Im on week 6 and can see from my eye. Bubble still at the bottom but vision isnt at all what he is describing. Everyone is different, dont let his slow recovery scare you. His recovery isn't the norm. And I'm 65.
Thanks for sharing, for your observations, the sensation and some of the frustration you faced. It is really helpful in getting the perspective of what you have went through, and what will be expecting. I'm on the 2nd week after the vitrectomy surgery.
Thank you Kevin, I am on Day 16 since my vitrectomy.. your info share is so valuable. 'Nobody can tell you this' unless you experience one of these. I now know that it's a journey - thanks to your shares. I was scheduled to have cataract surgery on my 'other eye' 5 days before experiencing the detached retina - can't make this up. So my vision now is seeing through a bad cataract in left eye and still looking through the gas bubble in my right eye. Your video shares have helped me with being patient. It's going to take a long time.
Hi John, they don't tell you it will be a journey. You go into it thinking everything may be honky-dorey in two weeks, fat chance. Hope you continue to progress nicely.
Day 31 of recovery... 90% of my vision is back... the gas bubble is shrinking but now is driving me crazy when i look down to read or keyboard.... UGGGGHHH Patience is the word for now.. Thanks for all your insight and inspiring comments!
AND I THOUGHT I HAD IT BAD! AND I THOUGHT I HAD IT BAD! FOR YOUR BALANCE AND LEGS...KEEP YOUR LEGS STRONG BY DOING SIMPLE END-OF-BED CORNER SQUATS...SLOW AND EASY UP AND DOWN 9-12 REPS 3-4 SETS...AND THEN KEEP YOUR STOP-MUSCLES IN YOUR LEGS STRONG...THIS IS THE ONE THAT HELPS YOU STOP AND WILL KEEP YOU FROM FALLING B/C IT HAS TO BE STRONG ENOUGH TO STOP YOUR FORWARD MOVEMENT...IF YOU DON'T KEEP IT STRONG YOUR LEGS WILL NOT STOP YOU FROM FALLING FORWARD...SO STEP FORWARD ON THE SAME FOOT 4 TIMES EACH LEG TOTAL 50 STEPS EACH TIME...BABY-STEP IT AT FIRST AND THEN TURN IT INTO A DANCE MOVE WITH A BIT BIGGER STEP...THIS WILL BUILD THAT STOP-MUSCEL FAST SO YOU DON'T FALL...NOW YOU ARE ON YOUR WAY TO STRONGER LEGS AND A BETTER BALANCE SO THAT YOU DON'T FALL FROM DISORIENTATION FROM YOUR EYE CONDITION...AND IT REALLY WOULD HELP YOU A LOT TO GET A 4-PRONGED WALKER CANE OR FOR BOTH HANDS FOR A SURE BALANCE UNTIL YOUR EYE CONDITION GETS BETTER! I AM DOING THE BED SQUATS AND THE STOP-MUSCLE EXERCISE DANCE EVERY DAY! GOD BLESS YOUR EYE RECOVERY IN BOTH EYES! I AM ON DAY 21 AFTER SURGERY...THE BUBBLE IS GETTING SMALLER AND I CAN READ MICRO-PRINT LOOKING DOWN THREW THE BUBBLE...LOOKING UP AND OUT I CAN SEE PRETTY GOOD SO FAR AND CAN READ A CRAZY LOOKING DIFFERENT DESIGN AND PRINT SIZE...I NO LONGER TAKE ANY OF THE PRESCRIPTION EYE DROPS BUT I ONLY TAKE HEALTHY EYE DROPS THAT WILL HEAL MY EYES AND GIVE ME BETTER VISION! PLEASE READ YOUR EYE DROPS SIDE EFFECTS SO YOU DON'T GO BLIND! MAY GOD HEAL YOUR EYES SO THAT YOU NEVER NEED SURGERY AGAIN!
Thx for the video. Have watched approx 25 trying to find out what to expect on my husband's Journey. Did not realize it was going to be a journey. Good for helping trying to understand what to expect visually as time goes on. Just 3 weeks into this and had no idea until watching this.
Thanks for the videos, Kevin! I am starting my 9th week post surgery today and having very similar experience as you describe. Just getting to the end of your video and see your bubble disappeared at the end of week 10. Crossing my fingers that mine will be gone soon too! Thanks again!
@@kbg3879 hi there, Kevin! I guess I'm on the 11 week plan. Today is day 74 and it's still hanging around. That's OK. As unfortunate as it is to have to go through all this, in my followup visits with the ophthalmologist, he has been impressed with the success of the surgery. How are you doing these days? How is life (and your sight) 2 years after your vitrectomy?
Thanks Kevin. You help me through 2021-2022 when I went through this with 2 Vitrectomy’s in my left eye. Now in 2023 with multiple complications and set backs. I’m recovering from my 3rd and 4th Vitrectomy this time in my right eye along Cornea Abrasion due to my dry eye disease . The gas bubble I have now last 65 days and I’m wearing a bandage contact lens to protect my cornea until my next appointment with my Cornea specialist in September. Thanks again for sharing our experiences.
@@kbg3879 I went in for my second Scleral contact lens fitting on December 22,2023. I was an awesome experience. I could see very well in my right eye at long distances. They still have some more fittings to do so they sent the lenses back for more adjustments. They will call me back when ready for the third fitting session. Yesterday I had to meet with my Cornea Specialist because my right eye became really hazy like looking through a dirty windshield. The doctor said I have a dry spot right in the middle of my right eye leaving me with hazy vision. Doctor Told me to up the dosage on my autologous serum from 6 times a day too 8 until the vision In my right eye clears up.
I had a retinal detachment surgery 2 weeks ago. I have so many questions about the recovery process. Your videos answer so many of them I have. Thank you. God bless you.
Thank you so much for your updates. I am in week two and reached a real low at the weekend. Thankfully I am now able to see the goldfish bowl affect with very murcky water and am hoping its a good sign. I see my doctor on the 29th November and hope he will have positive news. Thank you again
I'm at day 2 after V surgery. I'm still going through your videos, but they have all been very helpful at describing what we go through. Also, great job at simulating the visual effects of the surgery. edit: I had cataract surgery about 4 months ago, and I can tell you it is a WAY easier process.
Hi Sport, Cataract surgery is an easier process, but, I also did have difficulty being heard by my surgeon and his staff. That can be frustrating when they refuse to listen to you.
Hi, I just wanted to say thanks for the videos. I'm 35 and recently had a retina detachment and have had surgery I am currently day 13 after surgery. I have severe high myopia my eyesight normally is -28 and -28.50 so I'm very scared about what my outcome will be. Trying to explain to people what I see or feel and also how frustrated I am with my lack of independence I had before surgery is next to impossible. Your progression videos have helped me a lot as there isn't a lot of information out there for after surgery . I still feel a lot of pressure in my temple and feel like my eyelid and eyebrow are lazy the struggle I have is because I have such severe short sight I can't actually see a difference if there is one all I see is the bubble what I can only explain as the bubble in a level gauge which as you stated when you move your head it wobbles which is kinda fun 😂 but yh I just wanted to thank you for the videos they have also helped me show my children and husband what I see or experience as it's so hard to put in words
HI XXBeefy, It is hard to get info on what to expect, how the process will feel. I'm glad this series has helped you and thanks for the feedback. It is very hard for someone who hasn't experienced it to understand what we go thru. Even the DRs seem oblivious to our struggles and concerns.
Thank you, I really appreciate this info. I have vitrectomy ahead of me not for detached retina but for a macular pucker. I believe it will entail a gas bubble. Anxiety is sky high.
Hello Delia from England🇬🇧…my macular pucker op is due to take place on Friday after 2 postponements. I imagine you are checking as many TH-cam examples as possible, just as I am. Kevin’s story is very interesting but everyone seems different. You will probably be offered the cataract surgery at the same time. If you’ve had the op already, you won’t be reading this for a while, so good luck! My feeling is that we have to be patient but the outcome should be favourable…Stay strong. Derrick.
The answer’s are almost evasive. I’m at six weeks and seeing thing’s at a stair step when I look at certain angles. I have a dull ache off and on . I had to keep my head down for only three day’s. My vision is definitely distorted although I see Color’s with spotty dark spots. Thanks again for the video’s and explaining the importance of vocabulary and brain confusion. It was very helpful.
Just watching this in Nov 23. I am heading into week 7. My bubble is probably slightly less in diameter than a golf ball and my doctor still has me in the face down position. Outside of the bubble reasonably focused but the eye tires quickly and then loses focus. I have not worn a patch at all....I will have a look at some of your other later videos. Thanks for this video!
Hi B, That is a long time to be facedown. Is that the normal procedure your DR uses for all his patients, or is your case more serious. I was facedown 6 days.
@@kbg3879 the doc said "keep the position ir get cataracts" every week when I went for a checkup. I am now back to normal, apparently with cataracts and my vision is still very blurred.
I'm 28 years old and about 6 months ago had a posterior vitreous detachment. I've was "lucky" and only had a laser surgery to preventively "fix" the retina. I was left with a ton of floaters that bother me quite a lot...I was seriously thinking on doing a vitrectomy to remove the debris field vitreous, but after seeing these videos I think I'll just double my efforts on learning to live with my floating friends... I see now that recovery from a vitrectomy is far worse than what the "internet doctors" say... Trading a perfectly seeing eye with floating crap for a bad seeing eye without floating crap makes no sense. I must thank you for these videos, they really "opened my eyes" for the consequences of this surgery, specially when its optional..
