1 Year Later, Retina Road to Recovery after Vitrectomy

[@markotomich]

Thank you, I'm 21 and i went throw 8 surgerys (1 with gas and others with laser). And listening you makes me feel kinda better. I can't see close, distant or periferal down on right eye but on left i can see preety normally with glasses, so left took all responsibility and I'm kinda fighting with my self to not be worried that I'll be totaly blind, I'm not religious at all but i pray that in 5 years or 10 some stem cell surgery or bionic eye could be made so i can replace this eye or heal it completly. Day doesn't pass by and from moment i wake up to moment i go to sleep i think about how much eye is bothering me, constant light, weak vision, lack of periferal vision and worst of all, i rly wanted to become good artist and designer, alredy had a job set up after collage, i hope i don't go blind, i don't want any advanture or fast life, i just want normal boring life and not to be blind.

[@kbg3879]

Hi Marko, certainly you've endured a lot and its understandable that you'd be concerned. I do hope advances in medicine will help with keeping and restoring your sight. Best of luck, sincerely.

[@JessicaLovely1]

God bless you, Marko. I will keep you in prayer. My husband is recovering from 2 surgeries. I am believing and praising God for both of your restored vision!

[@sumitkumarnayak6506]

Marko I am praying for your speedy recovery god bless you

[@roywells5790]

God bless you young man

[@hankhillsnrrwurethra]

Best to you Marko

[@karenbonetti7656]

Thank you Kevin. I am a 2 nd generation barber who is passionate about cutting hair even after 40 years I can say I’m more passionate about my craft than ever. I have been away from my barbershop going on 8 weeks now waiting for bubble to dissolve. I am sad to say I am losing my income & my business a little each day. It’s disheartening to know I have even lost some of my favorite clients. At first I explain to people it would take a couple days to get back to work cause that’s what I was told. Then I was told 4 to 6 weeks. Then told 8 weeks. Drs. told me this. And then I re-searched and found that it could take 3 to 6 months. Seeing your video gives me hope I am grateful that you posted it.TY Karen

[@kbg3879]

Hi Karen, I am astonished by the lack of understanding that the medical PROs in this area have for what a patient will know in advance about the process, which is next to nothing unless they've had a parent or spouse go thru this. Hope you are doing better.

[@lawheellawheel4586]

@@beableishhi how is your dad vision?

[@brewitzer55]

​@kbg3879 Eek!! Now I'm worried! I'm having a macula vitrectomy in two days and I am a self-employed hairstylist and salon owner! I talked with my surgeon and he did say however, that I should practice using an eye patch as my depth perception will be off and I have been doing that occasionally. I plan in going back to work part time in 3 weeks. Any thoughts.

[@catherineward675]

Kevin, you give me hope. I was absolutely panic-stricken for 2 weeks post-surgery. My surgeon never explains well and brushes off my anxiety.

[@kbg3879]

Oh Cathrine, I can so relate to that feeling, I'm glad this video has helped.

[@talk2thoran]

It has been my experience both in relation to the eyes, particularly surgeons, and the medical profession generally that there is too little regard given to healing being a collaborative endeavour. Once one presents, there is little more engagement with the self about what is happening from the inside and how one can help with the process, or to even be told much about what to expect. The ophthalmologists I consulted with had no idea about most of the supportive actions I was taking and were disinclined to discuss options and surgical techniques. My result so far is exceptionally good. I had little trouble seeing 2 weeks out and have retained better than 20/20 vision because I had to fight not to get a vitrectomy and insisted on a pneumatic retinopexy, in conjunction with some cryopexy, so as to reduce the risks associated with infection and with cataracts. Do your homework and use your own judgement since you have to live with the result!

[@katherinenelson849]

Thank you for sharing your experience with us! Knowledge is power. I have never had a detached retina, but I am extremely near-sighted and only recently learned that that puts me at a significantly greater risk for a detachment, that and advancing age; I am a 66-year- old female. I can't believe that after decades of visiting optometrists for eyeglasses not one of them pointed this out to me. I only learned of this increased chance after visiting an Ophthalmologist and eye surgeon in preparation for cataract removal in both eyes. Now I at least know what warning signs to look for. Like so many, I am often frustrated that my ophthalmologists' seem to think I have a background in ophthalmology. They need to use plain-speak when addressing their patients. Thank you again for sharing your experience and thank you to all who have commented. It makes me feel a little less anxious about possible future issues.

[@kbg3879]

Hi Katherine, lets hope you don't have any detachments in your future.

[@dicipulo144]

Thank you, Kevin. We got this. Second week on my recovery from my retinal detachment surgery.

[@donna8826]

Can’t thank you enough for your detailed videos. I have been listening over and over again and every time I do I find something else I can identify with. Every week after eye surgery there seems to be different issues that are part of the healing process but still daunting.

[@kbg3879]

Yes Donna, I remember it as quite a journey. The quest for explanations. I really should have had a cape and a staff.

[@susanreynolds3229]

Thank you for sharing your recovery. I am 5 weeks post op and at times anxious with slow recovery and family not understanding that with one eye vision tasks takes longer. Your videos are encouraging.

[@kbg3879]

You are so welcome Susan, Wishing you the best.

[@thewriterchick134]

Hi and thank you for this video. I was on vacation back in June (2021) and within a few days got a detached retina in my right eye. Fortunately, I was near one of the best eye institutes in the country and was taken in for surgery the next day. All went well, I kept (and am still keeping) all my appointments but I still see what I call a little "ghost" in my right eye. It's like a gray floater dancing across the eye and sometimes I see like a mini light from a flashlight on the corners of both eyes. That "light" has come and gone for years and I see a retinal specialist at Johns Hopkins who assures me it's nothing but a floater, my eye is healing great, and my left eye is perfect. Yet my anxiety is off the chart when it comes to my health. It was a terrifying experience. Your video brought me some relief, so thank you again. ♥

[@kbg3879]

Hi WC, I wonder if your ghost and your flashes are related to a vitreous detachment. They are USUALLY not as serious as retinal detachment. That little ghost could be the area that connected to your optic nerve. The flashes of light around the edges of your vision could be where the vitreous membrane is still attached and giving little tugs on the retina. I'm curious to hear what your DRs think about these symptoms that you describe.

[@asasasasas191]

how is your vision now

[@Gigi-z3z]

@@thewriterchick134 I think that anxiety is common theme for this condition/disease. With everything that we must go through it calls for a lot of patience and inner strength. With positioning and all-super human strength is called for! I’m going on 16 months of various recoveries with 4 retinal surgeries and 1 cataract surgery (that was a breeze) and I am experiencing double vision. It seems like the anxiety is a common visitor now with me. After experiencing a detached retina and all that it can entail, my heart goes out to everyone that must go through this. All the best to you!

[@ashhhton]

Thank you! This really helps and I like how you visualized what you were explaining with blurs and smoke and … layering on your videos

[@kbg3879]

Glad it was helpful Ashton, glad you like the special effects too. LOL

[@lindablackwood2932]

Kevin, thank you so much for sharing your journey. I have just had a vitrectomy (20 June 2022) and your comments have certainly put me at ease. 💕

[@kbg3879]

Hi Linda, You are still early in the process. I hope things are going well or at least as expected. Wishing you all the best.

[@maritzaguzman5751]

Linda I hope you are now seeing better and that you have no complications. All my best.

[@dougyates7218]

Hello, I had retina repair surgery two months ago, may I ask if you had any pain after your surgery? They did 4 procedures on my eye and sent me home w/o anything for pain. I was in the most terrible pain I've ever had for 6 days. The clinic doctor said that he would have given me something for pain. The doctor says all looks good but my eye is still a little red and my eyelid sags some making my eye look smaller than the other one. Is this anything like you experienced? I would appreciate it if you would reply and tell me a little about your experience. Thank you.

