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Medical Forum / General / Vision / June 2006Retina Detachment- Some Questions
Two weeks ago I had emergency surgery for a detached retina. I had the "whole enchalada". including vitrectomy, scleral buckle and gas bubble. My recovery seems to be going well. I see the doctor in one more week to determine resumption of normal life activities- driving, work, etc. I am not diabetic. I am very near-sighted and had cataract surgery w/ocular implants two years ago. What I am attempting to "pin down" is the increased risk brought about by a high dose treatment of interferon alfa 2B that I had for melanoma in 2004. I had 960 million units over 20 separate infusions (48 million a day Mon-Fri for 4 weeks). In the attempt to halt the cancer, have I weakened my internal eye structure? Is my other eye also likely to follow suit? Do I need to restrict physical activity in the future? > Two weeks ago I had emergency surgery for a detached retina. I had the > "whole enchalada". including vitrectomy, scleral buckle and gas bubble. [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > In the attempt to halt the cancer, have I weakened my internal eye > structure? Is my other eye also likely to follow suit? Other eye may follow, but it is unlikely that the risk is due to interferon. High myopia and cataract surgery, however, are risk factors for RD. > Do I need to restrict physical activity in the future? A question for your doctor as the details of your personal case affect the answer. It would be unwise to take up kick boxing or soccer which could involve head trauma but most other things do not increase risk of RD. Dr Judy > I am very near-sighted and had cataract surgery > w/ocular implants two years ago. That is your high risk factor. Same happened to me, very near sighted, and after cataract surgery----about two years lafter a retinal detachment.  SignatureCharles > That is your high risk factor. Same happened to me, very near sighted, > and after cataract surgery----about two years lafter a retinal > detachment. What steps/precautions can be taken now to minimize the odds on the remaining eye? When I state that my recovery is going well, I also have to observe that I cannot see any degree of closeup detail. I can recognize shapes & colors for which I am grateful. If both eyes were in the same condition, I would be essentially blind. I also need to mention that I am relatively young. I had the cataract surgery two years ago at the age of 52. K > What steps/precautions can be taken now to minimize the odds on the > remaining eye? [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > I also need to mention that I am relatively young. I had the cataract > surgery two years ago at the age of 52. As far a minimizing the odds in the other eye, the retina specialist who see I every year as followup can only suggest not having the cataract surgery until necessary. Since the cataract in the other eye is small and has not progressed for about ten years I have taken that advise. I hope your recovery goes well. I had a very good recovery. I lost a half diopter, and I can correct that eye to 20/20 with a contact lens. I was around 45 when I had the detachment. That was about ten years ago. SignatureCharles > > That is your high risk factor. Same happened to me, very near sighted, > > and after cataract surgery----about two years lafter a retinal > > detachment. > > > What steps/precautions can be taken now to minimize the odds on the > remaining eye? Again, a guestion for your doctor. If you have peripheral retinal degenerations, you may need some preventative laser work. Other than avoiding sharp blows to the head, there is little to do to prevent RD. Have regular retinal exams through dilated pupils and go immediately to your doctor if you have any symptoms of RD -- flashes, floaters or loss of vision in any part of your field. However, about 50% of RD have no symptoms. Dr Judy > When I state that my recovery is going well, I also have to observe > that I cannot see any degree of closeup detail. I can recognize shapes [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > K > avoiding sharp blows to the head, there is little to do to prevent RD. > Have regular retinal exams through dilated pupils and go immediately to > your doctor if you have any symptoms of RD -- flashes, floaters or loss > of vision in any part of your field. However, about 50% of RD have no > symptoms. Really? (One problem with this statement is that people do not seek treatment for conditions that have no symptoms. Then how do you know?) SignatureRobert T. Kopp http://analytic.tripod.com > > avoiding sharp blows to the head, there is little to do to prevent RD. > > Have regular retinal exams through dilated pupils and go immediately to [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > Really? (One problem with this statement is that people do not seek > treatment for conditions that have no symptoms. Then how do you know?) You know by having regular eye examinations, symptoms or no symptoms. You are correct that many people will not seek treatment, eye or rest of body, without symptoms. Both retinal detachment and glaucoma have few to no symptoms yet can lead to serious vision loss. Systemically, about 50% of type 2 diabetics are undiagnosed. Many people with hypertension and coronary artery disease are undiagnosed and untreated. Here in Canada, at least cost is not a deterrent to care, only patient apathy. In the US, lack of universal health care means millions go undiagnosed. Dr Judy |
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