If you had a PVD, which caused a tear that was subsequently fixed, a vitrectomy to remove floaters only would not involve the same healing/recovery process as one performed to repair a detached retina, which is what I suffered. In my case, I was very lucky. It's been six months since my operation and my vision has almost recovered to what it was pre-detachment. Also, seeing a blue sky without floaters now is quite a joy, though I'm not sure I would recommend a vitrectomy just for floaters. If you've had a PVD as you say (very young at 28) you may find that in time the floaters settle out of your vision as the vitreous collapses. The vitreous that previously filled the upper part of the eye and collapses to the bottom may slightly be replaced with clearer aqueous humour. Best of luck looking after your vision and make sure you get your eyes checked regularly!
Definite proof that we will differ in our recoveries, but hopefully only slightly .. I'm today 62 and had my vitrectomy surgery (without a need to look down thankfully) and on day 17 (today) is when my gas bubble completely disappeared. My vision is improving but what I see with only my operated eye is slightly warped. Text appears wavy instead of straight.. For past couple days I've had a sharp headache pain just above to the outside but definitely bearable.. Like all, I want to know how much of my vision I will get back and how long it will take to achieve it but ultimately extremely thankful I have vision at all.. As a side note, I had a very different detachment on my right eye 16 yrs earlier and it followed a cataract surgery exactly like this one. Was easy to blame the cataract surgery for the detachment but my surgery says if you have one detachment 10% get hit with the other eye, so ummmm yeah lucky me, huh?.. That detachment was bizarre as my eye was half a lava lamp with waves of pinky purple and had absolutely no idea how serious it was and how close I was to going blind but holy smoke did that Doc's reaction get the message through.. "you need to get to the hospital NOW!!" .. that also became an immediate emergency surgery.. This one however was this shadow in the upper right corner of my left eye and wish I had immediately had an eye test to rule out detachment as the sooner you catch it apparently the more of your vision you can retain but I'll eventually find out if that holds water.. All the absolute best to all of you to regain most to all of your vision...oh and thank you Kevin as the more of these vids that exist the better informed we all can be as to what to expect..Eventually I may also do my own story as there will be variations on recovery and could be down to the level of eyesight you had previous to surgery as a guess...
Hi Eric, That is good to hear, I was definitely concerned and worried much of the time and didn't know what to expect, so, I'm glad my experience helps you a bit. Best of luck.
Thanks for your insight (pun intended) on the vitrectomy. I'm at week 2 post surgery. The water level in my eye is under half way. driving me nuts Am wearing the eye patch which, I feel like I look ridiculous. I had the cataract surgery and a YAG laser treatment about a year and a half later. More recently, I saw some flash with many floaters but thought not too much about it which was very wrong of me. Needless to say, about a week later while on vacation( typical ), my vision was gone in that eye. So, I went to a doctor and he said, "you should get that dealt with asap! Oh but it's after 5 p.m. so your going to have to go downtown to the E.R that deals with Retinal detachment. After fighting rush hour traffic and a 5 hour wait in an Emergency Room, they said that I could not fly so to surgery for me. Vacation cut short, returned home and surgery soon after. It would have been nice to know about that chair because I had to lay on my face for a week (no bueno). Anyway, It's good to know other people had to go through this and I'm not alone. Public knowledge on retinal detachment and how to respond should definitely be more pushed in society, like how CPR is. I think that would be very beneficial to many
Hi Steve, I really don't know why the DR or a PATIENT EDUCATOR doesn't explain this to the patient when its known the patient will be having this surgery. All the best.
Almsot a year after my scelera buckle surgery and wow what a experience. First two days after was stupid painful, my eye way irritating and I couldn’t scratch, touch it nor anyhting. I lost vision on my right eye unfortunately but on the bright side I kept my 20/20 vision with glasses so for that I’m grateful. My words to eveyone going through this is, it takes time, be patient I know the anxiety and stress and fear of whatever can happen comes to mind but with time you learn to live with it and life goes back to normal. You got this if you you are going through it.
7 weeks today post vitrectomy. Tiny bubble seperated from the larger marble size bubble. Vision is much improved around the bubble. Can read some close up but blurry long distance. Slight distortion of straight lines and letters. Hope this gets better when the gas bubble is gone and faint mirror images disappear. Might actually go for a drive later as my peripheral vision seems good enough. Riding my bicycle seemed safe enough a couple weeks ago. Ready to get caught up on projects that have been on hold until vision improved.
Hello, thank you very much for sharing your experience regarding the healing process of the surgery, this is a guide for me on how will I take care my hubby after his vitretectomy surgery that would we scheduled on April.
HI Edith, it is good to have an idea of what lies ahead, and it is why I made the series, I knew it would have helped me to hear about someone else's journey. Best of luck to your both.
14:55 - 7 Aug 24 Hello Mr. Geist. I very much appreciate you posting these videos. I am on day 20 of my vitrectomy (got the green bracelet). I have a dark circle around the bubble with a round frost in the middle, is that what your small bubble looked like? Also, what did you mean by “type of lens” for your cataract surgery? I hope you are doing better and have had no issues thus far.
I think the time for the bubble to dissipate depends not only on the type of gas used but also on the size of the bubble. I also think outcome depends on things like age, how quickly the problem was diagnosed, how quickly surgery was scheduled, the skill of the surgeon, whether the macula was detached, the shape of the eye, pre-operation vision, other eye conditions, etc. All these things can interact to make predicting outcome with any degree of certainty impossible. The surgery has not reached the level where the surgeon can precisely line up individual retinal cells (rods and cones). I suspect precise alignment to the point where there is an exact match to the per-detachement position of the cells may involve both luck and surgical skill.
@@kbg3879 Here is my update. Had a gas bubble in for 6 weeks with about 25% remaining and all was going well. I then noticed the upper part of my vision was getting hazy and there was a mild curtain effect. Got on the phone with my MD and went over to his office immediately. He noted some leakage and minor bleeding from the scar tissue. Said it was very rare and he had only seen this twice in his career (and he is 70 years old). He said it was “bad luck”. The soonest he could get me in the surgery schedule was 6 days out. I went home and later that Friday night I noticed some more deterioration. Got in contact with him and he suggested some positioning and to see him Monday. I pointed out that these problems are often time sensitive (72 hours is the critical interval). I persuaded him to do a Saturday emergency surgery which was way out of his comfort zone (you have to advocate for yourself). He performed what he described as a minor repair, but this time he put in a silicone bubble to be removed in 4 months assuming no complications. The upside of the silicone is you can see through it, and in my case no positioning is involved. You also don’t have to worry about elevation changes. It offers much more consistent support to promote healing. Downside is you need another surgery to remove it, may have some residual floaters after removal and it may cause pressure complications. It is MUCH less aggravating than the gas bubble. So far I have 20/70 vision in that eye, and for some reason objects appear smaller and I have no reading vision. Have no idea how much of this will change when the bubble is removed. The surgeons have no idea how many of the cells in the eye will regenerate, and that is why we can’t get a straight answer regarding final acuity. However, time to surgery is very important because the detachment cuts off the supply of nutrients to the detached cells. Definitely not a sprint but a marathon.
Different people have different recovery times, or so it seems. I initially had regular cataract surgery back in 2017. Both eyes, one month apart. Those surgeries went ok, but about six months later, I had a retinal detachment in one eye. I guess when they do that repair they also do a vitrectomy. Anyway, after all those surgeries I recovered quickly. Two or three weeks later and I was back to 20/20. The aggravating part was the first week or so, with all the eye drops.
Had my surgery yesterday, so far, so good.. Had the cataract surgery in both eyes a couple of years ago and they only did the gas bubble, no buckle… so will see what happens…
Thank you for your videos. I'm going through the same experience like you had. Week 5 now, with the lens already replaced from -7 to -3! But not really enjoying this at the moment. Still a bubble in my left eye. Was happy to find your videos! 👍🏻
I had a Macula off op, but my eye is slowly improving, and I think it depends on a few factors. It can take up to six months to know how much it will totally recover
AND I THOUGHT I HAD IT BAD! FOR YOUR BALANCE AND LEGS...KEEP YOUR LEGS STRONG BY DOING SIMPLE END-OF-BED CORNER SQUATS...SLOW AND EASY UP AND DOWN 9-12 REPS 3-4 SETS...AND THEN KEEP YOUR STOP-MUSCLES IN YOUR LEGS STRONG...THIS IS THE ONE THAT HELPS YOU STOP AND WILL KEEP YOU FROM FALLING B/C IT HAS TO BE STRONG ENOUGH TO STOP YOUR FORWARD MOVEMENT...IF YOU DON'T KEEP IT STRONG YOUR LEGS WILL NOT STOP YOU FROM FALLING FORWARD...SO STEP FORWARD ON THE SAME FOOT 4 TIMES EACH LEG TOTAL 50 STEPS EACH TIME...BABY-STEP IT AT FIRST AND THEN TURN IT INTO A DANCE MOVE WITH A BIT BIGGER STEP...THIS WILL BUILD THAT STOP-MUSCEL FAST SO YOU DON'T FALL...NOW YOU ARE ON YOUR WAY TO STRONGER LEGS AND A BETTER BALANCE SO THAT YOU DON'T FALL FROM DISORIENTATION FROM YOUR EYE CONDITION...AND IT REALLY WOULD HELP YOU A LOT TO GET A 4-PRONGED WALKER CANE OR FOR BOTH HANDS FOR A SURE BALANCE UNTIL YOUR EYE CONDITION GETS BETTER! I AM DOING THE BED SQUATS AND THE STOP-MUSCLE EXERCISE DANCE EVERY DAY! GOD BLESS YOUR EYE RECOVERY IN BOTH EYES! I AM ON DAY 21 AFTER SURGERY...THE BUBBLE IS GETTING SMALLER AND I CAN READ MICRO-PRINT LOOKING DOWN THROUGH THE BUBBLE...LOOKING UP AND OUT I CAN SEE PRETTY GOOD SO FAR AND CAN READ A CRAZY LOOKING DIFFERENT DESIGN AND PRINT SIZE...I NO LONGER TAKE ANY OF THE PRESCRIPTION EYE DROPS BUT I ONLY TAKE HEALTHY EYE DROPS THAT WILL HEAL MY EYES AND GIVE ME BETTER VISION! PLEASE READ YOUR EYE DROPS SIDE EFFECTS SO YOU DON'T GO BLIND! MAY GOD HEAL YOUR EYES SO THAT YOU NEVER NEED SURGERY AGAIN!