[@nicocozzi]

Hi how are you doing? Do you think is a good idea to create a group or something to share experiences and questions among people with retina issues. I had a vitrectomy two weeks ago and it would be very helpful for everyone

[@nicocozzi]

​@@maritzaguzman5751 Hi how are you doing? Do you think is a good idea to create a group or something to share experiences and questions among people with retina issues. I had a vitrectomy two weeks ago and it would be very helpful for everyone

[@buffmay1666]

Thank you for your videos. I am one month out from my vitrectomy. It is hard to find information about what to expect. Thank you for your honest and helpful information.

[@kbg3879]

I'm glad if it they help you find some peace of mind.

[@airamjulian1774]

Thank you for the vedeo I'm 2months retina detachment and cataract surgery together it's normal to see small bubbles in my eyes

[@elainetyler6200]

I at at week 5 postop for vitrectomy surgery for a macular hole. I have a gas bubble still there. ;-( You're right, buff may. So hard to find information about what to expect. Seems like ophthalmologists don't like to give out much info. Good luck!

[@curtismcnabb8119]

I have tons of issues with my vision and the way you're accepting yours is a huge help to me. Thanks for sharing your story. God bless!

[@michael5089]

💙🙏

[@kbg3879]

You are so welcome Curtis, I think I'm lucky compared to some. Wishing you the best.

[@tashabailey8629]

Thank you. Im 40 days & 2 surgeries in - 1st had thick oil, 2nd thin oil. I had a total retina dettachment & tear. My eye is taking longer to heal & is still swollen with alot of heavy thick scar tissue with a risk of the retina dettaching again. Iv been told I know need cataract surgery then more oil. I couldnt see life getting back to normal until i watched your video. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@kbg3879]

Hi Tasha, That sounds like you've had a rough road. It is long and sadly that path back to sight is often not well explained to us. I hope you continue healing with no major bumps in that road back.

[@Islami12-f7d]

How is your vision right now

[@garyalbert9297]

I want you to know how very helpful your videos have been. I did not have the surgery but my husband did. He is currently one week after surgery. It is very beneficial to understand what he might have to go through as he recovers from his surgery. Thanks so much and I hope you continue with good sight.

[@kbg3879]

Hi Gary and Partner, Yeah, it is a sobering event. I wish you all the best though the coming months. Thanks for your well wishes.

[@bethkrueger6789]

Kevin, I am so grateful to you for posting all of your videos about your retinal detachment surgery and recovery. I'm just over 4 weeks out from my retinal detachment surgery / vitrectomy with a gas bubble. What I can see so far is very blurry, no detail. I'm hoping and praying I continue to improve. Thanks again for all of the detailed information you provided. It is very comforting to see that someone else went through the same thing and it lets me know that hopefully I am progressing as expected, although it seems super slow.

[@kbg3879]

Hi Beth, I am glad you find this helpful. I hope the coming months see a lot of improvement for you. Do you still have the gas bubble in your eye? While that exists, you won't see well.

[@bethkrueger6789]

@@kbg3879 Hi Kevin, I'm about 7 weeks post op and I still have the bubble. I'm hoping it will be gone by Nov 22nd when I return to work. What I can see out of my left eye is limited due to the cataracts that I now have from the gas bubble. I'm hoping to get my cataract surgery at the 4 to 6 month post op period, but I will see what the cataract surgeon recommends. I want to get it as soon as it is safe to do so. I'm hoping once the bubble is gone I won't need to wear the patch anymore - that is getting tiresome, especially if I go someplace where I also have a mask on. Thanks for listening.

[@Yankeefan101711]

Hope your vision got better. I’m 4 weeks out and still very blurry.

[@1thezoe]

@@Yankeefan101711 I am 25 days in with probably half the gas bubble left? I see some glimpses of vision, but still very blurry.I am hoping to see an improvement and hope my journey takes me to better vision.

[@jeanjohnson2743]

This is a nightmare pure and simple and sure are so positive I mean really you didn't even show everything 6 months of recovery from this OMG

[@kbg3879]

Hi Jean, it is quite a journey isn’t it ? How are you doing now ?

[@SuperDeluxeEdition]

Thank you so much for taking the time to create these vitrectomy videos. It’s so kind of you to share your road to recovery and it’s very helpful for people who are going thru this process. Can you share ideas on sleeping positions, daytime positions for face down?

[@kbg3879]

Hey SDE, by day, the special chair I show in the 1st video of this series of 4 videos, was a godsend. You might have already seen that video by now. By night, i just had to muddle through. I talked to my surgeon about my inability to sleep on my stomach and he told me to sleep on my side keeping my nose pointed down towards the mattress. Best wishes on this journey.

[@RB-oy3vx]

I’m so happy for you You’re very precise and educated I am 25 and I have the same thing I had floaters for almost 13 years, since I was 12 And this month my retina detached And you’re helping me to understand what I’m going through I really wish at least that it doesn’t get worse

[@kbg3879]

I hope that you get a good result. You are very young. I hope you and your DRs have good communication between you.

[@mst7806]

I'm two weeks from my emergency surgery. Eye pain has me worried a bit, but so far so good. I've also found this helpful. I hope you're doing okay.

[@cjmacq-vg8um]

"vitrectomy" is supposed to be for macular holes not detached retinas. i have bluriness, distortion and a slight sight blockage. i was told i had cataract, but not needed surgery yet, macular degeneration, both in my left eye, and began shot treatments for it. i went in for a delayed shot to discover i now have a macular hole in that same eye. the hole is, supposedly, unrelated to the degeneration and the neither is related to my cataract. i can't get the surgery done because i suffer from constant dizziness. my dizziness will prevent me from doing the post-op procedures too. so i don't know what the hell's going. i don't trust any of these profiteering scammers. i haven't found a doctor in 20 years who gives a damn about me or my health. ALL THERY CARE ABOUT IS MONEY! i don't know what the hell i'm gonna do. NO ONE CARES! i guess i'll just go blind in my left eye. THANKS MEDICAL INDUSTRY for being taken over by a bunch of negligent, incompetent, money hungry thugs!

[@Islami12-f7d]

What about your vision right now

[@menotyew]

Thank you Kevin for making this series & sharing your journey. I am at week 2. So early days. I am in a slightly different category to yourself in that I’m older & had dense cataracts to be dealt with before my retinal detachment. I was told by my eye surgeon today that the cataract surgery should proceed with my operated on eye being done first as the retinal detachment speeds up the cataract problems faster. I found that interesting & in line with what you’ve told us in previous videos. I felt a lot of empathy for you in that you were trying to make decisions based on little knowledge & your medics didn’t seem to be explaining & advising options well at all. Not being able to see clearly for a long period & then trying to decide important things for your future is a very hard thing without understanding consequences etc. I feel I was lucky as before my surgery I was told the many possibilities that could go wrong. It made it scary proceeding but the alternative really is permanent blindness without a second chance. I think things would have been a lot better for you if your professionals had explained more so you had a better understanding. They actually would know possible outcomes & side effects & effects after that surgery just from working in that field & not from having the surgery themselves. It’s most certainly not your fault in any way that you did not notice your retinal detachment but it’s my understanding that the surgery is treated as urgent because the sooner the surgery the more chance of saving sight but never a guarantee. Yes you are lucky to have some sight in that eye. I think I’m lucky too that as my gas bubble dissipates I’m seeing more each day. Even though it truly is like looking & walking around in a sloshy fish bowl. Very off putting & not like I was expecting at all. After my surgery I only had lie with head down for 1/2 hour. From what you described I feel fortunate but of course there were & are restrictions. Because I dread losing sight in that eye, I feel prepared to be patient & do everything that I’m told to do with regard to my eye. My other problem is my “good” eye has dense cataract too so I have all the crazy stuff going on in one eye & can’t see much in the other! Very limiting but hopefully not forever. With the cataract surgery, before this surgery I will as terrified if it. Now I feel it will be ok. I’ve been led to believe with the lenses they put in for cataract surgery, you can almost pick & choose if you want to be long or short sighted or else. I also understand that once it’s done you never have cataracts again & the lenses last the rest of your days. I could be wrong but that’s what I’ve been told. So for me choosing to have cataract surgery is easy, either have it or slowly lose sight. I choose to see if I can! It’s a shame you had to worry about the cataract surgery because things weren’t explained enough. Anyway it is what it is. Faced with the prospect & reality of not seeing, we choose to take our chances to see.

