Blurred Vision After Retinal Laser Treatment: Causes and Solutions

Q: Blurred Vision After Retinal Laser Treatment: Causes and Solutions

Hello Kelly： Based on your description, after undergoing retinal laser treatment, it is common to experience slight peripheral vision loss, temporary edema, and symptoms such as dimmed vision, narrowed visual fields, or blurriness. <br>These are likely temporary phenomena. <br>Pr

Blurred vision after retinal laser treatment?

Hello, Doctor Gao.
I have a small hole near the retina in one of my eyes.
I underwent laser treatment ten days ago, and a week later, the doctor checked and confirmed that the cornea is normal and the retinal repair site is in good condition.
I am scheduled for a follow-up appointment in three months.
Currently, I feel that the floaters are becoming less noticeable and gradually decreasing.
However, my vision in that eye has remained blurry since the perforation, even after receiving laser treatment.
Sometimes, it feels like there is about a 100-degree difference in blurriness between my two eyes, and even when looking at text up close, it doesn't appear sharp.
My vision is worse in dim lighting, although I can still see.

Actually, I had refractive surgery three months ago, and four vision checks, including one a few days ago, showed that I have -0.25 diopters of myopia, which is considered normal vision, with only -0.50 diopters of astigmatism in both eyes.
I came across an article online stating: "In the early post-treatment phase (about 1-2 weeks), it is possible for patients to experience temporary retinal edema, leading to darker vision, reduced visual field, poorer near vision accommodation, and even slight vision decline (about 10% of patients undergoing pan-retinal photocoagulation may experience a decrease of 1-2 lines in vision, peripheral vision loss, and significantly reduced dark adaptation ability, making night driving inadvisable).
However, this blurriness should resolve after the entire treatment course is completed." Does my situation resemble this? Or could there be other reasons? (I received laser treatment ten days ago.) Do you have any other examination recommendations for me? Thank you, and I wish you good health.

Kelly, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/01/12

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello Kelly: Based on your description, after undergoing retinal laser treatment, it is common to experience slight peripheral vision loss, temporary edema, and symptoms such as dimmed vision, narrowed visual fields, or blurriness.
These are likely temporary phenomena.
Previous laser vision correction surgery may also contribute to corneal edema, which could explain some of your symptoms.
Since it has only been ten days, please allow some more time for recovery.
As for any necessary examinations, your attending physician should make the appropriate decisions, so it would be best to consult with them.
The ophthalmology department at Puzi Hospital in Taiwan operates on the following schedule: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and Wednesday from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
Please note that online responses are for reference only; it is essential to seek medical attention at a healthcare facility if needed.
I hope to have the opportunity to assist you.
Best regards, Gao Pilin.

Reply Date: 2021/01/12

More Info

Hello! Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding your vision after undergoing laser treatment for a retinal tear. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing a combination of blurred vision and visual disturbances, which can be quite distressing. Let's break down the potential causes and solutions for your situation.

Possible Causes of Blurred Vision After Laser Treatment
1. Post-Operative Edema: As you mentioned, it is common for patients to experience temporary swelling (edema) of the retina following laser treatment. This can lead to blurred vision, especially in the initial weeks after the procedure. The swelling may cause the retina to not function optimally, leading to a perception of darkness or blurriness.

2. Changes in Visual Acuity: After laser treatment, some patients report fluctuations in their visual acuity. This can be due to the healing process of the retina, which may take time to stabilize. The fact that you had a recent vision correction surgery could also contribute to temporary changes in how your eyes focus.

3. Retinal Changes: The laser treatment aims to create a scar around the retinal tear, which can sometimes lead to changes in the surrounding retinal tissue. These changes can affect how light is processed, leading to visual disturbances such as blurriness or dark spots.

4. Vitreous Changes: The vitreous gel that fills the eye can also change after laser treatment. If the vitreous is pulling away from the retina (a common occurrence), it can lead to symptoms like floaters or flashes of light, which may contribute to your perception of blurred vision.

5. Underlying Conditions: If there were pre-existing conditions such as macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy, these could also contribute to ongoing visual issues post-treatment.

Recommendations for Management
1. Follow-Up Appointments: It is crucial to keep your scheduled follow-up appointments with your ophthalmologist. They will monitor the healing process and can assess whether the blurred vision is a result of normal post-operative changes or if further intervention is needed.

2. Visual Rehabilitation: If the blurriness persists, your doctor might recommend visual rehabilitation strategies. This could include exercises to help your eyes adjust or even the use of specific lenses to improve clarity.

3. Avoid Strain: Given that you are experiencing difficulty seeing clearly, it may be beneficial to reduce eye strain by taking regular breaks from screens and ensuring proper lighting when reading or working.

4. Hydration and Nutrition: Maintaining good hydration and a diet rich in antioxidants (like vitamins A, C, and E) can support overall eye health and may aid in recovery.

5. Monitoring Symptoms: Keep a log of your symptoms, noting any changes in vision, the intensity of blurriness, or any new symptoms like flashes or increased floaters. This information can be invaluable for your doctor.

Conclusion
In summary, while it is not uncommon to experience blurred vision following laser treatment for a retinal tear, it is essential to remain vigilant and communicate openly with your healthcare provider. The healing process can vary significantly from person to person, and your symptoms should be closely monitored. If you notice any sudden changes in your vision or if your symptoms worsen, do not hesitate to seek immediate medical attention.

I hope this information helps clarify your situation and provides some reassurance. Please take care of your eyes, and I wish you a smooth recovery!

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