Hey Kevin any chance on making another update? I'm on week 4 at this point and I know how it's an incredibly unnerving process of not seeing improvement in the not gassed part of your vision.
I know this is late, but, I did just upload a summary of what it is like for me one year later. I've accepted my lot. I also realize there are folks with detachments worse than mine.
I’m at about week 8 after my Vitrectomy. My eye bubble went at about two weeks, and the eye is slowly improving. The central vision is the worst as the macular lifted and I was warned the eye might not recover totally. I was signed off by my surgeon after a two week check-up. Using both eyes is still difficult and occasionally it seems to make my other eye blurry too, although I do have dry eye syndrome as well and use drops every day and a wheat bag to help the eye. Sometimes I get a soreness in the operated eye rather like I’ve got soap in the eye, but I’m hoping this will improve too.
Hi Susan, as much as I hate my vision losses, I feel you really have far more to complain about than me. I'm so lucky my macula stayed on. I do hope you see improvements bit-by-bit.
Yes thank you for that. I had v surgery on Dec. 1. Seems to have gone well. My surgeon saw me for the last time on Dec. 20. Then referred me to another opthalmologist for follow up. It's now Jan. 31 and the new guy didn't call me. I called my surgeon on Jan.27. They made a mistake and did not send the file to the new guy. Called the new guy and can't see me til Feb.2. Hoping all is well but do not know.
@@kbg3879 yes, it was a retinal detach. I think he missed it when I first went to him after going to emerg. as he was kind of shocked when I went back for a checkup 3 wks later and said it was detached. Then he put a gas bubble in and did laser. That didn't work so he did the vit with a gas bubble. It took 3 1/2 weeks to go away. I finally have an appt to see a different Dr on wed. Hoping all is going as suppose to.
@@reesequinn5546 , don’t be sheepish or short on questions for your practitioners on what you should expect to see for your progress. Drs aren’t always overflowing with info, sometimes it must be pried out of them. Do you have a list of your questions/concerns for your dr for your visit ?
@@kbg3879 Yes I'm making a list. My surgeon was very curt to say the least. I'm hoping this guy is better. From what my surgeon said I will need cataract surgery but I'm scared it might detach again. Also my bottom eyelid looks a bit infected. I also want him to look at my other eye. Lol! I'm 65 but you and others are alot younger to have this happen.
Hi John, That is understandable. I spent a lot of time vacillating between fear and shock. You are still in the very early stages. What has your DR said about your particular case?
I had cataract and retina surgery at the same time...no buckle. My vision is blurry but i can see close up...like maybe 2 inches from my eye it clears up.
These videos are pretty helpful. My surgery was an utter disaster, placing me in the ER and having to get the surgery over after day 1. I’m currently hitting week 6. Still seeing nothing.
Never know what is the right action for a share like this as if you hit the thumbs up it's like almost saying fine with the hell you're going through.. Anyway, all the best your's turns around and your vision recovers..
I have a LOT of distortion yet- on week 2-- and I had BAD cataract like a rock removed in addition to the vitrectomy.. I'm having silicon oil in mine- and that is to be left in indefinitely... but my retina problem and cataract were 4 years old. Doc said on scale of 1-10, mine was a 15 to do.. :) but I still have a 90% chance of good vision afterward. I do notice the distortion is less every day so far.. and as i said- I'm going in to the second week after.
@@kbg3879 Don't know-- tthey did the VITRECTOMY to remove the vitresou and I don't know what he did- but I can't see anything YET-- every so often I can see pretty much everything-but it's badly blurred- and other times can't see anything-- I guess it's moving around in there-- hasn't been fixed yet.. not til DEC 7th-- but I'll let you know.. I can't say as to the clarity yet- because the eye itself is still bad.. :)
Greetings from one of the SOBs who got the gas bubble gone by week 3. 😜 My vision is slowly recovering but the shadow is still there. I was appalled to be made known it will stay due to scarring from the laser treatment. I'm experiencing regular pain on the socket and headache too. Not sure if it is the same as you and all viewers. It is extremely frustrating.
Hi RD, I did not have a lot of pain, so I don't have a lot to share in that area. I would ask your DRs about the pain and what you should be expecting. I'm wondering if that indicates a pressure issue with your eye, ask your DRs. Hope you are feeling better.
@@kbg3879 I've checked my eye pressure almost weekly at the hospital whenever it hurts too much. It is within acceptable range which is perplexing. My Dr isn't able to exactly pinpoint the cause as well as all my photos show the surgery is a success.
Similar story..its ten weeks now since surgery for r/d...every case is different..but i still have a marbel sized bubble at the bottom of my eye...i can see above it but things are out of focus.i am hoping in a week or so when it dissaperars will go for an eye test and get glasses to help with my vision..i do have a cataract now so wont be perfect...also eye dr told me at six months that will be the best the eye will be...
I had cataract removed- so NO chance of another cataract.. in fact already have a monofocal lens in.. As to the way I understand from the vids on here--- the Buckle like you have changes the shape of the eye so nearsightedness is made a bit WORSE-- which has to be corrected with either inter ocular lens or glasses. I don't know about mine- already has the IOL, and no buckle-- but still need the retinal re-attachment surgery!! I'm doing patch too- because the bad one makes my good one work a lot harder..
@@kbg3879 NO- I go WED - day after tomorrow for them to use the laser to "make a hole" in it - something about fluid exchance--INSIDE the eye-- I didn't catch the details.. but the re-attachment surgery isn't til DEC 7th.. and that's when I get the silicon oil, and some on here have had it removed-- but they say that is risky- because it can get unattached again during the removal process-- but I found out silicon oil can be left in indefinitely- and IS CLEAR-- they just recheck it every year for overal condition.. Guess they don't trust putting in a dipstick.
Hi Nathan, My vision is way better than it was at 10 weeks. At about the 5 month mark, I had to have cataract surgeries to fix the damage done by the gas bubble. It is one year later and my vision in the RD eye is much better than at 10 months, but, it will not be what it was.
Hey Kevin. Again great video. Curious if you got light bursts after the procedure. I had them b4 the surgery but now as the gas bubble is decreasing, I;ve started to get them again. My surgeon checked & said all is ok, it’s because he had to repair a huge area. I thought the flashes would have stopped but guess that’s gonna take a while. Hope you now have full vision back :)
Hi, did you go to work at certain time? I have an office job with a lot of desktop work. I can't read well and my head hurst so I'm not working now (just 4 days after my surgery) I'm curious how you dealt with this situation.
Hi R, I was off for several week, but, I had leave for it, so I didn't need to use short term disability. I know every work situation is different. I did get back to work after a few weeks with just one eye for a while and it was tiresome.
Hello Kevin, Brian again. It's been nearly 3 1/2 months since my retinal surgery after a complete retinal detachment. My Dr is suggesting Macular Pucker surgery. Did you do or consider this operation? Thank you for your time.
Hi Brian, That sounds more serious than my case. I did not have such a procedure. My detachment wasn't too close to the macula. Was your retinal detachment "macula off" ?
@@shashankgm9556 yes but to a very low degree. Sometimes I notice it more than other days but you totally learn to live with it. :( Aside from distortion, I lost my peripheral vision and acuity is I think 20/60? not too sure.
why are you still wearing an eye patch after nine weeks?? I just hit the 3 week mark after my vitrectomy and i can see quite well out of my eye. I'm going back to work next week
Hi Sean, the surgeon chooses the type of gas that remains in the eye to support the retina, the different types of gas have different dissipation rates depending on how long he/she feels support is needed. You are fortunate, assuming your surgery remains a success. The longer that gas is in your eye, the more damage it does to your natural lens. In my case, I had a severe cataract after the gas was gone. That cataract was caused/advanced by the gas. That meant I then needed cataract surgery that probably would have been unnecessary for another 20 years. So my right eye was pretty useless until after successful cataract surgery. It sounds like your case was not as grave. You are lucky.