[@kbg3879]

Hey Menotyew, Thanks for telling us about your experience. I hope you continue to make progress.

[@cjmacq-vg8um]

"vitrectomy" is supposed to be for macular holes not detached retinas. i have bluriness, distortion and a slight sight blockage. i was told i had cataract, but not needed surgery yet, macular degeneration, both in my left eye, and began shot treatments for it. i went in for a delayed shot to discover i now have a macular hole in that same eye. the hole is, supposedly, unrelated to the degeneration and the neither is related to my cataract. i can't get the surgery done because i suffer from constant dizziness. my dizziness will prevent me from doing the post-op procedures too. so i don't know what the hell's going on. i don't trust any of these profiteering scammers. i haven't found a doctor in 20 years who gives a damn about me or my health. ALL THEY CARE ABOUT IS MONEY! i don't know what the hell i'm gonna do. NO ONE CARES! i guess i'll just go blind in my left eye. THANKS MEDICAL INDUSTRY for being taken over by a bunch of negligent, incompetent, money hungry thugs!

[@beeoneder6799]

Thank you for your video . I was in a similar surgery stages like you had. I had vitrectomy then 2 cataract surgeries thereafter . I even had a capsulotomy on my eye that had vitrectomy . So that is 3 procedures altogether in 1 eye . Anyway , I can only concur to everything you said in this video . I have exactly the same results as you have . Now , 10 years after my first surgery(vitrectomy) , I am still able to drive without any prescription glasses . The only glass I need is reading glasses . I am now 65 , fully retired from my IT profession and trying to enjoy life the best I can even in this pandemic life . Regards from Auckland , New Zealand

[@kulwindersingh-vu2do]

Hi can I get u contact detail I m also from New Zealand I stay in Tauranga I had vitrectomy surgery just 12 days ago I have questions in my mind thx so much

[@kbg3879]

I'm glad things worked out well for you and that you are still doing OK

[@shanghaiwriter]

Is it a fact that post vitrectomy, as regards cataract surgery, multi focal IOL are not an option? I presume you have the far vision IOL. Thank you.

[@safakakay9054]

@@kulwindersingh-vu2do How is your vision now?

[@frank4245]

Thank you for your encouragement. I have been facing down watching KZbin videos, including yours for five days now. 😎

[@kbg3879]

Hopefully you are able to enjoy a little more time upright the last few days. I well remember those long 5 days. You still have quite a road in front of you, but, you can get through it.

[@Nobody-hr3wk]

I had large area detached retina on my left eye and I had vitrectomy and scleral buckle on 7/14/2022. It took me 80 days for the gas to disappear. It is 13 weeks now. I am 20/40 vision. My vision is improving every day. Your video gave me hope and provide something and time lines that the doctor did not give. Thanks❤

[@kbg3879]

Hi Friend, 20/40, that sounds pretty good, is that with, or without corrective lenses? Wishing you a good recovery.

[@franko2005dublin]

Thank you Kevin for your series of videos. They don't sugar coat things in any way but at the same time are hopeful, very descriptive and a very valuable resource for anybody who has undergone a vitrectomy. I'm in Galway Ireland, and as I write this on November 8th, 2022 I'm 41 days over vitrectomy surgery (28/9/22) for a detached retina in the left eye. I still don't know if it was macula on or off - I went 70-75% blind in the eye overnight, and despite three follow ups with my surgeon I still feel like I'm in a little bit of an information vacuum. I had surgery 37 hours after acute symptoms presented. Both my surgeon and optician now tell me my macula is perfect and yesterday my optician said I had 20/20 vision with the eye in terms of recognising letters, so I'm hoping this is indeed an indication the macula remained intact. However the distortion, waviness in the eye (door edges, text etc.), generally crumpled nature of the vision and knock on binocular double vision are a real pain. I can only hope there is indeed a year or so of progressive recovery to come. The mental aspects of recovery are very, very difficult indeed (I've recently started medication for depression and anxiety and am in counselling) and you do portray that reality well during your series. Once again thank you for your efforts in making the videos and I truly hope your eye is doing great and that you continue to go from strength to strength in general. Neil.

[@kbg3879]

Hi Frank, thanks for you detailed comment. I think these types of detailed comments from you and other viewers help other viewers too who read thru them. I hope you continue to improve bit by bit, but, we do need to be aware we may not progress as much as we'd like. I wish you the best.

[@kbg3879]

Frank, thanks for this detailed commentary. As I was going through this, I realized I can’t be alone in this journey with so much mis- and missing information. I’m glad my efforts help fill in some of the gaps. Best of luck with your recovery journey.

[@lawheellawheel4586]

How’s your vision now frank?

[@JDPeterson-v2t]

Thank you. I had this surgery yesterday. Nice to know what to expect.

[@kbg3879]

Good luck LX.

[@socorrocastro5860]

Love your additude I wish I had your patience with this operation I had mine in april this year and I have a cateract I’m so scared it helped listening to your video

[@dimitriconstant5254]

hi Kevin, i had 2 surgeries on the same eye in the past 5 weeks. retinal detachment with a tear. first surgery was done from the outside to repair the tear and then gas bubble. i had to be face down for 6 days, that sucks. 2 weeks later Doc realized that I had blood in the eye. next day back to surgery, i did not heal from the first. they did a vitrectomy with cataract. today I still cannot see. i am a professional guitarist and only see about 25%. I'm glad I found your videos. I feel better knowing that it is going to take a long time but that seems to be the norm, based on the comments I read here. great job on the vids and thanks.

[@kbg3879]

Hey Dimitri, I hope you see some progress over the coming weeks. Do you have a gas bubble? It is a long process, and that is not always made clear by your doctors.

[@pardeepparkash398]

Thanks for a very informative video. I had surgery on a retinal detachment 4 days ago in recovery now. It was a shock. I hope I get to drive soon my whole family count on me. You're positive message has given me hope.

[@kbg3879]

Hi Pardeep. Sight is so important. How are you doing now?

[@pardeepparkash398]

@@kbg3879 its recovering now thanks but for from perfect I'm afraid, although its early days. It was a shock at first , I have slight distorted vision in my left eye, things look smaller although I'm driving safely I'm ultra cautious. What I'm really afraid if is if there's further retinal detachments ( I had mac- off unfortunately). A guy in my clinic had many detachments in both eyes over 10 years. However at least I have restored vision for now which I'm thankful for. Surgery went well. Thanks for your kind reply hope you're well too, are you fully on the mend now ?

[@safakakay9054]

How is your vision now?

