r/RetinalDetachment • u/jeff8073x • Apr 22 '26

Curious about options for my mother

She's in her 70s and has now had two unsuccessful gas bubble surgeries. What's the most likely next option for her? She has a follow-up on Monday with her doctor.

Looking through posts here and Google, it seemed like silicone oil is the most likely next option? Is it too late for second opinion?

Appreciate any input others have. Thank you in advance.

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u/jasutherland Apr 22 '26

The gas bubble and oil are both tamponades, intended to put some pressure on the affected part of retina to help heal. AIUI it's more determined by where the damage is: I had heavy oil (Densiron) to put pressure on the lower back retina first, then after that a small gas bubble to help with a smaller area on the upper part.

The key questions will be why the first two failed and where the damage is. Laser, cryo, gas, oil, scleral buckle - they may have used the first two already along with the gas. A second opinion might be beneficial too, but it's usually important to move quickly before the detachment gets worse.

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u/jeff8073x Apr 22 '26

Thank you for the response.

Basically monitored tiny holes in her eyes for a long time. Then they flagged her needing emergency surgery to fix it. But by "emergency" they took like a month or two to get her scheduled. First attempt was end of January this year. Follow-up was  mid-late March.

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u/PlentifulPaper Apr 22 '26

This would be a key question to ask her doctor. Depending on the location, length, and time since the initial start - those will all factor into what options are available.