@@kbg3879 ouch! Sorry to hear that Kevin. Ya i guess i did get lucky. Its been 5 weeks since my surgery and my eye specialist said my eye is looking great! Other than a being a little blurry I see fine out of it. Take care Kevin 👍
@@kbg3879 It's only wavy now. It's like the lines aren't staying straight, and sometimes it tilts to the left or the right. Did you have that? Did it go away?
Hi Maaz, I hope you are doing well. It looks like you started in the middle of my journey. You want to start with this video to get the background. th-cam.com/video/fr4wKEfra8U/w-d-xo.html
Hi Lowkey, I eventually had a vitreous detachment in the left eye, not nearly as serious, but, it was scary. You will want to google that once you are out of the woods with your vitrectomy.
Hello Kevin, it has been 1 year down the line. How is your vision now? I have a retinal issues and would be visiting the retina expert next week. Just wanted to consider the second worst case scenario of how much time it takes for vision to be back since my left has flashes and right one has 3 retinal holes. And I also wanted to thank you so much for educating us lot in simple language since the doctor's vocabulary is practically on a whole different planet altogether.
Hey TTT, I did make a video about my life 1 year after the surgery. If you haven't stumbled across it since you posted this comment. Here is a link th-cam.com/video/UtP81l3Jp6Y/w-d-xo.html
@@kbg3879 Yes I did see it. I am actually only just in my early 30 and am still studying. Cataracts, nearsightedness while reading books, a year to recover and distorted vision with loss of peripheral vision actually has got me scared... 😶
@@kbg3879 reduced facedown to 2 weeks and 4 days laying on left side 40 min down/20 min allowed up per hour. Find out tomorrow if I’m allowed up for good🤞🏼
I'm 2 weeks out of my vitrectomy surgery I'm only 31 my Dr did ask me last week if I see a line in my vision and I didn't and still don't but he said it's shrinking
Hey I had done Retinal detachment Surgery 40 Days Ago but still my vision is no properly clear and my eye is still some redness. Is still recovering or not I am not sure
hi Rajib, have you seen your dr for follow up visits ? Do you have a gas bubble in your eye ? It will not be clear until that gas bubble dissipates. Wishing you continued improvement.
Hi Cobus, Ask your DR those things, I don't really know enough about you to answer that. In my case, I did not need dark glasses, because I needed to see as well as possible with the left eye, which is the one that did NOT have the gas bubble inside. I did however decide to patch my right eye because the input from it was confusing and not useful to my brain during the early period of recovery. Wish you the best,
Do not put any lens because I did and surgeon broke my capsules in the eye and all particles fell down in back of my eye now I have to do victractomy put glasses instead
Sir can redness increase in eye after 4 weeks of vitrecomy surgery. My surgery was done 30 days before and today i did some cleaning and my left eye got bit red then it was before. Is it normal. there is oil in my eye. I am bit worried.
Hi DI, like you, I am a patient, so, I can only speak from my experience. I didn't have oil in my case. I suggest contacting your DR to find out if it is still a concern and things haven't improved.
Hi Norhamida, The gas bubble duration time can vary depending on the type of gas your surgeon uses. Your surgeon should be able to tell you what type they used and about how long that type will last.
Hi Dutchie, I'm doing much better than I was at weeks 9 and 10. This is my 1 year after video and it pretty much describes my level of progress, nothing has significantly changed since then. th-cam.com/video/UtP81l3Jp6Y/w-d-xo.html Best of luck
After surgery I had pasty kitten eye (my own technical term) for a long time. My eye was dry until after the gas bubble was gone. By dry, I mean it was a chemical burn feel to me. I used a petroleum based jelly product every night to help with the burning. I don't have that problem now, but, I often do have trouble seeing with my RD eye first thing in the morning. I use an eye was to wet my eye down and that usually gets it working, gets my vision clearer.
Hi Kevin I have retinal reattached now it is 4 month I can see abject which is closed thank me but I can’t tell what later I mean it is not clear it is my left eye also my right eye very good so how long should I wait to clear? And can I drive wit my good eye? Thank u so much
@@saidibrahim6997 I'm 1 month into my right eye Surgery and I'm still having issues with Post vitrectomy cataract Postoperative vitreous cavity haemorrhage This occurs in 3 out of 10 of patients after vitrectomy for diabetic vitreous haemorrhage and refers to blood still present in the eye immediately after surgery (residual blood) or the occurrence of a new haemorrhage into the vitreous cavity at some time after surgery (recurrent vitreous bleeding). Recurrent vitreous bleeding usually occurs between 2 and 6 months after surgery. Sometimes the blood can clear again spontaneously but in other patients it does not clear quickly and can sometimes cause high pressure inside the eye. A further operation called a vitreous washout for residual blood or recurrent blood may be required for 1 in 10 patients at some point after the initial vitrectomy for diabetic vitreous haemorrhage. The experience of this vitreous washout operation for the patient feels similar to the experience of the original vitrectomy operation now I have to go back to opthomist next to see what next steps smh
@@saidibrahim6997 In my state, you are legal to drive if you DR says you are. So, it is a matter of how you feel, I wasn't sure what it would be like to drive one eyed, so, I was cautious. I drove only during the day on roads I was very familiar with. For me, it was easier than I thought it would be. Still, because of the pandemic, I was driving much less than I had before.
I don't know that he was bad at cutting, lasering and patching, but when it comes to explaining, yeah, that could use some improvement. I hope you experience is going well Ryan.
You've probably already found the vid where I talk about my vision a year later. My concerns I raised with my DR were when to go back to the gym and go back to lifting. After my 5 day head down period, my dr told me I could go to the gym, lift weights and do whatever I did before, except avoid swimming for 2 weeks.
![[MV] A leap of faith...ความเชื่อใจครั้งสุดท้าย (From "Petrichor the series")](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/U1piZH2CNXA/mqdefault.jpg)
Im on week 6 and can see from my eye. Bubble still at the bottom but vision isnt at all what he is describing. Everyone is different, dont let his slow recovery scare you. His recovery isn't the norm. And I'm 65.
Tomorrow marks week nine for me. So, I’m back watching this video for maybe the sixth time. Thank you so much for posting all of these.
Hi Nicole, I’m really glad my video recording my angst is helping you. I hope you have a good outcome.
THANK YOU FOR THESE VIDEOS. I had surgery last week so I’m in the head down stage. Sooooo helpful. God bless you.
Thanks for sharing, for your observations, the sensation and some of the frustration you faced. It is really helpful in getting the perspective of what you have went through, and what will be expecting. I'm on the 2nd week after the vitrectomy surgery.
Hi Boon, The recovery process is quite a journey, I hope yours is going well. I wish you all the best.
This is day 6 after my surgery I also had cataract surgery in September this was something that happened and recovering any advice
Thank you Kevin,
I am on Day 16 since my vitrectomy.. your info share is so valuable. 'Nobody can tell you this' unless you
experience one of these. I now know that it's a journey - thanks to your shares. I was scheduled to have cataract surgery on my 'other eye' 5 days before experiencing the detached retina - can't make this up.
So my vision now is seeing through a bad cataract in left eye and still looking through the gas bubble in my right eye.
Your video shares have helped me with being patient. It's going to take a long time.
Hi John, they don't tell you it will be a journey. You go into it thinking everything may be honky-dorey in two weeks, fat chance. Hope you continue to progress nicely.
Day 31 of recovery... 90% of my vision is back... the gas bubble is shrinking but now is driving me crazy when i look down to read or keyboard.... UGGGGHHH
Patience is the word for now.. Thanks for all your insight and inspiring comments!
AND I THOUGHT I HAD IT BAD! AND I THOUGHT I HAD IT BAD! FOR YOUR BALANCE AND LEGS...KEEP YOUR LEGS STRONG BY DOING SIMPLE END-OF-BED
CORNER SQUATS...SLOW AND EASY UP AND DOWN 9-12 REPS 3-4 SETS...AND THEN KEEP YOUR STOP-MUSCLES IN YOUR LEGS STRONG...THIS IS THE ONE THAT HELPS YOU STOP AND WILL KEEP YOU FROM FALLING B/C IT HAS TO BE STRONG ENOUGH TO STOP YOUR FORWARD MOVEMENT...IF YOU DON'T KEEP IT STRONG YOUR LEGS WILL NOT STOP YOU FROM FALLING FORWARD...SO STEP FORWARD ON THE SAME FOOT 4 TIMES EACH LEG TOTAL 50 STEPS EACH TIME...BABY-STEP IT AT FIRST AND THEN TURN IT INTO A DANCE MOVE WITH A BIT BIGGER STEP...THIS WILL BUILD THAT STOP-MUSCEL FAST SO YOU DON'T FALL...NOW YOU ARE ON YOUR WAY TO STRONGER LEGS AND A BETTER BALANCE SO THAT YOU DON'T FALL FROM DISORIENTATION FROM YOUR EYE CONDITION...AND IT REALLY WOULD HELP YOU A LOT TO GET A 4-PRONGED WALKER CANE OR FOR BOTH HANDS FOR A SURE BALANCE UNTIL YOUR EYE CONDITION GETS BETTER! I AM DOING THE BED SQUATS AND THE STOP-MUSCLE
EXERCISE DANCE EVERY DAY! GOD BLESS YOUR EYE RECOVERY IN BOTH EYES! I AM ON DAY 21 AFTER SURGERY...THE BUBBLE IS GETTING SMALLER AND I CAN READ MICRO-PRINT LOOKING DOWN THREW THE BUBBLE...LOOKING UP AND OUT I CAN SEE PRETTY GOOD SO FAR AND CAN READ A CRAZY LOOKING DIFFERENT DESIGN AND PRINT SIZE...I NO LONGER TAKE ANY OF THE PRESCRIPTION EYE DROPS BUT I ONLY TAKE HEALTHY EYE DROPS THAT WILL HEAL MY EYES AND GIVE ME BETTER VISION! PLEASE READ YOUR EYE DROPS SIDE EFFECTS SO YOU DON'T GO BLIND! MAY GOD HEAL YOUR EYES SO THAT YOU NEVER NEED SURGERY AGAIN!