[@pardeepparkash398]

@@safakakay9054 it is moderate. I think I have cataracts developing now but was told this could happen. After new prescription my sight is okay but not the same as before. I just hope there is no further detachments. I am aware now of any signs.

[@lawheellawheel4586]

@@pardeepparkash398how’s your vision now?

[@srjeffer4907]

Thank you so much for all of this information. I am on day four. Trying very hard to keep my head down. My doctor said just a couple of days with head down but my eyes feel better when my head if down. There is a developing cataract the Ophthalmologist sees developing. I had my day after appointment and my second appointment is in three more weeks. Your information is so helpful. Thank you. I will definitely stop walking and doing things around the house and let the bubble settle.

[@JosephHwang09]

Thank you for all the info you shared. I just had the same surgery 2 weeks ago, and am stressed about my recovery. Great talk indeed!

[@kbg3879]

HI Joseph, I'm glad if it helped relieve a little of the stress.

[@safakakay9054]

How is your vision now?

[@judithwelsh6184]

I just came across your video series. Not sure if it's too late to ask you about making a video concerning your experiences with cataract surgery and ways to prevent various complications. That would be very helpful to me and others who are or will be facing vitrectomy, cataract surgrey, retinal tears and other eye issues requiring surgery. What you said about the lack of clarity in communicating with cataract surgeons struck me as so true. Reminds me of the old saying, `forewarned is forearmed'. Thanks for all the helpful information.

[@loricarmichael4851]

Thank you this is very helpful. I'm on week 2 since my surgery. I had lattice degeneration and had a retinal detachment and had all the same procedures done. My surgeon was pleased with how things are healing as I had a recheck appointment yesterday. I had to keep my head down for 7 days but he said the longer I could be face down the better. I was able to borrow a table that was from my local chiropractors,also my work place, and did 10 days. Lots of audio books. Im able to drive but as you pointed out my peripheral vision on my left eye is nill. I feel confident after watching your videos that all will be well abu it's a slow recovery. Thanks again for making these videos. Blessings on you.

[@kbg3879]

Hi Lori, I'm glad these videos helped raise your confidence level. Wishing you the best.

[@RB-oy3vx]

I really wish that you completely heal I want to see you having no issues at all and I wish for that ❤️

[@kbg3879]

Thanks, I hope the same for you.

[@alunevans4192]

I underwent this same process last week and your videos are a great help for those going through this. I think one thing that I am now concious of at nearly 60, is that eye care is now going to be a major issue for the rest of my life. Eye surgery is so complex that you are never fully 100% over the situation like with many other ops. There is always that nagging worry that the other eye may go or multiple ongoing treatment for both eyes may be needed. The key is to be an informed patient, recognize the cues that there may be an issue, and have regular checks for peace of mind. Attention to details, like knowing where the nearest eye clinic is on your holidays etc. Basically just adjusting your life a little bit to cater for scenarios where you may need specialist help. For instance I wi be taking my surgical notes on holiday this year, just in case. Anything that reduces anxiety.

[@kbg3879]

Alun, I agree with your assessment. I do not have the quality of vision I had before, but, I'm grateful to have it. Enjoy your vacation

[@cjmacq-vg8um]

"vitrectomy" is supposed to be for macular holes not detached retinas. i have bluriness, distortion and a slight sight blockage. i was told i had cataract, but not needed surgery yet, macular degeneration, both in my left eye, and began shot treatments for it. i went in for a delayed shot to discover i now have a macular hole in that same eye. the hole is, supposedly, unrelated to the degeneration and the neither is related to my cataract. i can't get the surgery done because i suffer from constant dizziness. my dizziness will prevent me from doing the post-op procedures too. so i don't know what the hell's going on. i don't trust any of these profiteering scammers. i haven't found a doctor in 20 years who gives a damn about me or my health. ALL THEY CARE ABOUT IS MONEY! i don't know what the hell i'm gonna do. NO ONE CARES! i guess i'll just go blind in my left eye. THANKS MEDICAL INDUSTRY for being taken over by a bunch of negligent, incompetent, money hungry thugs!

[@marysmith7765]

Your comment is from a year ago, how are you doing now?

[@alunevans4192]

@Mary Smith overall ok. Had regular checkups after the op. The last one was in March, when they Said come back in a year. I had an issue with a broken blood vessel in the eye but they said it was nothing to do with the retina op. Eyesight itself is fine.

[@lawheellawheel4586]

@@alunevans4192hi I hope you are feeling better now cause your response was from 7 months ago.please how long did it take for you to start having you vision back after surgery?

[@stylewithsadaf8050]

Thank you so for all your detailed videos. Please i want to know more about all your cataract surgery with detail.

[@thephilpott2194]

Thanks for contribution to YT. 7 weeks ago I had 2 small retina tears repaired using cryo and laser (facilitated with a vitrectomy) using C2F6 gas which takes 5 odd weeks to disperse. Full field of vision gained but rapid onset of haziness of vision. High IOP had to be medicated. I'm 80% confident that the posterior capsule was breached and an acute cataract ensued. I find out in 3 days. Properly pissed off if i'm honest. Need to wave £2.5k GBP in front of the surgeon in Jan or Feb if this is indeed an early cataract. The UK National Health Service is in the shit at the moment so to get it done before i go insane will cost me. Cest la vie..

[@johnemert3761]

Thank you Kevin, I am on Day 16 since my vitrectomy.. your info share is so valuable. 'Nobody can tell you this' unless you experience one of these. I now know that it's a journey - thanks to your shares. I was scheduled to have cataract surgery on my 'other eye' 5 days before experiencing the detached retina - can't make this up. So my vision now is seeing through a bad cataract in left eye and still looking through the gas bubble in my right eye. Your video shares have helped me with being patient. It's going to take a long time.

[@kbg3879]

HI John, that is for sure, Good luck on your continued journey.

[@suzukisav]

Had surgery yesterday. Thanks for sharing this. Super helpful. 👍

[@kbg3879]

Glad the info is a help.

[@stylewithsadaf8050]

How was your experience about vitrectomy surgery. Are you wrote thiis message by your self? Is it possible to use mobile phone after this kind of surgt? Please reply i will be wait for your reply

[@jamesimhoff5607]

Hi, I was diagnosed with epiretinal membrane with vitreous macula traction adhesion in my tight eye and to a lesser extent also in my left eye. Had catarac surgery in both eyes. Vision in my left eye I am very pleased. Right eye, not so much. After watching your videos, watchful waiting for my right eye is my course of action. I can live with the floaters and the curvy lines . I am 70 years old so watchful waiting is all the treatment that I am willing to go through. Thank you for your videos. I've found them very helpful.

[@kbg3879]

HI James, glad they were a help. At least we know it is difficult for others too.

[@lawheellawheel4586]

Hi James how is your vision now in your left eyes?

[@salonichande205]

Thank you so much for making this series! Really helpful.

[@kbg3879]

Glad to know it's a help

[@dr.satyendrasingh1051]

@@kbg3879 🎉

[@msHARRYjudd]

Day 1 post op from my vitrectomy surgery! I had a detached retina that was treated as a tear (incorrectly) by a retina specialist two years ago. Noticed flashes and floaters getting significantly worse recently. My current retina specialist/surgeon explained very carefully that my eyesight won’t get any better and it’s still possible I could go completely blind. That said, it’s nice not to have things sugarcoated and know what I’m getting into. I’m 27, so I’m a little bummed that I’ll probably need cataract surgery before my parents. Still grateful to have one “good” eye. I appreciate getting to hear about your experience!

