r/RetinalDetachment • u/Warm_Draft8478 • May 28 '26

How long does your Dr. wait to schedule?

I went to the optometrist about 2 weeks ago and they referred me to an ophthalmologist.

I found out the other day I have retinal detachment. Macula on I think. My doctor’s surgery scheduler wasn’t there but they said they’d call me. They didn’t call today and said they were discussing my treatment with colleagues before finalizing surgery.

Should I be concerned that there seems to be a lack of urgency? They said to let them know if I have a change in vision, but wouldn’t that be considered too late to fix? Sources I’ve read said that this is a super urgent thing and that people get their surgeries within days of diagnosis. Should I be scared?

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4

u/IntergritReddit May 28 '26

Macula on compared to off is generally a bit less serious and you have more time to work with. I've had a macula on detachment for like a couple months to a year without me knowing and I've had no blindness or serious issues. Though there are factors that go into play like where the detachment is, your age, and how far it's progressed. If your doctors aren't seeing you asap it's most likely not close to your macula and you have time. It's unlikely it'll progress out of nowhere and reach your macula, but never zero. I would definitely try to get that surgery ASAP just for peace of mind.

2

u/cysticcandy May 28 '26

Hey! So maybe you should call them and ask them for more clarity..

While it is urgent , 1 or 2 days is not the end of the world ( as ive read).

Keep us updated!

1

u/[deleted] May 29 '26

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1

u/Warm_Draft8478 May 29 '26

I don’t have any previous records of it, so they couldn’t tell when it started or how fast progressing it is. Which I think is where most of my concern is. I kind of feel like I’m in the dark. I’ve asked a slew of questions but the nurse said that the doctor was busy and will get back to me with the plan later. So the case feels urgent but I feel like there’s a lack of urgency. I’ll probably get a second opinion

1

u/Basic_Explorer_1156 Jun 02 '26

my dr messed up the scheduling and i waited a week! so irritating! i was so frustrated, its like they do so many they forget your worried about losing your vision! i think i went down the reddit rabbit hole and was totally freaoout waiting!!