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

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Thank You Doctor Martin and Marina!

One Heck of a Doctor!
James Andrew Martin, M.D
Ophthalmologist
Doctor Martin truly is the consumate professional!
He gave very informative play-by-play descriptions throughout the procedure in excellent layman's terms; which banter helped me to relax immensely.
He should be recognized for his humanitarian skills and "bedside manner".
It wasn't long before I perceived we share like senses of humour, so when he asked how I was on my first check up how could I resist, "It feels like I got booted in the eye with a Doc Martin."



... and here's poor Marina!
Thanks for your wonderful help Marina, checking me out on my first trip to St. Joseph's Hospital.
Marina checked my eye and dilated it for my upcoming, preliminary exam with Dr. Harvey. After completing the notes in my file she asked me to follow her back out to the waiting room.
It was a very busy day with dozens of patients in the main waiting room waiting for her.
As we exited the examination room, I knocked my elbow hard on the door frame and yelled out. Marina turned around fast to see me rubbing my head in the doorway, pretending I had walked right into it.
I think she wanted to kill me when she realized I had duped her.
We've seen each other a couple of times for my followups and I believe she has forgiven me.


Expert Photography by Goomie
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