Cataracts and Retinal Detachment: Patient Experiences and Solutions

Q: Cataracts and Retinal Detachment: Patient Experiences and Solutions

Hello Mr. <br>Lin： After retinal detachment surgery, it is generally necessary to wait several months for the nerve function to return to normal. <br>Please consult your attending physician to determine whether your retinal function has recovered and if it is appropriate for you

Cataract + Retinal Detachment

Initially, after my cataract surgery, my vision was very clear.
However, during a follow-up visit, the doctor mentioned that there was a hole that required laser treatment.
After the laser procedure, the issue persisted, and I ended up with a retinal detachment.
The retina had detached, and I needed air injected into my eye.
Even after the air injection, it didn't resolve the issue, and ultimately, the doctor decided to inject silicone oil into my eye to help reattach the retina.
After the silicone oil injection, I had to lie face down for nearly two months.
Although the wound has stabilized and the retina is attached now, the doctor advised against removing the silicone oil for fear that the retina might detach again.

I would like to ask the doctor if it is normal that I cannot see anything with my right eye, whether near or far, and everything appears blurry.
Would getting prescription glasses for farsightedness be helpful? Thank you, doctor.

Mr. Lin, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/09/03

Dr. He Jianxian reply Ophthalmology

Hello Mr.
Lin: After retinal detachment surgery, it is generally necessary to wait several months for the nerve function to return to normal.
Please consult your attending physician to determine whether your retinal function has recovered and if it is appropriate for you to wear glasses.
For your reference.
Director He Jianxian, Ophthalmology, Nantou Hospital.

Reply Date: 2020/09/03

More Info

Cataracts and retinal detachment are two significant eye conditions that can profoundly affect vision and quality of life. Your experience highlights the complexities and challenges that can arise during treatment for these conditions.
Cataracts occur when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurred vision, difficulty seeing at night, and sensitivity to light. The initial clarity you experienced after cataract surgery is typical, as the procedure aims to replace the cloudy lens with a clear artificial one. However, complications can arise, such as the formation of a hole in the retina or other issues that may necessitate further interventions, like laser treatment.

Retinal detachment, on the other hand, is a more severe condition where the retina separates from the back of the eye. This can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated promptly. Your situation, where the retina detached after cataract surgery, is unfortunate but not unheard of. The use of gas or silicone oil to reattach the retina is a common practice. The gas expands and pushes the retina back into place, while silicone oil can provide additional support, especially in cases where the retina is at risk of detaching again.

Regarding your current vision issues, it is not uncommon for patients who have undergone retinal surgery to experience blurred vision, especially if silicone oil is still present in the eye. The oil can distort vision, and it may take time for your brain to adjust to the changes in your visual input. Additionally, the presence of silicone oil can affect how light enters the eye, leading to a perception of blurriness or distortion.

As for your question about whether getting glasses for distance vision would help, it is essential to consider that if the retina is stable but the vision remains poor, glasses may not significantly improve your sight. Glasses are typically used to correct refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness), but if the underlying issue is related to the retina or the optical media (like silicone oil), glasses may not provide the clarity you seek.

It's crucial to maintain regular follow-ups with your ophthalmologist, who can monitor your condition and determine the best course of action. If your doctor has advised against removing the silicone oil due to the risk of re-detachment, it is essential to follow that guidance. The stability of the retina is paramount, and any surgical decision should be made with careful consideration of the risks and benefits.

In summary, your experience underscores the importance of ongoing communication with your healthcare provider. While it can be frustrating to deal with blurred vision after such significant procedures, understanding the healing process and the potential for gradual improvement can provide some reassurance. If you have concerns about your vision or the presence of silicone oil, discussing these with your ophthalmologist will help clarify your options and the expected outcomes.

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