[@kbg3879]

HI BWA, When I learn of young people who have this happen, makes me realize how fortunate I've been to this point. I wish you all the best.

[@judithedwards3395]

I'm adding to my experience from about 20 mins. ago when I had to go to ED. During my EM retinal detachment surgery, I had a gas bubble, and my cataract done too..I had a word that begins with the letter "C". I saw all of the surgery in detail, and kept asking for more anaesthesia, but didn't get any. I had to keep my arms straight and make tight fists, as I was feeling shaky and sick. Immediately after my surgery I started to go into shock. This went away when I had a cup of tea in Recovery. That's the second part of my story. Thankyou for sharing your story and your journey

[@kbg3879]

Hi Judith, I've not heard of an experience like that. Where were you for this?

[@jennyt7612]

Kevin, thankyou so much for these videos - your detailed descriptions & illustrations have helped me prepare mentally for upcoming surgery. I especially like the way you appreciate the sight you have & enjoy your life in such a positive way. Best wishes from Sydney, Australia

[@kbg3879]

I'm so glad they help you feel a bit better.

[@lawheellawheel4586]

Hey how is your eyes now?

[@jennyt7612]

@@lawheellawheel4586 hi - not sure if you are asking me or another person. I have recovered well, found the surgery & post op recovery easier than expected. Am planning on further surgery on the other eye & I can honestly say I am not concerned

[@jeffrogerspaul]

Day 2 . Watched all your videos. Had detached retina in over eye 2 years ago. My wavy went away much recently. Took 2 years.

[@kbg3879]

I feel the waviness is much less bothersome now too. I can still see it, but, I don't know if it is physically better, or if my brain just tunes it down. Is this your second detachment?

[@jeffrogerspaul]

@@kbg3879 yes. 2 weeks into retinal detachment and macular hole recovery. Waving is finally gone in other eye. Took a couple years. Sorry for the misspelling , just noticed it !

[@kbg3879]

@@jeffrogerspaul I noticed my waviness continues to diminish.

[@jeffrogerspaul]

@@kbg3879 good !

[@lisas3093]

thank you so much for this... i just turned 51, 5 years ago I had routine eye check.... and both my eyes are riddled with holes and lattice, around both eyes everywhere!....laser surgery too risky... I was told I am high risk for retina detachment..both eyes.... my specialist said it was a definite due to age... and i just have to wait for the flashing signs etc... with the two day window to get surgery......im an artist.... my floaters remind me every morning that this is coming... thank you for your story ....x

[@kbg3879]

Hi Lisa, That is really interesting and I really am interested to find out more about why it will be better for you to wait until you have a detachment than to address it now with some basic laser surgery. I would really also like to see a DR make a comment on this thread addressing that. I think we'd all learn a lot if we heard more info on pre-detachment options to avoid detachment.

[@kbg3879]

And Lisa, I wish you the best of luck.

[@talk2thoran]

@@kbg3879 Agreed.

[@premilarasiah7613]

Thank you very much for sharing your experience. I had surgery for a detached retina 3 weeks ago and was worried about what to expect. Your video helped to understand the timeline to full recovery.

[@kbg3879]

Hi Premila, I am glad my experience was a help to you.

[@TheSlappy3212003]

Do you have a bubble in your eye?

[@rkowaney]

I just had vitrectomy a month ago. This was to close a macular hole, but my experience is similar to yours. I had vitrectomy on the same eye three years ago and it took like a week for my bubble to disappear and my vision was pretty good afterwards. This time, I am not that optimistic about the quality of my post-surgery vision. I do not have to worry about cataracts because I already had them more than 7 or 8 years ago. Anyway, I just wanted to mention about the eyeglasses. You mentioned that you work in front of the computer a lot. I do too, especially with Zoom now (at least 6 hours a day). I had my optometrist make me a pair of computer glasses for computer viewing and close reading. Then he made me a higher intensity pair for night driving or long distance driving where I have to look at freeway signs with a smaller lower part to read maps or GPS. Hope your vision is still improving after the cataract surgeries.

[@kbg3879]

Hi Ruby, thanks for sharing your experience. I do wonder if I could benefit from prescription computer glasses. I have some generic computer glasses, I think I prefer my regular bifocal glasses to them. I'm trying contacts at the moment. I'll see what I think after another month.

[@davevanest5179]

Thank you Kevin! I’ve watched your retina videos in tears😢. I am you two years later. Right eye= multiple laser treatments, erm peel w/ vitrectomy, cataract replaced, three detachments, just had scleral buckle w/ vitrectomy 9 weeks ago (bubble still present). Literally everything you described! However I do have PVR developing and the distorted vision is scaring me now. Doctor is waiting on cataract surgery on my left eye until right eye heals. I would love to learn more about the decision-making process behind when you chose to do the left eye.

[@kbg3879]

Hi Dave, in my case I had the 2 eyes done 2 weeks apart. I'd think it is a good idea to have your right eye stable before changing things with the left. It sounds like you've been thru a lot, I hope you heal well in that right eye. My best,

[@davevanest5179]

Hey Kevin - update... It's been quite a year : 3/7/2023 - Cataract Surgery 4/3/2023 - Pars Plana Vitrectomy w/ PPV 5/8/2023 - Scleral Buckle w/ Vitrectomy 6/30/2023 - Vitrectomy w/ Membrane Peel and Scar Tissue Removal 10/24/2023 - Vitrectomy w/ Retinal Reattachment and Scar Tissue Removal - Silicone bubble

[@lawheellawheel4586]

@@davevanest5179hi Dave how is your vision going to so far?

[@davevanest5179]

@@lawheellawheel4586 thanks for asking! Nothing has been easy. The oil from the silicone bubble burped onto my IOL and smeared, causing random burning sensations and blurred vision. As a result the oil bubble will need to be removed two months sooner than desired, which means greater risk of another detachment.

[@lawheellawheel4586]

@@davevanest5179 Thanks for the reply, do you think the complications resulted from not strictly adhering to the set rules after surgery like putting your head face down? And how is your vision on that eyes so far?

[@joel352000]

I had a vitrectomy for a retinal detachment in my left eye 11 months ago (June 2021). My detachment involved the macula and healing has been a challenge. My detachment was the result of a bike accident in which I also experienced a concussion. In March my ophthalmologist told me I had another detachment, as well as more tears from the scar tissue that had formed on my retina. I had a second vitrectomy. There were complications. A glaucoma specialist performed surgery to relieve the pressure in my eye. Two months later I'm trying to keep the inflammation under control via aggressive use of prednisone and another non-steroidal eye drop. I will probably have to keep the oil in my eye permanently. I doubt I'll ever feel confident enough to get back on a bike. My peripheral vision is too compromised, I've lost my depth perception, and the way light refracts in my eye can be disorienting. I can hike if I go slow and use hiking poles to feel my way through shadowy and rocky areas. Since my accident I've had to re-assess my life. I 'm scared to do the activities that once brought so much joy (Climbing peaks, riding my bike for hours and hours and hours, participating in running and bike races) and am not dealing well with my current relatively sedentary life. I'm thankful I still can see , and I guess I really should be thankful that I'm still alive (or not in a permanent vegetative state)! My wife is always commenting about how I came way too close to 'biffing it'. This experience has taught me just how precious eye sight is. Thank you for sharing your experiences. I wish I had found your videos a year ago when I was just beginning this journey.

[@kbg3879]

Hi Joel, Sometimes I need to be reminded just how lucky I am. Your experience sounds worse than mine. I hope you continue to improve, but, I realize not everyone heals to the same level. I wish you the best. Sight is so precious.

[@lawheellawheel4586]

Hi Joel how is your vision now?

