Post-Surgery Concerns After Scleral Buckling: A Patient's Inquiry

Q: Post-Surgery Concerns After Scleral Buckling: A Patient's Inquiry

Hello： For questions Q1 to Q4, please discuss them with your surgeon first. <br>If the issues remain unresolved, we kindly ask you to come to the outpatient clinic. <br>After an examination and assessment, we will provide you with explanations on-site, which will be more benefici

Postoperative Issues Related to Scleral Buckling Surgery

Dear Dr.
Hu,
I discovered a small area of blurred vision in the inner part of my left eye at the end of March this year.
Two days later, I visited an ophthalmologist, and after a fundus examination, I was diagnosed with a rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, which had extended to the macula.
The doctor indicated that the situation was urgent, and that afternoon, I underwent a scleral buckle procedure.
I was hospitalized for seven days and have since returned for two follow-up visits.
However, my attending physician often responds to my questions with remarks like, "There are too many outpatient cases; I don't have time to answer, I'll explain later," or "It's nothing to worry about." Even before the surgery, I was not informed about potential complications or sequelae.
Some postoperative conditions have been quite concerning, and I would appreciate your assistance in clarifying these issues.
Thank you!
Q1: My left eye had a myopia of about -600 degrees and astigmatism of -200 degrees.
I did not wear my glasses during the hospitalization and only put them on again when I returned home after discharge.
Upon removing the eye patch, I was shocked to find that objects viewed with my left eye appeared distorted and smaller.
The area where I initially experienced blurred vision seemed like I was looking through dark sunglasses right after the surgery, and gradually it felt like looking through tinted glasses.
To this day, I distinctly feel that the colors appear darker.
Q2: I have had a foreign body sensation in my left eye, and only after the blood vessels on the sclera began to recede did I notice a horizontal protrusion on the outer part of the sclera of my left eye, measuring about 1 cm (close to the cornea) in length and approximately 2 mm in width.
Additionally, there is a smaller protrusion on the inner part of the sclera of my left eye, and both protrusions are still surrounded by blood vessels.
Q3: It is very noticeable that my eyes have become uneven in size; the operated eye is about half the size of my right eye.
Q4: Upon discharge, I received a list of postoperative precautions stating that I should avoid certain activities for three months.
I would like to know if I still need to deliberately avoid certain actions after the three-month period, such as swimming or diving (due to water pressure) and hiking (like going to high-altitude areas such as Lushan or Cingjing).
I apologize for my anxiety over the past four weeks since the surgery.
I would greatly appreciate your response to the above questions, as I would like to understand whether there is a chance for improvement in my condition, and I hope to work towards bettering the situation of my affected eye.
Thank you!

Anne, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/04/20

Dr. Hu Yusheng reply Ophthalmology

Hello: For questions Q1 to Q4, please discuss them with your surgeon first.
If the issues remain unresolved, we kindly ask you to come to the outpatient clinic.
After an examination and assessment, we will provide you with explanations on-site, which will be more beneficial for you.
Thank you for your inquiry, and we wish you health and safety.

Reply Date: 2010/04/20

More Info

Post-surgery concerns after scleral buckling can be quite common, especially after a significant procedure like retinal detachment repair. It’s understandable that you have many questions and concerns about your recovery and the changes you are experiencing. Let’s address your inquiries one by one.

Q1: Visual Distortion and Color Perception Changes
After scleral buckling surgery, it is not unusual to experience visual distortions, such as objects appearing twisted or smaller than they are. This can be attributed to several factors, including the healing process of the retina and the changes in the eye's structure due to the procedure. The initial darkening of your vision, akin to wearing sunglasses, may indicate that the retina is still healing and adjusting. Over time, as the inflammation subsides and the retina settles, you may notice improvements in your vision. However, it’s essential to keep your doctor informed about these changes, especially if they persist or worsen.

