Retinal Detachment recovery time?

happyandcontented

Copied to this forum which I hope is the correct one?

Any first-hand experiences of the above welcome as OH had the op last week and cannot get any definitive advice re going back to work or driving.

beedeedee

Depends how bad the detachment was and how it was repaired. My first one was repaired years ago by cryo and the other eye was done more recently with oil. The first one was about about a month, but it was more like two months with the oil repair. Some types require gas bubbles and others laser., I don't know how long they take?

theoretica

It will also depend on the person, just as bruises clear faster on some people than others. For what it is worth a friend who had this was well on his way to recovery after a month.

happyandcontented

Thanks, this was a re attachment done using a gas bubble.

GlasweJen

It really is a "how long is a piece of string" answer. I've seen people a month post op who are doing great and others at 6 months out who are still recovering.

JIL

I had a detached retina about ten years ago. I can only describe it as like a curtain coming down on my eye, like I could peep out of it but couldn't see much. Anyway I went to the opticians, who advised I went to hospital immediately. It was Friday afternoon. The hospital referred me to another hospital who then said I needed an operation and I needed to go to another hospital at 6am the following morning.

I needed a buckle, a procedure term? when I came round from the anaesthetic I felt really grotty and was kept in. I looked like I had been in aboxing match. The following day I was discharged. The first week was a constant putting in eye drops and I remember at times it being painful, felt like there was something in my eye. I had a check up after a week, I remember the consultant being really busy, the waiting room was packed out. I was advised I could drive and work as soon as I felt able, that was by the consultant who did the op. I waited until the first post op appointment. I remember my sight getting better day by day. It's settled down now, however the optician advise me I have the start of a cataract and the eye is very sensitive to sun so I ensure I wear my sun glasses when required.

Hope he makes a speedy recovery, but we are all different.how does he feel? Could you phone the medical secretary and ask? Or ask your GP to contact the consultant?

wondercollie

The scleral buckle is more painful than a detachment with an oil or gas bubble.

The first week is the rough part. Work really depends on what you do for a living. Our surgeons don't like people staring at screens for long periods of time or being in dirty, dusty environments.

LandyAndy

copy of my post on your other thread.


I had a detached retina last September.

This isn't medical advice just personal experience.

Has he been treated with the gas bubble in the eye or with the bands?

I had the gas bubble.

I didn't drive for about a week and should probably have left it a day or two longer. I was only doing short distances.

I went back to work after a week. I do a desk job and for the first few days just worked a couple of hours a day.

The bubble took about two and a half weeks to go completely although it stopped impeding vision after about ten days.

I am now fully recovered with just the inevitable 'shading' in my vision at the affected area although I barely notice it in normal conditions.

I hope he makes a speedy recovery.

beedeedee

wondercollie wrote: »

The scleral buckle is more painful than a detachment with an oil or gas bubble.

The first week is the rough part. Work really depends on what you do for a living. Our surgeons don't like people staring at screens for long periods of time or being in dirty, dusty environments.

Funnily enough, I had less trouble with the cryosurgery and buckle, in one eye, than with the oil which was done on the other eye, 9 years ago. It was certainly less painful and I didn't have to sit still for 45 mins of every hour and sleep upright for 8 weeks! That was a pain....however, it worked, for which Im truly thankful.

happyandcontented

Thanks to everyone who gave their experiences. My husband has had the gas bubble and says it is getting smaller by the day. He is still doing the 'posturing' to his left side and the tiredness has worn off.

He is a week post op now and is thinking of going back to work next Monday if the improvement continues, which will also mean driving though not a huge distance ( about 10 miles each way) He does a desk job but does use a PC.

He rang the Consultant's secretary yesterday but had to leave a message and as yet she has not returned his call. His follow up appointment is for July 5th but he is hoping to be back at work before then if possible.

LandyAndy

I went back to work well before my first follow up. Using a PC is awkward while the bubble is a significant size but it will be gone soon but your eye tires easily and so part time is a good way to start. My second follow up was postponed five times from December right through to May.

He should try it and see how it goes.

I was lucky with the posturing because I just had to sit up straight during the day and sleep on my right side at night.