Thx for the video. Have watched approx 25 trying to find out what to expect on my husband's Journey. Did not realize it was going to be a journey. Good for helping trying to understand what to expect visually as time goes on. Just 3 weeks into this and had no idea until watching this.
Thanks for the videos, Kevin! I am starting my 9th week post surgery today and having very similar experience as you describe. Just getting to the end of your video and see your bubble disappeared at the end of week 10. Crossing my fingers that mine will be gone soon too! Thanks again!
Hi John, I'm hoping your bubble is all gone by now. How are you doing?
@@kbg3879 hi there, Kevin! I guess I'm on the 11 week plan. Today is day 74 and it's still hanging around. That's OK. As unfortunate as it is to have to go through all this, in my followup visits with the ophthalmologist, he has been impressed with the success of the surgery.
How are you doing these days? How is life (and your sight) 2 years after your vitrectomy?
Thanks Kevin. You help me through 2021-2022 when I went through this with 2 Vitrectomy’s in my left eye. Now in 2023 with multiple complications and set backs. I’m recovering from my 3rd and 4th Vitrectomy this time in my right eye along Cornea Abrasion due to my dry eye disease . The gas bubble I have now last 65 days and I’m wearing a bandage contact lens to protect my cornea until my next appointment with my Cornea specialist in September. Thanks again for sharing our experiences.
Hi Billy, glad my experience and story is a help to you. Sounds like you've had it rougher that I did. Are you doing better now? How is it going?
@@kbg3879 I went in for my second Scleral contact lens fitting on December 22,2023. I was an awesome experience. I could see very well in my right eye at long distances. They still have some more fittings to do so they sent the lenses back for more adjustments. They will call me back when ready for the third fitting session. Yesterday I had to meet with my Cornea Specialist because my right eye became really hazy like looking through a dirty windshield. The doctor said I have a dry spot right in the middle of my right eye leaving me with hazy vision. Doctor Told me to up the dosage on my autologous serum from 6 times a day too 8 until the vision In my right eye clears up.
I had a retinal detachment surgery 2 weeks ago. I have so many questions about the recovery process. Your videos answer so many of them I have. Thank you. God bless you.
Hi Dici, I'm glad they are a help, I suspected they'd help a lot folks searching for info.
Thank you so much for your updates. I am in week two and reached a real low at the weekend. Thankfully I am now able to see the goldfish bowl affect with very murcky water and am hoping its a good sign. I see my doctor on the 29th November and hope he will have positive news. Thank you again
Good to hear, glad you are seeing some progress.
It's been 9 months how are you doing now?
I'm at day 2 after V surgery. I'm still going through your videos, but they have all been very helpful at describing what we go through. Also, great job at simulating the visual effects of the surgery.
edit: I had cataract surgery about 4 months ago, and I can tell you it is a WAY easier process.
Hi Sport, Cataract surgery is an easier process, but, I also did have difficulty being heard by my surgeon and his staff. That can be frustrating when they refuse to listen to you.
Thank you Kevin ! You help me to keep hoping after 5 weeks ... !
Hi Pierre, It's a hard journey, I feel I'm luckier than many. Best of luck.
Hi, I just wanted to say thanks for the videos. I'm 35 and recently had a retina detachment and have had surgery I am currently day 13 after surgery. I have severe high myopia my eyesight normally is -28 and -28.50 so I'm very scared about what my outcome will be. Trying to explain to people what I see or feel and also how frustrated I am with my lack of independence I had before surgery is next to impossible. Your progression videos have helped me a lot as there isn't a lot of information out there for after surgery . I still feel a lot of pressure in my temple and feel like my eyelid and eyebrow are lazy the struggle I have is because I have such severe short sight I can't actually see a difference if there is one all I see is the bubble what I can only explain as the bubble in a level gauge which as you stated when you move your head it wobbles which is kinda fun 😂 but yh I just wanted to thank you for the videos they have also helped me show my children and husband what I see or experience as it's so hard to put in words
HI XXBeefy, It is hard to get info on what to expect, how the process will feel. I'm glad this series has helped you and thanks for the feedback. It is very hard for someone who hasn't experienced it to understand what we go thru. Even the DRs seem oblivious to our struggles and concerns.
Man I feel the same way already after having to do virtecomy twice and now with the oil put in today so very unsure
Thank you, I really appreciate this info. I have vitrectomy ahead of me not for detached retina but for a macular pucker. I believe it will entail a gas bubble. Anxiety is sky high.
Hello Delia from England🇬🇧…my macular pucker op is due to take place on Friday after 2 postponements. I imagine you are checking as many TH-cam examples as possible, just as I am. Kevin’s story is very interesting but everyone seems different. You will probably be offered the cataract surgery at the same time. If you’ve had the op already, you won’t be reading this for a while, so good luck! My feeling is that we have to be patient but the outcome should be favourable…Stay strong. Derrick.
Hi Delia, How are things progressing for you?
The answer’s are almost evasive. I’m at six weeks and seeing thing’s at a stair step when I look at certain angles. I have a dull ache off and on . I had to keep my head down for only three day’s. My vision is definitely distorted although I see Color’s with spotty dark spots. Thanks again for the video’s and explaining the importance of vocabulary and brain confusion. It was very helpful.
HI DD, Well, if you are at 6 weeks, you have been going this thru a while. Hope you are still seeing improvement, bit by bit. Wishing you the best.
Just watching this in Nov 23. I am heading into week 7. My bubble is probably slightly less in diameter than a golf ball and my doctor still has me in the face down position. Outside of the bubble reasonably focused but the eye tires quickly and then loses focus. I have not worn a patch at all....I will have a look at some of your other later videos. Thanks for this video!
Hi B, That is a long time to be facedown. Is that the normal procedure your DR uses for all his patients, or is your case more serious. I was facedown 6 days.
@@kbg3879 the doc said "keep the position ir get cataracts" every week when I went for a checkup. I am now back to normal, apparently with cataracts and my vision is still very blurred.
I'm 28 years old and about 6 months ago had a posterior vitreous detachment. I've was "lucky" and only had a laser surgery to preventively "fix" the retina. I was left with a ton of floaters that bother me quite a lot...I was seriously thinking on doing a vitrectomy to remove the debris field vitreous, but after seeing these videos I think I'll just double my efforts on learning to live with my floating friends... I see now that recovery from a vitrectomy is far worse than what the "internet doctors" say... Trading a perfectly seeing eye with floating crap for a bad seeing eye without floating crap makes no sense. I must thank you for these videos, they really "opened my eyes" for the consequences of this surgery, specially when its optional..
Hi Mauricio, I hope you can find a safe(r) way to minimize your floaters impact on your quality of life. I wish you the best.
If you had a PVD, which caused a tear that was subsequently fixed, a vitrectomy to remove floaters only would not involve the same healing/recovery process as one performed to repair a detached retina, which is what I suffered. In my case, I was very lucky. It's been six months since my operation and my vision has almost recovered to what it was pre-detachment. Also, seeing a blue sky without floaters now is quite a joy, though I'm not sure I would recommend a vitrectomy just for floaters. If you've had a PVD as you say (very young at 28) you may find that in time the floaters settle out of your vision as the vitreous collapses. The vitreous that previously filled the upper part of the eye and collapses to the bottom may slightly be replaced with clearer aqueous humour. Best of luck looking after your vision and make sure you get your eyes checked regularly!
Definite proof that we will differ in our recoveries, but hopefully only slightly .. I'm today 62 and had my vitrectomy surgery (without a need to look down thankfully) and on day 17 (today) is when my gas bubble completely disappeared. My vision is improving but what I see with only my operated eye is slightly warped. Text appears wavy instead of straight.. For past couple days I've had a sharp headache pain just above to the outside but definitely bearable.. Like all, I want to know how much of my vision I will get back and how long it will take to achieve it but ultimately extremely thankful I have vision at all..
As a side note, I had a very different detachment on my right eye 16 yrs earlier and it followed a cataract surgery exactly like this one. Was easy to blame the cataract surgery for the detachment but my surgery says if you have one detachment 10% get hit with the other eye, so ummmm yeah lucky me, huh?.. That detachment was bizarre as my eye was half a lava lamp with waves of pinky purple and had absolutely no idea how serious it was and how close I was to going blind but holy smoke did that Doc's reaction get the message through.. "you need to get to the hospital NOW!!"
