Retina Detachment- Some Questions

Two weeks ago I had emergency surgery for a detached retina. I had the
"whole enchalada". including vitrectomy, scleral buckle and gas bubble.
My recovery seems to be going well. I see the doctor in one more week
to determine resumption of normal life activities- driving, work, etc.
I am not diabetic. I am very near-sighted and had cataract surgery
w/ocular implants two years ago. What I am attempting to "pin down" is
the increased risk brought about by a high dose treatment of interferon
alfa 2B that I had for melanoma in 2004. I had 960 million units over
20 separate infusions (48 million a day Mon-Fri for 4 weeks).
In the attempt to halt the cancer, have I weakened my internal eye
structure? Is my other eye also likely to follow suit? Do I need to
restrict physical activity in the future?

 

That is your high risk factor. Same happened to me, very near sighted,
and after cataract surgery----about two years lafter a retinal
detachment.

 

What steps/precautions can be taken now to minimize the odds on the
remaining eye?
When I state that my recovery is going well, I also have to observe
that I cannot see any degree of closeup detail. I can recognize shapes
& colors for which I am grateful.
If both eyes were in the same condition, I would be essentially blind.

I also need to mention that I am relatively young. I had the cataract
surgery two years ago at the age of 52.

K

 

As far a minimizing the odds in the other eye, the retina specialist
who see I every year as followup can only suggest not having the
cataract surgery until necessary. Since the cataract in the other eye
is small and has not progressed for about ten years I have taken that
advise.

I hope your recovery goes well. I had a very good recovery. I lost a
half diopter, and I can correct that eye to 20/20 with a contact lens.
I was around 45 when I had the detachment. That was about ten years
ago.

 

I had gas bubble and then heavy oil next surgery with buckle. Doc blames me for not maintaining position long enough. I think its worth pursuing next step but also wonder if its a waste of time and more pain and irritation. Any and all input welcome. Face down is worse position practically impossible. All surgeries for this seem archaic but better than blind in only one eye god help me.

 

My biggest concern is surviving the face down position which i already failed at once. All suggestions welcome.