odds of regaining lost vision.
Retina Detachment ~ My Personal Experience
Within hours I went from being virtually oblivious to retinal detachments, and their implications, to understanding that, while minimal, there was a chance I could soon be blind in my left eye!
Here's a diary of what transpired and my perspective on possibly managing and improving treatment for pain and fear ... so you don't have to feel the pain I did and the fear I saw another go through!
So far I have had one reattachment which did not hold and am now in the process of undergoing more intrusive surgery to attempt reattachment.
(This is a blog, so to start at the beginning, simply scroll to the end and read forward from there.)
You can contact me ... Mike ... at marandmike @ sympatico.ca
Summary of My Operations
LEFT EYE
Jul 8, 2009 ... Pneumatic Retinopexy, (C3F8 Gas), Dr. Martin
Aug 6, 2009 ... Vitrectomy, (C3F8 Gas), Dr. Chaudhary
Sept 4, 2009 ... Vitrectomy, (C3F8 Gas, Buckle, Cataract: Lens replacement), Dr. Chaudhary
Oct 19, 2009 ... Vitrectomy, (Silicone Oil), Dr. Chaudhary
RIGHT EYE
Jul 24, 2009 ... Laser Surgery, Dr. Martin
Aug 1, 2009 ... Laser Surgery, Dr. Chaudhary
About 14 hours after surgery
Bandage off, lots of bruising, about 36 hours after
surgery, eye quite painful, taking Tylenol 3'sHad day after surgery follow-up with Doctor Chaudary at 10AM, bandage came off. He said retina is well seated again but couldn't see too much because of cloudiness still there from surgery.
Just a quick note to say I have not quit posting to this blog: to the contrary, I have not had much success, have had to stay still, that did not work, and so will be having my THIRD operation tomorrow morning.
As soon as possible, I will update this site completely and explain both my second and third operations to the fullest.
Thanks for your patience!
mike
About 14 hours after surgery
Bandage off, lots of bruising, about 36 hours after