Retinal Laser Treatment: Patient Concerns and Insights

Q: Retinal Laser Treatment: Patient Concerns and Insights

Hello： 1. I can help you with the examination. 2. This cannot be determined. 3. Currently, we do not have such equipment. 4. This cannot be observed, and the cloudiness is likely due to degeneration; inflammation would not present this way. 5.

Retinal laser treatment consultation issues?

Hello, Doctor Gao.
I am from Taichung, and I would like to visit your hospital for a consultation.
I need your help to understand the condition of my retina and vitreous.
Previously, when I visited a clinic, the doctor informed me that my retina had many holes and that I needed immediate laser treatment.
However, when I went for a follow-up at another hospital, the other doctors told me there were no holes and that no treatment was necessary.

I would like to ask for your assistance in understanding what is happening with my eyes.
After the laser treatment, I have been experiencing numerous dark shadows in my vision, which are quite severe.
Here are the specific concerns I would like to address:
1.
What is the current condition of my retina, and are there any other areas that are thinner? (I was previously informed by another doctor that there were other areas of my retina that were also thin.)
2.
Is there really a necessity for laser treatment, and was the amount or intensity of the laser applied excessive?
3.
Are there any instruments available to assess the degree of vitreous opacities I currently have?
4.
Can you help me determine whether the dark shadows I see are more likely due to vitreous degeneration or inflammation?
5.
I would like to request a photograph of my retina post-laser treatment so that I can take it home to review.
(I had a photo taken by a clinic doctor before, but I lost it, and I really want to understand what is happening with my eyes.)
I feel very helpless.
I know I made the wrong decision initially, and I regret it, but I still want to understand what is going on with my eyes.
I used to love looking at the sky and sunny days, but now I feel very depressed every time I go outside and see the sunlight, as I am constantly confronted with these large, persistent shadows in my vision.

Doctor, if I come to see you, can you help me understand what is happening with my eyes? If possible, I plan to take a leave of absence next month to travel for the consultation.
Thank you.

Danxin de ren, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/06/24

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello: 1.
I can help you with the examination.
2.
This cannot be determined.
3.
Currently, we do not have such equipment.
4.
This cannot be observed, and the cloudiness is likely due to degeneration; inflammation would not present this way.
5.
I apologize, but we do not have the equipment to take retinal images here.
If you come in for an examination, I can assist you with the first issue.
Unfortunately, I cannot address the other concerns, and I apologize for not being able to resolve your issues.
If possible, it would be better to go to a larger hospital's ophthalmology department for a more thorough examination, such as Taichung Veterans General Hospital or China Medical University Hospital, where you can obtain the information you need.
Gao Pilin

Reply Date: 2021/06/24

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing significant distress regarding your eye health, particularly concerning your retina and vitreous. Your concerns are valid, and it's crucial to address them comprehensively.
1. Current Retinal Status: The condition of your retina is paramount. If you have been told by one doctor that there are multiple holes and another that there are none, it indicates a need for a thorough examination. Retinal holes or tears can lead to serious complications, including retinal detachment, which can result in permanent vision loss if not treated promptly. An ophthalmologist can perform a detailed examination using tools like optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fundus photography to assess the integrity of your retina and identify any areas of thinning or damage.

2. Need for Laser Treatment: The necessity of laser treatment depends on the specific findings of your retinal examination. If there are indeed holes or areas of concern, laser photocoagulation can be a preventive measure to seal these areas and prevent further complications. However, if there are no significant findings, unnecessary laser treatment could lead to complications, such as scarring or further vision issues. The amount and intensity of laser treatment should be carefully calibrated to the condition being treated, and your ophthalmologist should explain the rationale behind the treatment plan.

3. Vitreous Clarity Assessment: To evaluate the clarity of your vitreous humor, an ophthalmologist can conduct a thorough examination, often using a slit lamp or indirect ophthalmoscopy. These methods allow the doctor to assess the vitreous for any opacities or signs of degeneration. If you are experiencing floaters or shadows, it could be due to vitreous detachment or inflammation, which should be evaluated.

4. Nature of the Shadows: The black shadows you are experiencing could be related to several factors, including vitreous floaters, retinal issues, or even changes in the vitreous gel itself. It’s essential to differentiate whether these shadows are due to retinal damage or simply the result of vitreous changes. A detailed examination will help clarify this.

5. Retinal Imaging: Requesting retinal imaging is a reasonable and common practice. Many ophthalmologists use fundus photography or OCT to document the condition of the retina. This imaging can provide you with a visual representation of your eye health and serve as a reference for future visits. It can also help you understand the changes in your eyes over time.

Your emotional response to these changes is completely understandable. Vision is a critical part of our daily lives, and any changes can be distressing. It’s important to seek a second opinion if you feel uncertain about the diagnosis or treatment plan. Finding a trusted ophthalmologist who can provide clarity and reassurance is key.
In summary, your situation requires careful evaluation and possibly further imaging to understand the current state of your retina and vitreous. If you decide to visit a specialist, ensure you communicate all your concerns and ask for detailed explanations regarding your condition and treatment options. Remember, you have the right to seek clarity and understanding about your health.

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