[@joel352000]

@@lawheellawheel4586 Thanks for asking. I'm adjusting. There is no more that can be done because of the scar tissue build up on the retina. I'm living with it and getting on with my life. I'm running more for exercise, and when out hiking I try to minimize the use of poles so I'm not dependent on them. The main thing I can do now is protect my good eye.

[@christophersetten636]

Thx Kevin. Your videos have been helpful as I enter week two post vitrectomy surgery. I agree with you that docs really don’t tell you much in terms of what to expect. These videos give one a roadmap and guidance in terms of mileposts. In addition, I have a much better idea of what to ask my doctor .during my next check in. By the way, I like some of your video editing skills which gives the viewer a more realistic sense of the sensations one may experience.

[@kbg3879]

Hi Christopher, my editing skills are somewhat basic, but I appreciate your compliment all the same. I'm glad my story helps you along your journey.

[@madanismail1]

So glad to hear that you' re doing well, at least I now know that itè s a long ride to expect, as I did my Vitrectomy on September 20th.

[@kbg3879]

Hi Smail, yes it is a long ride. I hope your recovery progresses little-by-little each day.

[@nicole4225]

Your updates are REALLY helping me and so many others. Thank you. My eye doctor misdiagnosed my detached retina as “dry eye”, and my retina was detached for about three months before I had the same procedures that you had. My surgery was 16 days ago, and I’m 46 years old. I have two jobs, and I’m back to work at both of them. Fortunately, computer work and reading isn’t an issue for me with just one functional eye. I hope you continue to improve. Thank you for your time in making these videos for those of us who don’t know what to expect.

[@kbg3879]

Hi Nicole, I'm glad they were helpful. I couldn't find useful info about the experience. SO I thought I might as well try to make it. I hope you recover well

[@safakakay9054]

How is your vision now?

[@rahulkumarranchi]

@Nicole hope you are doing well....... How is your vision now?

[@nicole4225]

The last time I saw my surgeon, he said he thought he could see the start of a cataract but he wasn’t sure. I go back Tuesday to see him again and will know more.

[@cjmacq-vg8um]

"vitrectomy" is supposed to be for macular holes not detached retinas. i have bluriness, distortion and a slight sight blockage. i was told i had cataract, but not needed surgery yet, macular degeneration, both in my left eye, and began shot treatments for it. i went in for a delayed shot to discover i now have a macular hole in that same eye. the hole is, supposedly, unrelated to the degeneration and the neither is related to my cataract. i can't get the surgery done because i suffer from constant dizziness. my dizziness will prevent me from doing the post-op procedures too. so i don't know what the hell's going. i don't trust any of these profiteering scammers. i haven't found a doctor in 20 years who gives a damn about me or my health. ALL THERY CARE ABOUT IS MONEY! i don't know what the hell i'm gonna do. NO ONE CARES! i guess i'll just go blind in my left eye. THANKS MEDICAL INDUSTRY for being taken over by a bunch of negligent, incompetent, money hungry thugs!

[@Ladydodge99]

Thank you so much for sharing your journey. I believe I'm headed down the same road. Woke up several days ago with what I though were images of falling stars then black things floating. Called ophthalmologist and made an appointment. Everyday the flashing has increased and the floaters are more evident. Because you have shared your experiences I feel so much more empowered when I go see the doctor. Thanks again!

[@kbg3879]

Hi Ladydodge, I hope your visit with the DR was useful.

[@peteL1964]

Thanks for the videos. I am 6 days post op for a complete detachment. Looking forward to regaining some vision but keeping my expectations in check

[@kbg3879]

Pete, I wish you the best. Sight is precious, when its compromised, its devastating.

[@safakakay9054]

How is your vision now?

[@janielopez2928]

Thank you, Keith, for sharing. Im on my 2nd week of recovery, with a gas bubble, and you have addressed most of the questions/concerns I had. I had started to have problems focusing clearly with my good eye, and found that bt covering my recovering eye, it helped to clear my vision. Then, you stated you experienced the same, and it relieved the anxiety i was experiencing. I have faith that my vision will be restored as yours was so i can resume my normal activities--and be able to drive--soon. God bless you!

[@wai-lingphillips6123]

Excellent

[@wai-lingphillips6123]

I'm very pleased to read your experience and I am looking forward to having my Vitrectomy Surgery soon. Thank you 😊

[@kbg3879]

Hi Janie, I hope things are going well for you. It can be a long process. So patience is important.

[@janielopez2928]

@@kbg3879 yes, I'm making progress. Again, I want to thank you because, had it not been for you, I would have had no idea as to what to expect, and what to consider par for the course during early recovery. My doctor did not prepare me at all! God bless you! And I pray that your eyesight has recovered totally too.

[@LorraineKaylor-cd1om]

Thank you for your videos I had a victrectomy in Dec and your updates and explanations were spot on and helped me so much

[@kbg3879]

You are so welcome Lorraine

[@opheliavoyager]

Kevin, thanks for the detailed explanation of how your sight changed in the eye that had the vitrectomy and detachment. It's so difficult to find anyone to explain the issues they've had relating to the aftermath of the surgery. I am 2 1/2 months out from a vitrectomy, and I only had a small tear that was lasered along with some areas of lattice degeneration. My gas bubble was gone in 2 weeks, and my vision was fine because I'd already had cataract surgery in both eyes, and I had a near lens in the vitrectomy eye. My other eye has a lens for distance - thus, I have monovision. Your description of your vision being disoriented was perfect. Even though I can see just fine, there is a disorientation from the eye that had the surgery. At this point, my pupil is still dilated, and from what I have read, it may change back to normal, or my ciliary nerves may be permanently damaged. At times I almost feel like I have a mild double vision, while at other times, especially outside in full daylight, my monovision seems perfect. It's when I'm in lower lit areas or when I'm in buildings with lighting that affects the monovision. Your description of the waviness also affects me at times. I'm scheduled to return for an in office laser procedure in my other eye to repair a weak spot, but I'm so concerned that I'll have even more issues if I have that done. Didn't you mention that you'd had that procedure done too? You seem to have had no issues. Thanks again for a great video!

[@kbg3879]

I did have laser surgery to my left eye, my good eye, to help avoid problems. I'm lucky that I have no major problems since. Best of luck during your continued healing.

[@kayakdog4884]

Our situation is similar, with the exception that as the gas bubble resolved a 'grey' blind spot was revealed. They did fluorescein angiography and discovered that I had retinal vein occlusion, basically bleeding in the vessels and the damage is permanent. I also developed glaucoma post op but it was responsive to meds. I The danger of the RVO is macular edema and so far I don't have that. I noticed you are a year out, how is your vision now? do you still have the same issues? I noticed that my pupil is still dilated, I wasn't even aware that there could be damage to them as well. Thanks for sharing your story

[@francinedowney385]

Thank you for this video! I had detached retina in sept and did vitrectomy with gas bubble which lasted 5 weeks and the retina detached again and a cataract also in the same eye so did cataract surgery and soon after had sclera buckle with oil and one week out still a small area of retina not attached with scar tissue not mature enough to remove-on my way for a 3rd opinion as to what the next step would be, I remain hopeful that this will resolve as I do have vision in the affected eye, blurry and good vision in my other eye. Patience so crucial maybe that is the lesson I am to gain from this! Blessings to all going through retina detachment 💖

[@kbg3879]

Hi Francine, I feel like I was really lucky in many ways. I wish you all the best through your recovery.

