Post-Retinal Surgery Concerns: Pain, Pressure, and Recovery Tips

Questions about retinal detachment?

First of all, thank you, Dr.
He, for your response.
It has been 15 days since my retinal surgery performed by Dr.
Li Yuan-jie at Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital.
I was advised to sleep on my stomach for about ten days, and the doctor said the retina was attaching well, allowing me to lie down and rest.
However, I recently noticed a situation where I am experiencing intermittent pain at the surgical site, along with a significant amount of discharge, and the redness and swelling of my eye have worsened.
Consequently, I went to the emergency room at night.
The doctor who examined me said there was no bacterial infection at the wound, but rather that my intraocular pressure was too high.
He prescribed a bottle of eye drops to lower the eye pressure and an oral medication (which is said to also alleviate altitude sickness).

I would like to ask Dr.
He if it is too much to have another bottle of eye drops for lowering eye pressure, given that I already have one, along with the oral medication.
Additionally, the eye drops I received are said to be very effective but may cause discomfort.
The night I used them before bed, I experienced a lot of discharge and had to keep using a cotton swab to wipe it away.
Is this situation normal?
Furthermore, could you please provide some post-operative care tips? I have found many articles online, but the opinions vary widely.
Also, I will be starting university in a month; will I have enough time to recover? Lastly, does retinal surgery make the retina more fragile? I have amblyopia in my left eye, with a prescription of less than 600.

I apologize for having so many questions, and I appreciate your understanding of my ignorance in this field.
After this surgery, I want to take better care of my eyes, and with your guidance, I believe I can achieve this goal.
Thank you!

Guo Xiansheng, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/07/20

Dr. He Jianxian reply Ophthalmology

Basically, medications for intraocular pressure can be used in combination.
If the intraocular pressure is not well controlled, it is necessary to consider adding more medication.
Since there is no infection at your wound site, other symptoms should gradually improve.
You should have no problem starting college.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2018/07/20

More Info

Post-retinal surgery recovery can be a complex process, and it's understandable to have concerns about pain, pressure, and overall healing. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing a range of symptoms following your retinal surgery, including pain, increased discharge, and elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Here’s a comprehensive response to your questions and concerns.

1. Pain and Discharge: It is not uncommon to experience some discomfort and discharge after retinal surgery. The pain you are feeling could be attributed to several factors, including inflammation, the healing process, or even the pressure changes in your eye. The presence of discharge can sometimes indicate irritation or inflammation, but since your doctor has ruled out infection, this may be part of the normal healing process. However, if the pain intensifies or the discharge changes in color or consistency, it’s crucial to seek further evaluation.

2. Intraocular Pressure Management: Elevated IOP is a common concern after retinal surgery, especially if corticosteroids are used for inflammation control. The fact that you have been prescribed additional eye drops for lowering IOP suggests that your doctor is taking proactive steps to manage this issue. It is generally safe to use multiple medications for IOP management, but it’s essential to follow your doctor's instructions regarding dosages and frequency. If you experience any side effects from the new medication, such as increased discomfort or unusual symptoms, you should contact your healthcare provider.

3. Recovery Tips: To aid your recovery, consider the following tips:
- Rest Your Eyes: Limit screen time and close-up activities, especially if you are experiencing discomfort. Give your eyes regular breaks.

- Keep Your Eyes Moist: Use preservative-free artificial tears to keep your eyes lubricated, especially if you notice dryness or irritation.

- Follow Medication Instructions: Adhere strictly to your prescribed medication regimen, including any eye drops for pressure management or inflammation.

- Avoid Strain: Activities that require intense focus, such as reading or using a computer, should be minimized until you feel more comfortable.

- Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your symptoms, and do not hesitate to reach out to your doctor if you have concerns.

4. Returning to University: Given that you are just 15 days post-surgery, it’s reasonable to be cautious about your recovery timeline. Many patients can return to normal activities within a month, but this varies based on individual healing. If your symptoms improve and your doctor clears you, you should be able to start university as planned. However, ensure you have a plan in place to manage your eye care during this transition.

5. Long-term Eye Health: After retinal surgery, the eye may be more susceptible to certain issues, but with proper care and monitoring, many patients achieve stable vision. It’s essential to have regular follow-ups with your ophthalmologist to monitor your eye health, especially since you have a history of amblyopia (lazy eye) in your left eye.
In conclusion, while your current symptoms may be concerning, they can be part of the normal healing process after retinal surgery. Maintain open communication with your healthcare provider, adhere to your treatment plan, and prioritize your eye health as you transition back to your daily activities. If you have any further questions or if your symptoms change, do not hesitate to seek medical advice. Your proactive approach to your recovery will serve you well as you navigate this period.

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