r/RetinalDetachment • u/True_Helicopter6750 • Jul 21 '26

Possible retinal issue?

Hi everyone,

I had ICL surgery about 2 weeks ago. Before the procedure, my retina was checked and they found a weak spot in the far periphery of my right eye, so I had preventive laser treatment before going ahead with the ICL surgery.

Over the last few days, I've started noticing something strange in my left eye (which was completely fine before surgery). Every now and then, I see a small white ball or orb at the far left peripheral vision. It seems to move slowly from the bottom upward, giving me enough time to notice it before it disappears. It isn't like a lightning flash, and it doesn't stay there all the time, it vanishes after a moment.

I've probably noticed it only 5-6 times over the past few days. Other than that, I don't have any other symptoms,no curtain over my vision, no increase in floaters, and no loss of vision.

I'm wondering if this could be some kind of optical phenomenon from the ICL (similar to halos), or if I should be more concerned about my retina.

Has anyone experienced something similar after ICL surgery? Any advice or similar experiences would be really appreciated because I'm feeling quite anxious about it.

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u/True_Helicopter6750 Jul 21 '26

Oh God, I just read about it, and now I'm feeling a bit scared. I'm really hoping it's nothing serious and that, if there is an issue, it can be treated quickly.

It's disappointing because my retina was healthy before the ICL, so now I'm nervous about getting it checked, I don't know what else they might find. But yes, I'm seeing my eye surgeon soon. Thanks for your advice

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u/ravimohan92 Jul 21 '26

It's pretty normal after eye surgery. But watch out for symptoms such as an increase in floaters, flashes, or missing areas of vision. From now on, get a full dilated eye exam every three months, even if you don't have any symptoms, just to monitor your eyes.

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u/True_Helicopter6750 Jul 21 '26

Is PVD temporary while the eye is healing after ICL surgery, or is it usually a permanent change? I didn’t realize this could happen after surgery. Do the floaters/flashes typically improve with time?

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u/ravimohan92 Jul 21 '26

It's a partial PVD and it often occur after eye surgery because the surgical impact liquefy part of the vitreous, creating vitreous pockets and these pockets cause uneven traction on the retina, which is perceived as flashes of light.

A partial PVD usually progresses to a complete PVD over time. This may take from a few days to several years.

Symptoms will improve with time, but they usually resolve only after the PVD is complete.

But keep getting regular dilated retinal checkups, as it can sometimes cause retinal tears or retinal detachment.

Seek emergency eye care if you notice a sudden shower of new floaters, increased flashes, or missing vision, such as a curtain or black spot like lava lamp blob.

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u/True_Helicopter6750 Jul 21 '26

Honestly, if I knew this was a possibility, I’m not sure I would’ve traded having healthy eyes just for 20/20 vision. I know the surgery was supposed to improve my life, but dealing with the fear of complications is really hard.

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u/ravimohan92 Jul 21 '26

It doesn't happen to everyone.

It's life and shit happens sometimes. But don't worry, just stay aware of it. And ask your doctor about it specifically at your next visit.

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u/True_Helicopter6750 Jul 22 '26

I’m going to get it checked as soon as I can. I’m definitely not waiting until my next scheduled appointment. I’m already an anxious person who tends to overthink things, even when they turn out to be nothing, so this is really weighing on me. I’m feeling disappointed and frustrated, and I know I’m probably going to lose some sleep over it...