Retina and/or cataract surgery experiences, advice?
I've been told that I have a "retinal wrinkle." I was referred by my opthalmologist to a retinal specialist, who said surgery is not necessary but he recommends it, if this is bothering me a lot. There is a slight distortion in my vision but I felt comfortable putting it off, until the opthalmalogist said that a cataract in the same eye is complicating matters. He said I could either have the cataract removed first and see if that solves my vision problem, or have both the cataract and the wrinkle taken care of at the same time. Both he and the retinal specialist now recommend the latter.
I researched both conditions and I feel that the cataract is the main source of my discomfort while driving, etc. It seems like I always need to clean my glasses - it's like a cloudy lens (which, in fact, I understand a cataract really is). The slight distortion from the retinal wrinkle I don't think is bothering me that badly.
I would consider having both done, to avoid two surgeries (in case the retinal surgery does seem necessary later), except in researching the retinal surgery, I find it scares me to death. They remove the entire vitreous gel and then "scrape" the wrinkle (scar tissue) off the retina. Yegads. The possible complications are rife and apparently you can only generally expect a 50% improvement in vision, if that. Plus, you're awake the whole time, only under sedation.
My questions: has anyone ever had this retinal surgery, and/or cataract surgery done? What's it like? What were the results? Are there any surgeons you would recommend? The retinal specialist I went to (I won't name him) seems very smart and competent but also a little intimidating and scary. I guess I'm just freaked out by the whole thing. Looking for experiences, information, and doctor recommendations in general for both surgeries. My impression so far is that the cataract removal is pretty much piece of cake, especially compared with the retinal surgery. But that the retinal surgery may result in significant complications.
Parent Replies
I had right eye cataract surgery three years ago, and am very pleased with the result. However I spent considerable time researching the procedure in the health library, comparing the studies, and learning about the type and power of replacement lens that was right for me. I also visited three different ophthalmic surgeons before I made my choice. Since cataracts develop slowly as the lens becomes more and more opaque there is time to do your research and get recommendations. Driving at night was the worst, with the streetlights, and headlights making halos and refractions. Night driving is fine now. I probably will not have surgery on the other eye, for several reasons. 1. It is more convenient for me to have one eye with excellent micro vision, which is lost with the interocular lens. I wear a contact lens on that eye for daytime use, but can remove it for in-bed reading, or plucking eyebrows or some very close work. The DMV permits driving with only one good eye, but you must take your behind-the-wheel test.
I had cataract surgery 2 weeks ago (I am 55) and it is "a price of cake". Very little pain, very quick, and quick recovery. I don't think the retinal surgery you described sounds worth it if your vision does not bother you. It sounds invasive, scary, and with a 50% success rate? No thanks.
Hi! I have had similar issues. I had my first cataract surgery at 38, then the next one a few years later (age 43 I think.) I also had a vitrectomy because I ended up getting a huge blood clot in my eye that wouldn't reabsorb. None of these surgeries were awful. I also have "wrinkly" retinas, where there is a bit of "pull" at the edges. Mine hasn't prompted my retinologist to do anything about it because it's not affecting my vision. But if I were you, I would do both surgeries at the same time. I thought that the vitrectomy was kind of cool. I saw interesting golden colors and lights during it (but of course I had no pain.) The cataract surgery was a piece of cake. The vitrectomy felt more involved but if I had to do it again, I definitely would. Everything will look so clear when you're done with this, and you will really appreciate how you can see better. I had mine done through Kaiser Oakland with Dr. Vora. He was excellent. I hope my response is helpful. Good luck!
Have you considered getting a second opinion at the UC Optometry school? I have some complicated eye stuff going on, and felt like they were pretty clear.
My husband had a detached retina and the surgery was done by Allen Verne at Bay Area Retina Associates in Oakland at 832-6554. He didn't have time to shop for a doctor as this was urgent, but he feels very lucky that he had some of his vision restored. The office is always busy and often feels rushed, but I've heard that the retina specialists are all pretty busy and he feels like he had an excellent surgeon. The doctor he first saw when this occurred is Erich Horn at East Bay Eye Specialists in Oakland at #836-3773. Dr. Horn is seen by many of my clients (all older adults) and he also did my husband's cataract surgery (just about all patients who have a detached retina repaired will develop cataracts within a year). My husband gained back a good amount of vision after the cataract surgery. Husband's vision is still very slowing gaining after a year and a half. Good Luck!