Has anyone here had retina surgery? I'm recovering post-op

[bluhoodie]

And I'm wondering what to expect. I didn't have a detached retina (everyone asks that first) but had an epiretinal membrane that needed to be removed (peeled). This was after cataract surgery that didn't go entirely well (2 months ago). So now I've had a vitrectomy and capsulotomy. (Big medical words!)

Had the surgery on Tues. Now, on Thurs. my eye is a little sore and itchy, and my vision isn't all that great.

Just wondering if anyone else has had any similar surgery and what your experience might have been. I could use a little consolation. (i.e., that things are going to improve...)

:eyes:   :crazy:   :eyes:   :crazy:   :eyes:   :crazy:   :eyes:   :crazy:

[Warpy]

1. Vision improvement can occur pretty slowly over the next few months

although some people are able to notice an improvement immediately. The scratchiness you're feeling is the sutures they used. Most docs use the kind that dissolve, so the scratchiness will go away over time. You might need to use artificial tears to help comfort. My personal favorite after a corneal transplant were Bion, overpriced and overpackaged. Other brands might work better for you.

Eye docs discourage topical anesthetics after surgery because they can slow healing.

Eye surgery of any type is no damned fun but it does get better.

On edit: if your eye is itchy, it's probably a good idea to keep wearing the patch at night so you don't rub it in your sleep.

Obviously, a sudden increase in pain or change in vision or appearance of they eye needs to be checked out immediately, but I'm sure your surgeon gave you written instructions explaining that.

Good luck.

[skorpo]

2. I've had both a vitrectomy and cataract surgery.(opposite order from you)

1st I had the vitrectomy because of an epiretinal membrane(cause unknown).
My vision was worsening quickly (in my dominant eye).
The recovery was slow with my vision gradually becoming clearer over a 2 month period.

Even though I was told that recovery would be slow, I assumed that I would heal as quickly as my friends who had cataract surgery.
Since you had cataract surgery 1st, it makes sense that you would assume the recovery from a vitrectomy would follow the same course.

The itchiness improved after my surgeon removed the stitches (I think, a week after surgery).
He did not use stitches that dissolved because my incision was larger than usual.
The soreness disappeared soon after the stitches were removed.

He told me NOT to use artificial tears because they would dilute the prescription meds.
When he had me discontinue the prescription meds, I could use artificial tears (not the gel) as needed.
I was happy with Optive brand.

About 3 months after surgery my vision started to become less clear.
A cataract had formed due to having the vitrectomy.
So I had cataract surgery.
Recovery after this surgery was much quicker.
After the cataract surgery my visual acuity quickly improved to where it was 2 months post-vitrectomy.

I know it's frustrating to have to have a second surgery.
Mine happened to be in the opposite order from yours.
I had the hard one first.

Recovery from the vitrectomy took longer BUT for me it definitely improved my vision.

Hope you have a quick recovery with good results.
Just be patient. Things will get better.

[Warpy]

3. Wow, I had stitches in for six months

and some transplant patients go as long as a year. I did my meds four times a day and used the drops only after the meds had dried out, usually a minimum of half an hour after I'd instilled them. When using multiple eye drops, one has to wait 5-15 minutes between them depending on doctor instructions. Usually 15-20 minutes is sufficient to absorb the medication under all circumstances.

My situation is a bit different, I have terribly dry eyes. I couldn't have tolerated the surgery without the artificial tears.