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Detached retina

(13 Posts)
Shinamae Tue 30-Mar-21 22:23:45

From being a small child I have always been very very shortsighted. I have known for some time that I am at risk of a detached retina, I saw my optician last week and she said she wanted me to go to the specialist eye clinic at the hospital, I had a phone call early this morning and they want to see me tomorrow, I am quite concerned because my left eye is practically useless and I could be registered blind in that one and if the retina detaches from my right eye l will be blind. Anyway they’re obviously going to check out the condition of my right eye tomorrow I just wondered if anybody has any experience of this at all..... I have been told for the last few years that if I get a curtain Of floaters over my eye or flashing white lights I have to go straight to the hospital as this will be the precursor of a detached retina......

janeainsworth Tue 30-Mar-21 22:35:49

Hi Shinamae. I had a detached retina in 2011. I had the floaters & then the curtain thing & had no idea what it was.
I was very lucky in that my optician just picked up the phone, rang the emergency eye clinic at the RVI in Newcastle, and said ‘I’m sending this lady down now’.
I was admitted that night & surgery the next day. For 10 days post-op I had to sit still with my head looking down!
Later I developed a cataract in the eye (a recognised complication) & that was treated too. Ten years on, my vision in that eye is pretty good.

Time is of the essence, so if you do in fact have detached retina, get it treated as soon as you possibly can.
All the best.

Shinamae Tue 30-Mar-21 22:43:56

janeainsworth that’s really helpful thank you very much ?

Katek Tue 30-Mar-21 22:44:06

Ds had a partially detached retina which gave him the classic visual difficulties. He saw his optician who gave him an urgent referral to hospital. He had surgery the following morning when a band was inserted round the eye. No problems since - in fact his vision actually improved!

Shinamae Wed 31-Mar-21 10:35:32

Thanks Katek ?...

PBKNOX Wed 07-Apr-21 05:36:07

I had a Tractional retinal detachment which was treated in 2014. Before the treatment, I had a heavy feeling in the eye and had shadow in my vision. I had surgery, also called photocoagulation surgery as a treatment for retinal detachment. This is the procedure of making the scarring tissues back together with the help of a laser beam. There are also other treatment methods for retinal detachment. You don't need to worry about your problem. First, you have to be mentally strong before the surgery. Wish you a fast recovery.

Ashcombe Wed 07-Apr-21 06:59:33

My DD1 had a detached retina in 1983 when she was eight years old. It was identified by our optician and she was referred to Wolverhampton Eye Hospital for treatment. She underwent surgery to repair it and, six months later, a band was inserted. The nurses found it hard to make her keep still, which is the most important part of the healing process.

She is shortsighted but, in all other respects, she is able to lead a normal life, including driving. Certain sports like squash and hockey are not permitted. Now nearly 46, she has a successful career as a planner for a large clothing company in Australia.

Good luck, Shinamae and please let us know how it goes. I hope there is someone involved in your treatment who can help to reassure you.

GaryCruz1 Wed 07-Apr-21 07:10:54

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Juliet27 Wed 07-Apr-21 07:18:30

I went to an optician to ask about the dots and ark of light that I was getting when I looked to the side. He said that happens as you age when the gel changes. I read up later and was still concerned and managed to get an urgent appointment for, like Katek a scleral buckle around the eye. I’ve had no problems since although I do have a lot of floaters.

Juliet27 Wed 07-Apr-21 07:20:47

Sorry, like Katek’s DS had.

janeainsworth Wed 07-Apr-21 07:50:46

Reported post at 07.10

Ashcombe Wed 07-Apr-21 08:23:37

Thank you, janeainsworth: I was about to do the same!

sarahcmeadows Mon 28-Jun-21 07:32:33

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