[@K.T-]

Hi Francine, can you update how things went? I just have my fourth surgery. Two tears in my retina first. Then a gas bubble that didn't work. I formed a third tear then surgery silicone oil put in my eye for 6 months then removed and had to remove a. Cataract in the eye as well which had formed during and now to save my eye I have to keep permanent boil in my eye and my vision right now is I can see a little light and hoping for more sight restored at least. I hope the best for you. Blessings!

[@lawheellawheel4586]

@@K.T-hey how is your Vision now?

[@jamesdolan1593]

Hello Kevin,I woke up seeing multiple colors and dots in my left eye on 12-24-23 Christmas Eve. I could probably trace it to 2 months previously trimming a large bush and one of the branches hit directly in my left eye. It two months for this issue to flare up. I went to my Eye specialty clinic on 12-26-23 and the Retina Specialist said I had a partially detached retina and I had vitrectomy surgery on 12-28-23. I was able to get most of my vision back in about 2 months but not as good as before. When I am exercising strenuously in the gym I notice extra pressure and some aching in my left eye. It goes away after a day or two. I still have good peripheral vision but the eye does not feel right but at least I can see at about 80 per cent of what I was able to see before.

[@kbg3879]

HI James, I can relate to those sensations. You may still improve some. All my best.

[@em1963]

Kevin, thank you for this, it's so totally helpful and relevant to me, four months into this journey. I would love to hear your experience about the cataract removal, I'm really interested. You have also inspired me to be a little more brave in getting out there, thank you

[@kbg3879]

Hey Em, I gave some thought to my cataract experience, but, I don't know that it would really be so unique or helpful. I knew the vitrectomy info needed to be shared.

[@milagrosrosario4283]

Kevin thank you for sharing your videos, I just had the same surgery and your testimony has given me hope that I will see normal again, I been depress after surgery.

[@kbg3879]

It is a shock and regimen after surgery is hard. I can understand that you'd be down, hope you have steady progress. Stay Positive, you will get through it.

[@debbiewalkden1568]

Hi my name is Debbie and l am 62 and I live in Australia and l just had Vitrectomy and cataract surgery on my right eye yesterday l turned my phone on and there you are talking about your surgery wow l hope mine goes ok but thanks for sharing

[@kbg3879]

Hi Debbie, hope all is going smoothly for you.

[@debbiewalkden1568]

@kbg3879 yes l think so

[@andreakerr9299]

Also thankyou so much for these wonderful videos very encouraging and helpful 🙂

[@kbg3879]

I'm glad they are helpful, I felt pretty lost during my first few weeks.

[@alenh9467]

Thank you Kevin.Im 37 and i had my left eye retinal detachment surgery on 13.07.2022.Very soon i have laser on my right eye and im worried about my recovery and general vision.On my left eye vision is all blury because i still have silicone oil in the eye.I hope it will be better.Your videos helping alot.God bless you.

[@teammaloubert1765]

Hows your vision now?

[@alenh9467]

@@teammaloubert1765 still have silicone oil in my left eye so its still blury and i cant read little letters

[@teammaloubert1765]

My husband is 38yrs old also had proliferative diabetic retinopathy(retinal detachment and with macular hole) on his both eyes and undergone vitrectomy on his right eye last aug 10,2022. His vision until now is blurry,he can identify colors but it still blurry.tomorrow is his silicon oil removal.hope and pray it will improve his vision.

[@kbg3879]

Hi Alen, glad my info is a help to you and I hope you are progressing along nicely.

[@ericoroke1574]

Alen...I just had surgery and had scarring. They used oil and my tear was about 50 percent including center vision. Has your vision got any better since oil was removed? Mine is supposed to be removed in 3 months but they don't think my vision will improve much.

[@susannawong3240]

God bless you Kevin, I read many comments to your content and truly relieving my nerve because I am accompanying my friend who will have to go thru probably all of your experience in vision revival surgery. Regardless it may turn good or bad I am grateful bcos still can access to your video and fully prepared for any outcome. Bless my journey to Singapore Mount Elizabeth Hospital with all of your kindness and support. Love you always❤️

[@kbg3879]

Hi Susanna, It is not an easy or fast process, that is for sure. In the end, I hope things go well for your friend and for you.

[@Aussiejayp]

Thank you for this. Just had mine and on day 3 I just see a brown lens with blurry light at the top. Freaking out but your videos is a mental health rescue plan.

[@kbg3879]

HI Johannes, that's why I made them, I knew they would be a help to some people in the same boat I was in. Good luck!

[@lizdenhup]

Thank you so much for making this video!! I am one month out from my scleral buckle surgery and this made me very hopeful for the future.

[@kbg3879]

So no vitrectomy was necessary for you ? if so, Lucky you!

[@lizdenhup]

@@kbg3879 yes, thankfully no vitrectomy! I am 29 so I think they did not want to risk my getting a cataract at this age. My other eye is comparatively good and doesn't look like it will detach. I hope you're well. I am still visually impaired on the lefthand side but soon I will get shaw lenses or contacts and maybe start vision therapy. :) Things are very different now for me but I can still work and navigate the world independently so I am lucky. Watching your video helped me feel a lot better about my future.

[@nikatatkina5711]

@@lizdenhuphi I just got my sclera b 3 days ago, vision is wavy, how do you feel?

[@arr9265]

Thank you I hope your good I’ve had this surgery it’s going on 2 months the gas bubble is half way gone but my eye started to get cloudy I don’t know if it’s cataract but this video give me hope I will be ok thank you so much

[@kbg3879]

Hi Arr, How are you doing now?

[@caros6753]

Thx again Kevin. Great to hear you are doing so much better then the last update tho understand your frustration at things not being what you’d hoped. Sounds like our right eyes were very similar so am pleased to hear what you have to say & this will help keep my expectations in check. This is tough stuff hey but as you say 100 years ago we’d have no doubt gone blind. I ride a motorcycle & can not wait to be able to get back on but gee it’s an activity where you have to see perfectly so guess it might be a while. I’m legally not allowed to drive/ride until the gas bubble goes in any case. Hope your progress has continued positively. Cheers again from Australia :)

[@kbg3879]

I'm glad my video helps. It is always nice if you can find the silver lining. Wishing you a satisfying recovery.

[@caros6753]

@@kbg3879 cheers Kevin :)

[@shanghaiwriter]

Thank you so much for sharing. I am beginning the journey post vitrectomy. Please make a video describing your cataract experience and how you are doing today.

[@kbg3879]

I will try to do an update soon on my recent experiences. In general, I'm doing well. How is your healing coming along?

[@shanghaiwriter]

@@kbg3879 The bubble is 80% absorbed, I have blurry vision in the subject eye, sudden moves in a dark room (as upon awakening in the morning ) I notice transient flashers in a crescent arc or a jagged lighting bolt only in specific quadrants - this seems to be lessening, visual field has 3 horizontal sectors - bubble at the bottom, narrow clear space above and a darker shaded space above the clear space. Does this sound familiar to your experience?

[@mariemcknight9622]

I have been on this road for 9 years. 4 years After cataract surgery where my doctor decided to give me mono-vision, I had my first detachment in my “reading” or right eye. A buckle was applied, that totally distorted the eye shape and the vision. The wavy lines & distorted vision was troublesome for about a year. I found a optometrist that suggested placing a contact lens in the bad eye along with glasses improved my vision by 90%. About 3 years after the buckle, the buckle detached, so back to surgery. The eye seemed mostly healed so the buckle removal didn’t need any reinforcements. Of course the vision and new glasses and contacts had to be redone almost every 8 months as the eye, having been misshaped by the buckle into a “football “ shape, is now slowly returning to a more round shape that changes your vision. It’s now October 2021 and another detached area of the same eye was repaired by laser surgery.. Unlike the face down healing years prior, this detachment called to keep upright, not bending or laying flat for 2 weeks. A bubble was placed in the eye and the green band was worn. 4 weeks after surgery, another detachment. This was the worst ever as I was only able to see large shapes in a deep dark fog. I was virtually blind this time. Back to surgery 12/17/21. Vitrectomy with silicone & face down positioning for the next 2 weeks. Obviously things are extremely blurry as there are 4 types of drops to take 4 X daily. I have about 45% vision and there is light and color. Of course this is only day 3 😁…. I’m expecting more vision as the days go by.