.. that also became an immediate emergency surgery.. This one however was this shadow in the upper right corner of my left eye and wish I had immediately had an eye test to rule out detachment as the sooner you catch it apparently the more of your vision you can retain but I'll eventually find out if that holds water..
All the absolute best to all of you to regain most to all of your vision...oh and thank you Kevin as the more of these vids that exist the better informed we all can be as to what to expect..Eventually I may also do my own story as there will be variations on recovery and could be down to the level of eyesight you had previous to surgery as a guess...
Hey Scott, thanks for providing so many details of your experience. I know people who are 'on the journey' will find it helpful.
Wonderful videos! Thank you for doing this! I am going through this right now snd these videos are reassuring that my symptoms ate normal.
Hi Eric, That is good to hear, I was definitely concerned and worried much of the time and didn't know what to expect, so, I'm glad my experience helps you a bit. Best of luck.
Thanks for your insight (pun intended) on the vitrectomy. I'm at week 2 post surgery. The water level in my eye is under half way. driving me nuts Am wearing the eye patch which, I feel like I look ridiculous. I had the cataract surgery and a YAG laser treatment about a year and a half later. More recently, I saw some flash with many floaters but thought not too much about it which was very wrong of me. Needless to say, about a week later while on vacation( typical ), my vision was gone in that eye. So, I went to a doctor and he said, "you should get that dealt with asap! Oh but it's after 5 p.m. so your going to have to go downtown to the E.R that deals with Retinal detachment. After fighting rush hour traffic and a 5 hour wait in an Emergency Room, they said that I could not fly so to surgery for me. Vacation cut short, returned home and surgery soon after. It would have been nice to know about that chair because I had to lay on my face for a week (no bueno). Anyway, It's good to know other people had to go through this and I'm not alone. Public knowledge on retinal detachment and how to respond should definitely be more pushed in society, like how CPR is. I think that would be very beneficial to many
Hi Steve, I really don't know why the DR or a PATIENT EDUCATOR doesn't explain this to the patient when its known the patient will be having this surgery. All the best.
Almsot a year after my scelera buckle surgery and wow what a experience. First two days after was stupid painful, my eye way irritating and I couldn’t scratch, touch it nor anyhting. I lost vision on my right eye unfortunately but on the bright side I kept my 20/20 vision with glasses so for that I’m grateful. My words to eveyone going through this is, it takes time, be patient I know the anxiety and stress and fear of whatever can happen comes to mind but with time you learn to live with it and life goes back to normal. You got this if you you are going through it.
HI Gerrad, I'm glad you have such a positive outlook. I'd be really sad to lose vision entirely in one eye. All my best.
7 weeks today post vitrectomy. Tiny bubble seperated from the larger marble size bubble. Vision is much improved around the bubble. Can read some close up but blurry long distance. Slight distortion of straight lines and letters. Hope this gets better when the gas bubble is gone and faint mirror images disappear. Might actually go for a drive later as my peripheral vision seems good enough. Riding my bicycle seemed safe enough a couple weeks ago. Ready to get caught up on projects that have been on hold until vision improved.
It sounds like you are seeing some good results, I hope your progress has continued.
Hello, thank you very much for sharing your experience regarding the healing process of the surgery, this is a guide for me on how will I take care my hubby after his vitretectomy surgery that would we scheduled on April.
HI Edith, it is good to have an idea of what lies ahead, and it is why I made the series, I knew it would have helped me to hear about someone else's journey. Best of luck to your both.
Thank you, I had a vitrectomy in left eye 1 week and a day ago, much appreciated video
Hi Jennifer, Glad it helped!
14:55 - 7 Aug 24 Hello Mr. Geist. I very much appreciate you posting these videos. I am on day 20 of my vitrectomy (got the green bracelet). I have a dark circle around the bubble with a round frost in the middle, is that what your small bubble looked like? Also, what did you mean by “type of lens” for your cataract surgery? I hope you are doing better and have had no issues thus far.
I think the time for the bubble to dissipate depends not only on the type of gas used but also on the size of the bubble. I also think outcome depends on things like age, how quickly the problem was diagnosed, how quickly surgery was scheduled, the skill of the surgeon, whether the macula was detached, the shape of the eye, pre-operation vision, other eye conditions, etc. All these things can interact to make predicting outcome with any degree of certainty impossible. The surgery has not reached the level where the surgeon can precisely line up individual retinal cells (rods and cones). I suspect precise alignment to the point where there is an exact match to the per-detachement position of the cells may involve both luck and surgical skill.
Hey Soc, I think you are so right, many factors involved.
@@kbg3879 Here is my update. Had a gas bubble in for 6 weeks with about 25% remaining and all was going well. I then noticed the upper part of my vision was getting hazy and there was a mild curtain effect. Got on the phone with my MD and went over to his office immediately. He noted some leakage and minor bleeding from the scar tissue. Said it was very rare and he had only seen this twice in his career (and he is 70 years old). He said it was “bad luck”. The soonest he could get me in the surgery schedule was 6 days out. I went home and later that Friday night I noticed some more deterioration. Got in contact with him and he suggested some positioning and to see him Monday. I pointed out that these problems are often time sensitive (72 hours is the critical interval). I persuaded him to do a Saturday emergency surgery which was way out of his comfort zone (you have to advocate for yourself). He performed what he described as a minor repair, but this time he put in a silicone bubble to be removed in 4 months assuming no complications. The upside of the silicone is you can see through it, and in my case no positioning is involved. You also don’t have to worry about elevation changes. It offers much more consistent support to promote healing. Downside is you need another surgery to remove it, may have some residual floaters after removal and it may cause pressure complications. It is MUCH less aggravating than the gas bubble. So far I have 20/70 vision in that eye, and for some reason objects appear smaller and I have no reading vision. Have no idea how much of this will change when the bubble is removed. The surgeons have no idea how many of the cells in the eye will regenerate, and that is why we can’t get a straight answer regarding final acuity. However, time to surgery is very important because the detachment cuts off the supply of nutrients to the detached cells. Definitely not a sprint but a marathon.
Thank you so much for all the info. My brother will be having this procedure next week.
Best of luck Sandra, I hope all goes well for him.
So helpful, can't thank you enough.
Glad it helped!
Thank you. I'm on about week 7 and was getting frustrated.
Glad I could help! It is not a fun process, at all.
Hi Kevin, Thank You for sharing your experience with these videos. I am on Week 6 post surgery & this helps so much. :-)
Hey Jeff, it is quite a journey, glad to learn my experience helps you.
Different people have different recovery times, or so it seems. I initially had regular cataract surgery back in 2017. Both eyes, one month apart. Those surgeries went ok, but about six months later, I had a retinal detachment in one eye. I guess when they do that repair they also do a vitrectomy. Anyway, after all those surgeries I recovered quickly. Two or three weeks later and I was back to 20/20. The aggravating part was the first week or so, with all the eye drops.
Hi Jas, that is one of the better stories I have heard. Glad things have gone so well for you.
I am 4 surgeries in . Full detachment twice. Gas bubble then 2 oil bubbles. Im seven months into this nightmare 😢
Thankyou verymuch for sharing the same story of mine similar to your sir. Don’t worry sir! You will get well soon.👍🙏
HI Jayakumar, thanks, hope you are healing well too.
Had my surgery yesterday, so far, so good.. Had the cataract surgery in both eyes a couple of years ago and they only did the gas bubble, no buckle… so will see what happens…
Hi Ronnie, hope you are dong well at this point.
Thank you for your videos. I'm going through the same experience like you had. Week 5 now, with the lens already replaced from -7 to -3! But not really enjoying this at the moment. Still a bubble in my left eye. Was happy to find your videos! 👍🏻
Glad I could help! I hope you make progress bit by bit Tom
A lot depends on wether or not the Macula had become detatched as well. If so, complete recovery is not very likely.
Hi Ringer, I was lucky not to have a detachment near the Macula. Hope you are recovering well.
I had a Macula off op, but my eye is slowly improving, and I think it depends on a few factors. It can take up to six months to know how much it will totally recover
AND I THOUGHT I HAD IT BAD! FOR YOUR BALANCE AND LEGS...KEEP YOUR LEGS STRONG BY DOING SIMPLE END-OF-BED
CORNER SQUATS...SLOW AND EASY UP AND DOWN 9-12 REPS 3-4 SETS...AND THEN KEEP YOUR STOP-MUSCLES IN YOUR LEGS STRONG...THIS IS THE ONE THAT HELPS YOU STOP AND WILL KEEP YOU FROM FALLING B/C IT HAS TO BE STRONG ENOUGH TO STOP YOUR FORWARD MOVEMENT...IF YOU DON'T KEEP IT STRONG YOUR LEGS WILL NOT STOP YOU FROM FALLING FORWARD...SO STEP FORWARD ON THE SAME FOOT 4 TIMES EACH LEG TOTAL 50 STEPS EACH TIME...BABY-STEP IT AT FIRST AND THEN TURN IT INTO A DANCE MOVE WITH A BIT BIGGER STEP...THIS WILL BUILD THAT STOP-MUSCEL FAST SO YOU DON'T FALL...NOW YOU ARE ON YOUR WAY TO STRONGER LEGS AND A BETTER BALANCE SO THAT YOU DON'T FALL FROM DISORIENTATION FROM YOUR EYE CONDITION...AND IT REALLY WOULD HELP YOU A LOT TO GET A 4-PRONGED WALKER CANE OR FOR BOTH HANDS FOR A SURE BALANCE UNTIL YOUR EYE CONDITION GETS BETTER! I AM DOING THE BED SQUATS AND THE STOP-MUSCLE
EXERCISE DANCE EVERY DAY! GOD BLESS YOUR EYE RECOVERY IN BOTH EYES! I AM ON DAY 21 AFTER SURGERY...THE BUBBLE IS GETTING SMALLER AND I CAN READ MICRO-PRINT LOOKING DOWN THROUGH THE BUBBLE...LOOKING UP AND OUT I CAN SEE PRETTY GOOD SO FAR AND CAN READ A CRAZY LOOKING DIFFERENT DESIGN AND PRINT SIZE...I NO LONGER TAKE ANY OF THE PRESCRIPTION EYE DROPS BUT I ONLY TAKE HEALTHY EYE DROPS THAT WILL HEAL MY EYES AND GIVE ME BETTER VISION! PLEASE READ YOUR EYE DROPS SIDE EFFECTS SO YOU DON'T GO BLIND! MAY GOD HEAL YOUR EYES SO THAT YOU NEVER NEED SURGERY AGAIN!
