Getting surgery Friday for a retinal tear what to expect?

[JamielovesKU]

Ok so I found out today that I have to have surgery for a retinal tear. Has anyone ever had it that can share thier experience with me? What was it like for you and how long did it take you to recover from it? Thanks in advanced!

Dont get it done!

Get it done and over with...

[NearlyNapping]

Is that the same as a detached retina? If so, you have no choice. You have to get it done. Listen to the doctor and do everything they tell you to the letter. Unless you want to go blind.

My sister had it done. I can only relate her experience. Yours may be different. The recover can take a few weeks before you are in the clear. It won't be easy either. You have to look down 24/7 or you will ruin the surgery. That means walking around with your head down at all times. It means sleeping with your face down. It means you can't drive or anything else where you need to raise your head or look up. I drove my sister everywhere for I think three weeks. Then she still had to be very careful for another few weeks after that.

It's very serious and considered a medical emergency. That's *IF* it's the same as a detached retina.

[JamielovesKU]

What did they have to do?

[JamielovesKU]

I was told the fluid in the eye had to be drained and that it had to be replaced with oil. Did she ever gain full vision back?

[NearlyNapping]

I don't know much about the procedure except that it took a long time. It was something like 3.5 hours from the time they took her back until she was in recovery. I never heard of the thing with oil. Your doctor can tell you about that. Ideally you want a retina specialist.

The retina is a thin layer. Somehow they reattach it to the back of the eye. They have to get it smooth, without wrinkles. The fluid has pressure inside the eye. It puts pressure on the back of the eye. That's the reason for looking down. So there is not more pressure than necessary on the back of the eye where. You also want to avoid bumping your head or anything. That's often what causes it in the first place.

Yes, she regained full vision. She was very serious about doing as told and keeping her head and eyes down. It's not easy to do, but you have to do it if you want to keep your sight.

Do you have someone to drive you around and do things for you?

[JamielovesKU]

Yea I do and thanks :)

[JamielovesKU]

one more thing, was it really painful for her after?

[NearlyNapping]

No, I don't think it was painful. She had a big patch over her eye though. So she only had the use of one eye until it was removed. The patch was on for a while but I don't remember how long. I think it was at least a week, probably longer.

She had a few follow up visits with the doctor. Plus she went in twice for tests with some kind of specialist to test her vision. They were some kind of special tests, not the kind you'd normally get when having your eyes checked. I think they checked her peripheral vision, sensitivity to light, etc.

[JamielovesKU]

Is there anything else you can think of that I should know any tips anything before the surgery?

[NearlyNapping]

I think she had to go to her regular optometrist for a regular eye exam to make sure her contacts were still the right prescription. That was like a month or so after. I think it was just precautionary to make sure that nothing changed. I can't really think of anything else.

[OrdinaryGentleman]

Get it done and good:) There are virtually no restrictions following retinal laser surgery, and you should be able to resume your normal activities and work schedule the following day.

Most patients notice no vision changes following their laser surgery, although there may be some temporary blurring for several weeks to months. In addition, depending on the condition being treated, some may notice a permanent blind spot or decrease in peripheral and night vision.

[JamielovesKU]

It was invasive surgery and the pains pretty much over I can't go back to work for like 2 weeks