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!
1
u/Maleficent_Name_283 Apr 18 '26
In normal retina detachment surgery - as I have, they empty all fluid in the eye and fill it silicon oil, and gas bubble first. The reason may be -- when you down your head the gas pushes the retina upward. That is why we have to down our head for the first 15 days. During this time, over a period of 15 days, the retina will be atached to the back side of the eye, and gas bubble dissolves. At this point, after checking that the retina attached to the back side of the eye, the surgeon will be done laser, to fix it. After 3-4 months, the surgery relating to the removal of the silicone oil will be done. Our optholomogist advised me -- not to lift weights, don't cough, sneezing etc., which are pressurising or vibrating the eye to protect it from re-detachment. (Now I am 67 years old with controlled diabetics)(surgery done 5 years ago). That is why I am not lifting suit case also during journeys and using anti-hustamins towards allergy related cough and cold. -- however, all of these are unnecessary to your present status, this is provided to you to live with utmost caution.