Hi Survival, you should be close to 8 months by now, how is your sight coming along? My best.
I’ve got the same now yours is best description I have see that’s all videos on TH-cam because I think I’ve seen them all
Hi Kevin, I'm glad they are helpful to you.
Hey Kevin any chance on making another update? I'm on week 4 at this point and I know how it's an incredibly unnerving process of not seeing improvement in the not gassed part of your vision.
I know this is late, but, I did just upload a summary of what it is like for me one year later. I've accepted my lot. I also realize there are folks with detachments worse than mine.
I’m at about week 8 after my Vitrectomy. My eye bubble went at about two weeks, and the eye is slowly improving. The central vision is the worst as the macular lifted and I was warned the eye might not recover totally. I was signed off by my surgeon after a two week check-up. Using both eyes is still difficult and occasionally it seems to make my other eye blurry too, although I do have dry eye syndrome as well and use drops every day and a wheat bag to help the eye. Sometimes I get a soreness in the operated eye rather like I’ve got soap in the eye, but I’m hoping this will improve too.
I'm in week 4 of recovery and I'm on painkiller daily just to get part of my normal life going. Guess we are all in this long journey together.
Hi Susan, as much as I hate my vision losses, I feel you really have far more to complain about than me. I'm so lucky my macula stayed on. I do hope you see improvements bit-by-bit.
@@kbg3879 thanks Kevin. It has improved and, as they say it may take up to six months to reach the optimum, I hope this continues
Yes thank you for that. I had v surgery on Dec. 1. Seems to have gone well. My surgeon saw me for the last time on Dec. 20. Then referred me to another opthalmologist for follow up. It's now Jan. 31 and the new guy didn't call me. I called my surgeon on Jan.27. They made a mistake and did not send the file to the new guy. Called the new guy and can't see me til Feb.2. Hoping all is well but do not know.
Hi Reese, do you have a gas bubble, I’m guessing not. Did you have a detachment ?
@@kbg3879 yes, it was a retinal detach. I think he missed it when I first went to him after going to emerg. as he was kind of shocked when I went back for a checkup 3 wks later and said it was detached. Then he put a gas bubble in and did laser. That didn't work so he did the vit with a gas bubble. It took 3 1/2 weeks to go away. I finally have an appt to see a different Dr on wed. Hoping all is going as suppose to.
@@reesequinn5546 , don’t be sheepish or short on questions for your practitioners on what you should expect to see for your progress. Drs aren’t always overflowing with info, sometimes it must be pried out of them. Do you have a list of your questions/concerns for your dr for your visit ?
@@kbg3879 Yes I'm making a list. My surgeon was very curt to say the least. I'm hoping this guy is better. From what my surgeon said I will need cataract surgery but I'm scared it might detach again. Also my bottom eyelid looks a bit infected. I also want him to look at my other eye. Lol! I'm 65 but you and others are alot younger to have this happen.
I just had surgery Saturday. I'm 42 and very active. I'm scared my life will not be the same.
Hi John, That is understandable. I spent a lot of time vacillating between fear and shock. You are still in the very early stages. What has your DR said about your particular case?
@@kbg3879 I've only had one follow up the day after surgery. I got next week again. They did say the retina was reattached
I had cataract and retina surgery at the same time...no buckle. My vision is blurry but i can see close up...like maybe 2 inches from my eye it clears up.
How are you doing now Frank?
@@kbg3879 Much better 9 weeks in. I just have a small bubble left about the size of a no 2 pencil eraser. Thanks!
These videos are pretty helpful. My surgery was an utter disaster, placing me in the ER and having to get the surgery over after day 1. I’m currently hitting week 6. Still seeing nothing.
It sounds like you had a very difficult experience. If you want to say, why did you end up in the ER? What happened?
Never know what is the right action for a share like this as if you hit the thumbs up it's like almost saying fine with the hell you're going through.. Anyway, all the best your's turns around and your vision recovers..
I have a LOT of distortion yet- on week 2-- and I had BAD cataract like a rock removed in addition to the vitrectomy.. I'm having silicon oil in mine- and that is to be left in indefinitely... but my retina problem and cataract were 4 years old. Doc said on scale of 1-10, mine was a 15 to do.. :) but I still have a 90% chance of good vision afterward. I do notice the distortion is less every day so far.. and as i said- I'm going in to the second week after.
What is life like with the silicon bubble? I'm thinking you probably see better with that in your eye than a gas bubble.
@@kbg3879 Don't know-- tthey did the VITRECTOMY to remove the vitresou and I don't know what he did- but I can't see anything YET-- every so often I can see pretty much everything-but it's badly blurred- and other times can't see anything-- I guess it's moving around in there-- hasn't been fixed yet.. not til DEC 7th-- but I'll let you know.. I can't say as to the clarity yet- because the eye itself is still bad.. :)
Greetings from one of the SOBs who got the gas bubble gone by week 3. 😜
My vision is slowly recovering but the shadow is still there. I was appalled to be made known it will stay due to scarring from the laser treatment. I'm experiencing regular pain on the socket and headache too. Not sure if it is the same as you and all viewers. It is extremely frustrating.
Hi RD, I did not have a lot of pain, so I don't have a lot to share in that area. I would ask your DRs about the pain and what you should be expecting. I'm wondering if that indicates a pressure issue with your eye, ask your DRs. Hope you are feeling better.
@@kbg3879 I've checked my eye pressure almost weekly at the hospital whenever it hurts too much. It is within acceptable range which is perplexing. My Dr isn't able to exactly pinpoint the cause as well as all my photos show the surgery is a success.
Similar story..its ten weeks now since surgery for r/d...every case is different..but i still have a marbel sized bubble at the bottom of my eye...i can see above it but things are out of focus.i am hoping in a week or so when it dissaperars will go for an eye test and get glasses to help with my vision..i do have a cataract now so wont be perfect...also eye dr told me at six months that will be the best the eye will be...
Hey TT, sounds long, I hope you continue to see improvement.
I had cataract removed- so NO chance of another cataract.. in fact already have a monofocal lens in.. As to the way I understand from the vids on here--- the Buckle like you have changes the shape of the eye so nearsightedness is made a bit WORSE-- which has to be corrected with either inter ocular lens or glasses. I don't know about mine- already has the IOL, and no buckle-- but still need the retinal re-attachment surgery!! I'm doing patch too- because the bad one makes my good one work a lot harder..
Hi David, how are you doing now? Did you have the surgery?
@@kbg3879 NO- I go WED - day after tomorrow for them to use the laser to "make a hole" in it - something about fluid exchance--INSIDE the eye-- I didn't catch the details.. but the re-attachment surgery isn't til DEC 7th.. and that's when I get the silicon oil, and some on here have had it removed-- but they say that is risky- because it can get unattached again during the removal process-- but I found out silicon oil can be left in indefinitely- and IS CLEAR-- they just recheck it every year for overal condition.. Guess they don't trust putting in a dipstick.
Hi Kevin! It's been 10 months.......how is your vision now? I had my surgery 10 weeks ago( still little bubble). Greeting from Israel.
Hi Nathan, My vision is way better than it was at 10 weeks. At about the 5 month mark, I had to have cataract surgeries to fix the damage done by the gas bubble. It is one year later and my vision in the RD eye is much better than at 10 months, but, it will not be what it was.
@@kbg3879 Thanks for your answer. Now go to get your Covid-19 vaccine.
Hey Kevin. Again great video. Curious if you got light bursts after the procedure. I had them b4 the surgery but now as the gas bubble is decreasing, I;ve started to get them again. My surgeon checked & said all is ok, it’s because he had to repair a huge area. I thought the flashes would have stopped but guess that’s gonna take a while. Hope you now have full vision back :)
I certainly had false visual sightings, but, not light bursts as I recall. My best Caro.
@@kbg3879 Interesting Kevin….the light bursts are very frequent so I sure hope they are ok. Guess time will tell.
Hi, did you go to work at certain time? I have an office job with a lot of desktop work. I can't read well and my head hurst so I'm not working now (just 4 days after my surgery)
I'm curious how you dealt with this situation.
