Post-Retinal Detachment Surgery: Concerns and Recovery Tips - Ophthalmology

Post-retinal detachment surgery

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Hello, since September, I have undergone two surgeries on my left eye and I am very concerned about my vision after healing.
Here is my medical history: I have been taking medications to control my blood sugar and hypertension (including BOKEY) for a long time.
In late August, I noticed hair-like strands in my left eye, and a few days later, I saw small black spots.
After being referred from an eye clinic to a large hospital, the doctor indicated that it was complicated and attempted laser treatment, but the results were poor.
I was advised to stop taking BOKEY and was prescribed hemostatic medication, with instructions to monitor my condition for a few days before returning to see if I could undergo further treatment.
By early September, feeling that my condition was worsening, I went to another large teaching hospital where a retinal detachment was confirmed.
I was admitted for emergency surgery, which included vitrectomy, scleral buckle, laser treatment, and gas tamponade.
During my hospitalization, the attending physician noted that my condition was unusual, as my cataract was progressing faster than normal, and I would likely need cataract surgery soon.
I was instructed to maintain a prone position for over a month after discharge.
At my first follow-up appointment (one week post-discharge), I was able to see a blurred image of the doctor waving their fingers.
However, a few days after returning home, I noticed that my vision was getting darker, and aside from a shrinking gas bubble, I could see no images or light.
At my next follow-up, I reported this to the doctor, who indicated that there was bleeding in the vitreous and expressed concern regarding the optic nerve.
They arranged for an electroretinogram and preoperative cataract evaluation.
The electroretinogram results showed weak responses, and the doctor scheduled surgery for late October.
During the second surgery, my diagnosis included retinal tears, venous occlusion, and cataracts.
The surgical procedure involved cataract extraction, artificial lens implantation, vitrectomy, and silicone oil injection.
After surgery, I continued to maintain a prone position.
The doctor stated that they had removed as much of the accumulated blood as possible, and the remaining blood would be reabsorbed.
The previous cataract and inability to see the retina were due to the blood accumulation, which blocked light.
The silicone oil was intended to help stabilize the retina better, and there was no longer any bleeding, with the surgical wounds healing well.
At my follow-up appointment five days post-discharge, I could see a faint image of the doctor waving their fingers and the examination light.
The doctor indicated that the surgical site was healing well and that my vision should improve over time, but they could not predict to what extent.
At my second follow-up appointment, 27 days post-discharge, the doctor said I could resume normal activities and that I no longer needed to wear an eye protection cover.
They prescribed three types of eye drops and scheduled a follow-up for January.
However, they still could not determine the extent of my vision recovery.
My questions are: Currently, my left eye appears dark with some images that are not clear; the lower third is slightly brighter with images, but they are very unclear.
Overall, it looks like a patchy view.
Is there damage to my retina? Will it not gradually recover? Since my vision in both eyes is significantly different, I am currently using an occlusive patch over my glasses lens (I originally had over 200 degrees of myopia and presbyopia).
Is it beneficial for my recovery to keep my left eye covered all day? What negative effects could this have on my right eye? What can I do to aid in my vision recovery and maintain the health of my right eye? Are there any nutritional supplements or other treatment options? What should I be cautious about, and what should I avoid eating or doing? Thank you for your guidance.

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Mr. Zhang, 60~69 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/11/28