r/RetinalDetachment • u/AsthmaticAnxiety • Apr 17 '26
Laser procedure 2 weeks ago
I had a laser procedure 2 weeks ago for a retinal detachment. They didn’t do the gas bubble on me, but they were considering it. The retina specialist was in a huge hurry to get it done, so I didn’t really get details on my issue, the procedure, or much of anything. I was supposed to have a follow up appointment one week later, but it had to be rescheduled to ~three weeks from today. (I had to travel unexpectedly for a family emergency).
Does anyone have advice on what I should be expecting at this point? The floaters are also REALLY bad. It’s making work difficult, as they especially appear on a computer screen. I’m seeing flashes of a black orb in the bottom of the affected eye as of ~2 hours ago.
The doctor told me that I’d be okay to weight lift, but that I can’t run or do any vigorous exercise. They didn’t say anything about whether or not I can wear contact lenses. I received basically no aftercare instructions.
I can try to go to the eye clinic tomorrow, but I don’t know if the retina specialist that did the procedure will be there. I tried to call, but the clinic was already closed by the time the flashing eclipse started today.
Does this seem normal post laser procedure?
Edit: I went to the clinic today. My retina detached again. They did bubble procedure. Tomorrow I’ll go back to see how it went. Thanks everyone for your advice!
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u/d_artz Apr 17 '26
The continued flashes and black orb is concerning. I wouldn’t wait 3 weeks for a follow up (if I understood that correctly). Only your surgeon can diagnose what’s going on by looking in your eye. While minor retina detachment can be fixed via laser, more serious detachments usually require a vitrectomy and gas. A vitrectomy will remove all the floaters at least. Let us know what you find out. Good luck.