Post-Retinal Detachment Surgery Vision Changes

Retinal detachment surgery

Hello Dr.
Wang, I had a scleral buckle surgery three weeks ago due to retinal detachment.
Today, while applying eye drops, I noticed that the redness and swelling around my eye have significantly decreased, and I can see a small ring of white around my pupil.
Out of curiosity, I put on my glasses to check my vision, but I unexpectedly discovered that there is a distorted area in my line of sight.
Is this normal? Should I seek medical attention immediately, or is it typical for recovery after surgery to take longer? (However, I initially sought treatment because I noticed a shadow in the lower left corner of my vision, but there was no distortion at that time.
Why would I experience distortion after the surgery?) Thank you, doctor!

Xiao Xiansheng, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2012/05/03

Dr. Wang Zhangji reply Ophthalmology

Although the surgery has restored the retinal detachment, there is still a possibility of retinal irregularity, especially if there was a detachment in the macula, which can lead to distorted images.
It is advisable to have the physician conduct a follow-up examination for confirmation.

Reply Date: 2012/05/03

More Info

Hello! Thank you for your question regarding the visual changes you are experiencing after your retinal detachment surgery. It's understandable to be concerned about any new symptoms, especially after undergoing a significant procedure like scleral buckle surgery.

Firstly, it’s important to recognize that post-surgical visual changes can be quite common. After retinal detachment surgery, patients may experience a variety of visual disturbances, including distortion, blurriness, or even changes in color perception. These changes can occur for several reasons:
1. Healing Process: After surgery, the retina and surrounding tissues are in a healing phase. This process can lead to temporary visual distortions as the eye adjusts. The retina may still be recovering from the detachment and the surgical intervention, which can contribute to the perception of distortion.

2. Macular Involvement: If the area of the retina that was affected includes the macula (the central part responsible for sharp vision), any damage or changes in this area can lead to visual distortions. This could explain why you are noticing a specific area of distortion in your vision.

3. Fluid Dynamics: Post-surgery, there may be residual fluid in the eye that can affect vision. As the eye heals, the distribution of fluid can change, leading to temporary visual disturbances.

4. Visual Adaptation: After surgery, your brain may need time to adapt to the new visual input. If you had a significant change in your vision prior to surgery (like the black shadow you mentioned), your brain might still be adjusting to the new visual signals.

Regarding your specific situation with the distortion appearing after surgery, it’s essential to monitor the symptoms closely. If the distortion persists or worsens, or if you experience any new symptoms such as increased pain, flashes of light, or a sudden increase in floaters, you should contact your ophthalmologist immediately. They may want to perform a thorough examination to ensure that there are no complications, such as a recurrence of retinal detachment or other issues related to the surgery.

In terms of your question about whether this is normal, it can be considered a part of the healing process, but it should not be ignored. Each patient's recovery is unique, and while some may experience quick improvements, others may take longer to stabilize.
It’s also worth noting that if you had a history of seeing a black shadow prior to surgery, this could indicate that there were already changes in the retina that might have contributed to the current distortion. The surgery aims to repair the retina and restore vision, but the outcomes can vary based on the extent of the initial damage and the success of the surgical intervention.

In summary, while some visual distortion can be a normal part of recovery from retinal detachment surgery, it’s crucial to keep your eye doctor informed about any new or worsening symptoms. Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor your healing process and to address any concerns you may have. Your eye care team is there to support you through your recovery, so don’t hesitate to reach out to them with your questions or concerns.

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