Retinal detachment

[Maggiemags]

Hi, I'm 46 and at my last eye exam I was told my retinas are detaching in both eyes. I was told nothing can be done until they do detache and then it is a medical emergency. Surfing the net, as one does I have found some conflicting information. Any advice please, I'm worried and confused.

[Rosalyn-helpline Partner]

Dear Maggiemags,

I am sorry to read about your concerns. You do not mention where you were diagnosed; presumably it was at an eye clinic by an ophthalmologist? If so, it would be worth contacting your ophthalmologist's secretary with a list of questions and concerns that you need addressing. They would be able to answer these with reference to your eyes in particular.

Kind regards,

Macular Society Helpline

[Maggiemags in reply to Rosalyn-helpline]

Thank you for your prompt reply.

Yes I was diagnosed at a routine eye exam. I have eyeplan so had extra tests which threw this up. I do have private health care so am toying at getting a second opinion privately regarding preventive surgery if possible , although my optician told me nothing could be done. I am short sighted, although not badly and have no other health issues.

Kind regards.

[Ayayay80]

Hi Maggiemags

Yes things can get scary and confusing. I really think you should see an opthalmologist. If you go to your GP I am sure he will refer you. My optician told me I had AMD but did not need treatment yet and to come back in a years time. I am glad I did not rely on the optician. Within 2 months the eye clinic diagnosed wet AMD with epithelial detachment and vitreo-macular traction for which I am having treatment. I know your condition will be different from mine but you should really let a specialist have a look at your eyes. Good look and best wishes. Do keep in touch. This forum is excellent as we all try to share our experiences and support each other.

[Maggiemags in reply to Ayayay80]

Thank you for your advice, I didn't realise there is is a difference between an optician and an ophthalmologist. I will try and get a second opinion next week. I do feel my right eye feels week somehow but vision is pretty much the same, I think!

[Macular_1]

Hello Maggiemaggs,

I suspect that you are currently experiencing 'Vitreomacular Traction?

You will appreciate that the Macular Society's speciality is macular degeneration but we do have some information.

The following, which I think a colleague of ours obtained from the internet may be helpful;

'Vitreomacular traction is a condition in which the vitreous gel has an abnormally strong adhesion to the retina. Over time, the gel tends to pull forward and can cause vessel and retinal distortion causing retinal swelling and decreased vision.

Clinical Features

There is a wide spectrum of severity and, hence, clinical findings.

Some patients have minimal symptoms, while others are bothered by decreased or distorted central vision. With the advent of a test called optical coherence tomography (OCT), this diagnosis has been much easier to make, and is rarely confused with other similar-appearing conditions.

The clinical course is variable.

Typically this will either remain stable or it may progress if additional traction occurs. In the past, it had been reported that as many as 50% of patients will spontaneously improve, but this was well before OCT was available to confirm the diagnosis. In our experience, a minority of patients will have the vitreous spontaneously separate and visual improvement.

Management;

Often early stages are observed for any progression. Vitrectomy with separation of the vitreous is the only treatment option for patients who develop significant visual symptoms. Depending on the amount of a patient's vision interferes with their activities of daily living (ADL's), surgery is generally considered for vision around 6/12 or worse.

I hope that this is of some help.

Best wishes

Helpline

Macular Society

[tallyho]

Hi Maggimags

Sorry to hear this. The RNIB eye health team are brilliant at answering these sort of queries they are extremely knowledgeable ( I often speak to Charlie) I would give them a ring if you have to leave a message -do they WILL ring you back