Q2: Presence of Protrusions and Blood Vessels
The sensation of having a foreign body in your eye and the appearance of protrusions on the sclera (the white part of the eye) can be concerning. These protrusions may be related to the surgical procedure, possibly due to the placement of the buckle or the healing process. The blood vessels you see could be a result of surgery-related trauma or inflammation. It’s crucial to have these findings evaluated by your ophthalmologist, as they can provide a thorough examination and determine if any intervention is necessary.

Q3: Asymmetry in Eye Size
Noticing a difference in the size of your eyes post-surgery can be distressing. This asymmetry may be due to swelling or changes in the eye's structure after the procedure. In many cases, this swelling can resolve over time, leading to a more symmetrical appearance. However, if the size difference persists, it’s important to discuss this with your surgeon, as they can assess whether it is a normal part of the healing process or if further evaluation is needed.

Q4: Activity Restrictions Post-Surgery
Regarding the activity restrictions outlined in your post-operative instructions, it is generally advised to avoid strenuous activities, swimming, or high-altitude climbing for at least three months post-surgery. This is to ensure that the eye has adequate time to heal and to prevent any complications. After the three-month mark, you may gradually resume normal activities, but it’s wise to consult your ophthalmologist for personalized advice based on your healing progress. They may recommend continuing to avoid certain activities if they pose a risk to your eye health.

Additional Considerations
It’s essential to maintain regular follow-up appointments with your ophthalmologist to monitor your recovery. If you experience any sudden changes in vision, increased pain, or signs of infection (such as increased redness or discharge), seek medical attention promptly.
In conclusion, while some post-operative symptoms can be concerning, many are part of the healing process. Open communication with your healthcare provider is key to addressing your concerns and ensuring a successful recovery. Your vision may continue to improve over time, and with proper care and monitoring, you can work towards regaining optimal eye health.

Similar Q&A

Post-Scleral Buckling Surgery: Common Concerns and Recovery Tips

Hello, Doctor. I underwent a left eye scleral buckle procedure on December 22, and I would like to ask: 1. Will the sutures on the eyeball fall out? They feel a bit protruding and uncomfortable, like a foreign body. 2. Is it normal to see the scleral buckle protruding? How can ...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello: 1. Regarding the sutures on the eyeball, it is normal to experience a foreign body sensation after scleral buckle surgery, typically caused by the sutures used during the procedure. This sensation may persist during the recovery period but may become less noticeable over...

Post-Scleral Buckling Surgery: Concerns About Vision Distortion and Recovery

Hello Doctor, I discovered a retinal detachment nearly a week after my eye was struck, and there was fluid accumulation. That day, I was transferred to the emergency department at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, and the next day I underwent scleral buckle surgery. However, l...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello: First of all, retinal detachment is a serious eye condition that requires prompt treatment to prevent further visual impairment. Scleral buckle surgery is typically an effective method for restoring the normal position and function of the retina. However, post-operative vi...

Post-Scleral Buckling Surgery: Vision, Pain, and Recovery Insights

Dear Doctor, I have experienced a retinal tear and detachment in my right eye, for which I underwent scleral buckle surgery in mid-March of this year. Postoperatively, due to subretinal hemorrhage, I had to undergo gas tamponade and thrombolytic agent injection surgery. During f...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello: 1. Based on the symptoms you described, the tightness, pain around the eyes, tingling, and foreign body sensation may be normal reactions following scleral buckle surgery. The eyes may require a longer time to recover and adapt, especially during prolonged near-vision ac...

Understanding Scleral Buckling Surgery: Recovery and Common Concerns

Hello Doctor, I just had scleral buckle surgery on my right eye a little over two weeks ago. My right eye has noticeably shrunk. I would like to know if this surgery can affect eyelid muscle weakness, or if it is simply due to swelling. Currently, my eyelid is slightly swollen, a...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello Ms. Chen: After scleral buckle surgery, it takes some time for the swelling to gradually subside, and the sensation of foreign body will diminish. Two weeks post-surgery, you may not have fully recovered yet. If the recovery is going well, accidentally lifting heavy objects...