Hi R, I was off for several week, but, I had leave for it, so I didn't need to use short term disability. I know every work situation is different. I did get back to work after a few weeks with just one eye for a while and it was tiresome.
Hello Kevin,
Brian again. It's been nearly 3 1/2 months since my retinal surgery after a complete retinal detachment. My Dr is suggesting Macular Pucker surgery. Did you do or consider this operation?
Thank you for your time.
Hi Brian,
That sounds more serious than my case. I did not have such a procedure. My detachment wasn't too close to the macula. Was your retinal detachment "macula off" ?
@Brain Smith how is you vision now?
Doesbyou get any side effects from this surgery and how many surgery you do? Eies any side effects in vision
Hi Kelvin, I am also on 4th week' and feeling same
I hope you are progressing well.
Hi ! Im also on week 4 and I hate the wavy vision. Would you mind d giving us an update ? Your other vids were really helpful.. Thanks !!
I'm hoping my latest video gives you some new insights to what could happen in your next stages.
@Mscarito09 hi do u still see wavy vision
@@shashankgm9556 yes but to a very low degree. Sometimes I notice it more than other days but you totally learn to live with it. :( Aside from distortion, I lost my peripheral vision and acuity is I think 20/60? not too sure.
@@MsCarito09 How are you now? Has vision improved?
why are you still wearing an eye patch after nine weeks?? I just hit the 3 week mark after my vitrectomy and i can see quite well out of my eye. I'm going back to work next week
Hi Sean, the surgeon chooses the type of gas that remains in the eye to support the retina, the different types of gas have different dissipation rates depending on how long he/she feels support is needed. You are fortunate, assuming your surgery remains a success. The longer that gas is in your eye, the more damage it does to your natural lens. In my case, I had a severe cataract after the gas was gone.
That cataract was caused/advanced by the gas. That meant I then needed cataract surgery that probably would have been unnecessary for another 20 years. So my right eye was pretty useless until after successful cataract surgery. It sounds like your case was not as grave. You are lucky.
@@kbg3879 ouch! Sorry to hear that Kevin. Ya i guess i did get lucky. Its been 5 weeks since my surgery and my eye specialist said my eye is looking great! Other than a being a little blurry I see fine out of it. Take care Kevin 👍
Did you ever have any shaky vision when reading? Like the image isn't still?
Hi Spex,
Wavy yes, shaky, I don't recall that. Are you still experiencing that?
@@kbg3879 It's only wavy now. It's like the lines aren't staying straight, and sometimes it tilts to the left or the right. Did you have that? Did it go away?
Could sir please tell me why you did this surgery? What were the symptoms and how was the surgery please inform me!!?
Hi Maaz, I hope you are doing well. It looks like you started in the middle of my journey. You want to start with this video to get the background. th-cam.com/video/fr4wKEfra8U/w-d-xo.html
Hi kevin it’s my 7th day post op i had oil and laser may i know what is the cause of your detachment? Mine is high myopia
Hello Kennoda, same for me. Both my parents had similar issues too. Good luck !
Was there any visual abnormalities in your left eye? Ur “good eye” ie the one that did not have surgery
Hi Lowkey, I eventually had a vitreous detachment in the left eye, not nearly as serious, but, it was scary. You will want to google that once you are out of the woods with your vitrectomy.
Hello Kevin, it has been 1 year down the line. How is your vision now? I have a retinal issues and would be visiting the retina expert next week. Just wanted to consider the second worst case scenario of how much time it takes for vision to be back since my left has flashes and right one has 3 retinal holes.
And I also wanted to thank you so much for educating us lot in simple language since the doctor's vocabulary is practically on a whole different planet altogether.
Hey TTT, I did make a video about my life 1 year after the surgery. If you haven't stumbled across it since you posted this comment. Here is a link th-cam.com/video/UtP81l3Jp6Y/w-d-xo.html
Hope things go well for you. I only know simple language when it comes to eyes. ;)
@@kbg3879 Yes I did see it. I am actually only just in my early 30 and am still studying. Cataracts, nearsightedness while reading books, a year to recover and distorted vision with loss of peripheral vision actually has got me scared... 😶
Very helpful as a patients😊
Glad it helped you
I’m on day 5, am looking at 2/3 weeks face down per my dr orders ugh
Hi K, how are things going for you now? Wow, that is long time to endure the face down positioning.
@@kbg3879 reduced facedown to 2 weeks and 4 days laying on left side 40 min down/20 min allowed up per hour. Find out tomorrow if I’m allowed up for good🤞🏼
I'm 2 weeks out of my vitrectomy surgery I'm only 31 my Dr did ask me last week if I see a line in my vision and I didn't and still don't but he said it's shrinking
HI King, I hope you are doing OK. Are you happy with your progress?
@@kbg3879 now yes 2 months after bubble is still in there getting small vision is blurry but getting less and less every day thank God
Hey I had done Retinal detachment Surgery 40 Days Ago but still my vision is no properly clear and my eye is still some redness. Is still recovering or not I am not sure
hi Rajib, have you seen your dr for follow up visits ? Do you have a gas bubble in your eye ? It will not be clear until that gas bubble dissipates. Wishing you continued improvement.
After the operation do i have to cover the eye or wear dark glasses
Hi Cobus, Ask your DR those things, I don't really know enough about you to answer that. In my case, I did not need dark glasses, because I needed to see as well as possible with the left eye, which is the one that did NOT have the gas bubble inside. I did however decide to patch my right eye because the input from it was confusing and not useful to my brain during the early period of recovery. Wish you the best,
Do you still see floaters even after surgery
Hi Rose, I do have some floaters, but, not many, one is rather large. Do you get a lot of new floaters?
Do not put any lens because I did and surgeon broke my capsules in the eye and all particles fell down in back of my eye now I have to do victractomy put glasses instead
Hi AK, How are you doing now? Hope the 2nd surgery went well.
hi I'm also 12th weeks going on ..
How's your recovery going?
Sir can redness increase in eye after 4 weeks of vitrecomy surgery. My surgery was done 30 days before and today i did some cleaning and my left eye got bit red then it was before. Is it normal. there is oil in my eye. I am bit worried.
Hi DI, like you, I am a patient, so, I can only speak from my experience. I didn't have oil in my case. I suggest contacting your DR to find out if it is still a concern and things haven't improved.
How did the bubble gas gone?
Hi Norhamida, The gas bubble duration time can vary depending on the type of gas your surgeon uses. Your surgeon should be able to tell you what type they used and about how long that type will last.
Did this ever heal
Hi Dutchie, I'm doing much better than I was at weeks 9 and 10. This is my 1 year after video and it pretty much describes my level of progress, nothing has significantly changed since then. th-cam.com/video/UtP81l3Jp6Y/w-d-xo.html Best of luck
After surgery did your eye water alot
After surgery I had pasty kitten eye (my own technical term) for a long time. My eye was dry until after the gas bubble was gone. By dry, I mean it was a chemical burn feel to me. I used a petroleum based jelly product every night to help with the burning. I don't have that problem now, but, I often do have trouble seeing with my RD eye first thing in the morning. I use an eye was to wet my eye down and that usually gets it working, gets my vision clearer.
Hi Kevin I have retinal reattached now it is 4 month I can see abject which is closed thank me but I can’t tell what later I mean it is not clear it is my left eye also my right eye very good so how long should I wait to clear? And can I drive wit my good eye? Thank u so much
@@saidibrahim6997 I'm 1 month into my right eye Surgery and I'm still having issues with Post vitrectomy cataract
Postoperative vitreous cavity haemorrhage This occurs in 3 out of 10 of patients after vitrectomy for diabetic vitreous haemorrhage and refers to blood still present in the eye immediately after surgery (residual blood) or the occurrence of a new haemorrhage into the vitreous cavity at some time after surgery (recurrent vitreous bleeding). Recurrent vitreous bleeding usually occurs between 2 and 6 months after surgery. Sometimes the blood can clear again spontaneously but in other patients it does not clear quickly and can sometimes cause high pressure inside the eye. A further operation called a vitreous washout for residual blood or recurrent blood may be required for 1 in 10 patients at some point after the initial vitrectomy for diabetic vitreous haemorrhage. The experience of this vitreous washout operation for the patient feels similar to the experience of the original vitrectomy operation now I have to go back to opthomist next to see what next steps smh
@@saidibrahim6997 In my state, you are legal to drive if you DR says you are. So, it is a matter of how you feel, I wasn't sure what it would be like to drive one eyed, so, I was cautious. I drove only during the day on roads I was very familiar with. For me, it was easier than I thought it would be. Still, because of the pandemic, I was driving much less than I had before.
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hi
Sounds like you got a really bad retinal Dr.
I don't know that he was bad at cutting, lasering and patching, but when it comes to explaining, yeah, that could use some improvement. I hope you experience is going well Ryan.
Sir how is your vision now and can we masturbate after Retinal Detachment surgery what are the precautions that must be taken after Vitrectomy?
You've probably already found the vid where I talk about my vision a year later. My concerns I raised with my DR were when to go back to the gym and go back to lifting. After my 5 day head down period, my dr told me I could go to the gym, lift weights and do whatever I did before, except avoid swimming for 2 weeks.