Have anyone ever had a hole in their retina?

BirkiLady · ‎02-22-2015

I've been having a lot of problems with my right eye, but it has always been the weaker eye. In the past 2-3 months it's easier to close that eye to see.

Made an appointment and couldn't begin to read the top line of the eye chart! It was like being underwater and trying to read large letters through waves of water.

My Ophthalmogist ran additional tests; confirmed it is a hole in the retina. It apparently happens due to age. The other eye is fine (well, it will be with a new lens in my glasses . . . but that will be later).

First, he is sending me to a surgeon on Friday. I've always gone to specialists without any problem. This time, I called my son and asked if he would go with me. "Of course, mom." Gee, I'm feeling like a wimp today.

I wasn't even thoughtful enough to schedule the appointment on his day off. Think I'll try to reschedule it for Wednesday of next week for his convenience. Perhaps I won't be so rattled and may feel like going all by myself, as always.

If anyone has had this surgery, would like to hear your experience please. Is it worth it? The questions are adding up on my list!

My Dr. said "seriously consider not having it done" after showing me the results of the tests and how my eye looks. He also suggested I call him and stop in to visit with him before making any decisions. I will; I've known him for decades and trust him completely.

After realizing I've been using one eye for quite a while, I'm not afraid of loosing my eye sight in that eye which really surprises me. I'm also taking the tests with me to the surgeon, although he'll probably run his own tests as well. It's all so unpleasant.

Money screams; wealth whispers.

cherry · ‎03-09-2010

@BirkiLady my neighbor has had this type of problem. She did have surgery and she wears special type glasses, but she hasn't lost her vision

I will pray for you. Keep your spirits up, remember ,you can ,if you think you can, will get you through some tough times

jlkz · ‎12-02-2013

@BirkiLady

I don’t think you are a wimp....it is better to have someone with you in case your eyes get dilated.

Also, it pays to have another pair of ears so you can compare notes later.

Speaking of notes, make sure all those ?’s get written down so you can post the answers then and there.

Anything to do with eyesight is always a scary undertaking...losing some or all in one eye can be overwhelming.

Good Luck nod let us know how you make out.

We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.
Sir Winston Churchill

jlkz · ‎12-02-2013

@BirkiLady

I don’t think you are a wimp....it is better to have someone with you in case your eyes get dilated.

Also, it pays to have another pair of ears so you can compare notes later.

Speaking of notes, make sure all those ?’s get written down so you can post the answers then and there.

Anything to do with eyesight is always a scary undertaking...losing some or all in one eye can be overwhelming.

Good Luck and let us know how you make out.

We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.
Sir Winston Churchill

RoughDraft · ‎03-09-2010

If I understand your post correctly, I assume you are going to be seen by a retinal specialist. After taking x-rays and consulting with the surgeon which might take a while, the procdure itself should go quickly. A tear or hole in the retina is usually treated with a laser and the process should take no longer than ten minutes.

Good luck.

~The only difference between this place and the Titanic is that the Titanic had a band.~

feline groovy · ‎07-29-2014

Yes: my right eye, at age 46, due to my extreme nearsightedness.

I've worn eyeglasses since I was a kid starting with single vision lenses, then eventually needing progressives since my late forties.

My regular opthalmologist lasered my eye at a hospital (numbed first, of course), and it's thankfully been fine for the last ten years.

Sight - at least to me - is the most crucial sense that we have... go for it and good luck. 8-)

D Kay · ‎04-20-2010

I would do anything that could restore/ preserve my vision.

Carmie · ‎10-25-2010

My husband has had a hole in his retina since he was a child of maybe eight years old. He shook a pair of pants and a nickel that was in the pocket hit his eye and caused damage.

He has gone to many retinal specialists over the years. They all said they could operate, but couldn't guarantee he wouldn't lose vision, so he never had anything done.

He does have some limited vision in that eye, but it has never stopped him from doing anything except getting a pilot's license.

IMW · ‎06-15-2014

@BirkiLady I had a tear and a hole in retina. I was sent to a very highly rated retina specialist by my ophthalmologist. The surgeon immediately performed

laser treatment on the spot in his office as an emergency. It was uncomfortable (very), and I had a severe headache and blurry vision

for a day.

My eye is perfect now. The doctor is part of NYC Manhattan Eye and Ear.

You are not a wimp. Go with you son and go immediately.

You have my best wishes.

BirkiLady · ‎02-22-2015

@Carmie wrote:
My husband has had a hole in his retina since he was a child of maybe eight years old. He shook a pair of pants and a nickel that was in the pocket hit his eye and caused damage.

He has gone to many retinal specialists over the years. They all said they could operate, but couldn't guarantee he wouldn't lose vision, so he never had anything done.

He does have some limited vision in that eye, but it has never stopped him from doing anything except getting a pilot's license.

@Carmie

That's exactly what my Dr. said yesterday before adding that he wouldn't encourage me to proceed with the procedure. Additionally, I've read up on the recouperation period and don't believe it possible to lie on my stomach since I'm still trying to heal from those dang back fractures. So many questions on my list!

I have changed the appointment to Wednesday, Nov. 13th, and my son will be going with me for additional ears, brains and questions.

Seems like I'm falling apart at the seams! Today? I'm having an old bridge replaced and a temporary one installed. Sounds like roadwork, doesn't it? Thought those things lasted forever. Guess this one was done in my late 40's, but I don't remember for sure. My previous DDS took a teaching position out-of-state many years ago. I did have all dental records forwarded to my current DDS, but forgot to ask him. Perhaps it's better than I don't know how long they last!

Money screams; wealth whispers.