[@kbg3879]

Marie, what a journey you’ve been on. The buckle detached ? How did that happen ? I do hope you see significant success with your latest surgery. 9 years is a long time, I admire your fortitude.

[@yishang7144]

Hi Marie, hope you are recovering well from your recent surgery. I am happy to have found this community that everyone shares their experiences and provide insights. I had a detachment in my right eye at the beginning of COVID when all hospitals were shut. I was lucky to find a doctor and an OR team to perform the surgery. It was a long recovery. Almost 2 years later residual silicone oil are still present in my eye. And I have blurry, distorted vision. Reading thru your comments you had mentioned wearing a contact and glasses over makes it better, would you mind sharing some details on that? Thank you. Yi

[@safakakay9054]

How is your vision now?

[@chriscontrarian552]

Kevin, thanks so much for sharing your story. My story is still in progress and I'm very anxious about the outcome. 55 yo healthy male. Very nearsighted 6.5 power in contacts. Diagnosed with a retinal tear in right eye in April 2022. Scheduled for a vitrectomy the next day. During examination the doctor warned me about vitrectomies inducing cataracts soon after. Plus he said he already noticed the formation of slight cataracts in both eyes. Had surgery the next day. After less than 3 weeks the gas bubbled completely dissolved but my vision wasn't the same. Blurry and double vision plus it looked like I was looking thru greasy fluid with a slight yellow tinge to it{but don't notice it anymore}. Waited a few months and went to get new contacts. Dr increase the power for my contacts. The improvement in my vision was negligible. Hoping it was due to the cataract so the plan was to get cataract surgery the end of this year or early next. Vision has gotten worse with a slight milkiness and glare. I've been getting by on my left eye which I think has also degraded due to the formation of a cataract the doctor noticed. Unfortunately last week started noticing floaters in my left eye and a blind spot in the upper left quadrant of the vision which took up about 30$ - 40% left eye field of vision. Went to doctor. Diagnosed with a retinal detachment in left eye and scheduled for a vitrectomy. Gas they used they said was different than they gas they used in my right and will take twice as long to dissolve. They also installed some kind of constricting band/brace around my eye which they said will change my vision making me need a stronger prescription. After they removed the bandage during the post op check the next day, in spite of the bubble I still noticed the blind spot, luckily over the coarse of a few days it was less noticeable and is now gone. Right now i only have my blurry double visioned right eye with milkiness and glare to get around on. I cant drive even with contacts or glasses. Scared to think about how my vision will be in left eye once the gas bubble is gone, especially when they warned me it would be worse due to the constricting band they put on my eye. I'm hoping cataract surgery in my right eye will cause some significant improvement and then a few months down the road I can get cataract surgery in my left eye. I just started a new job and was in my second week of training when my left eye had the rd. I told my new employer recovery will be about 6 weeks which is what the doctor told me it would be. My employer has been cool about it but doesn't know about my right eye problems. They think I can come back in 6 weeks good as new. Hence the worry I have right now. Sorry for the long post but needed to get this off my chest.

[@kbg3879]

Hey Chris, I understand how stressful this process is, the loss, the unknown, how will it affect work and life. It is a scary process. I'm glad you've seen some successes.

[@chriscontrarian552]

@@kbg3879 Update: After my week post op visit I complained about the vision in my right eye from my vitrectomy in April 2022. Doctor seemed dismissive which was frustrating. I kept at him and he said finally said he could refer me to a cataract surgeon. Saw the cataract surgeon on Dec 29. Had cataract surgery yesterday (Jan 13th). Went with the monofocal lens instead of multifocal lens for distance vision. Surgeon said with a monofocal lens I'd get more light thru the lens then the multifocal would provide and with me having retinal surgery and being very nearsighted I'd need all the light I could get. After surgery it seemed like I had very good vision. No more double cloudy blurry dim vision. It seemed to improve a bit during the day. Crisper than I had with contacts. I suspect it's 20/20 but will find out when I go for a post op check. Since the cataract surgery there has been no pain whatsoever in my right eye. Feels completely normal. (However there was a big downgrade in close up vision as was expected. I'll need readers.) As for my left eye it still has the gas bubble but should be gone in week. Vision bad but has improved. Surgeon said to give it another month or so to heal up before I have cataract surgery on it. All in all, things are turning out good. Go back to work Jan 21.

[@kimanddavemiles3994]

Thanks for sharing your experiences. I'm waiting for a vitrectomy due to a macular hole. It helps to have some knowledge of what it will involve.

[@kbg3879]

Fingers crossed Kim, but it is serious and concerning. I'm fortunate that my macula is good.

[@lzwr8474]

My dad has this operation tomorrow and I am very worried. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@kbg3879]

HI LZ, hope things are going well for your dad. It's a sobering experience.

[@lzwr8474]

@@kbg3879 thank you for your email reply. He is doing well. Still seeing the air bubble but slowly improving overall.

[@lawheellawheel4586]

@@lzwr8474how’s your dad vision now?

[@sherrychen3823]

I found your video as I'm 8 weeks post on LE Macular tare 👁 gas bubble wishing I'd found it weeks ago 😵‍💫 and wishing I'd known otherwise on recovery cause it can get stressful, depressing and difficult to understand what is going on . 🙌

[@kbg3879]

Hi Sherry, I hope my experience is helpful to you. Hang in there.

[@lisaswank3746]

Thank you, day 4. Cataract was done before. I had a macular pucker, the doctor seems disappointed that my vision didn't get better yet. The middle vision is back, but blurry. I feel it is a win. Your time line is very helpfull.

[@kbg3879]

Hi Lisa, It does help to know other folks experiences. But even with that info, we all have to walk this journey alone. I hope you are still improving.

[@lisaswank3746]

big huge improvement vision is 20/25. blessed beyond belief. thank you for the inspiration 😊

[@drs4649]

I’m pre-op. Thanks for all the insights! I’ve had so many of your symptoms & questions….. Thanks!!

[@kbg3879]

HI David, glad this info was a help.

[@michael5089]

Thank you Kevin. I'm experiencing symptoms and am getting checked out hopefully tomorrow. Subbed your channel 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@kbg3879]

Good luck Michael, Glad it was helpful.

[@michael5089]

@@kbg3879 will aim to let you know 💙👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@kennethkindsvater1875]

Thank you for sharing. My outcome of virectomy surgery has not been nearly as good. At routine ophthalmology exam i told my dr that i just started experienced more floaters as well as flashes of light that i hasn't had before. He said as precaution to schedule an appt with one of their in-house retina specialist. However next available appt was 2 months out. Well unfortunately a month later my retina fully detached in only a few days. There were office delays on getting me in to see one of their specialist and few more days for surgery. Fast forward 4 months and eyesight in that eye is no where close to before. Frustrated and disappointed with whole process.

[@kbg3879]

I'm surprised they had you schedule out so far if you had flashes. I'd think that would have been a signal to act quickly. My best Ken

[@rbmwiv]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I just had this done in October and am almost ready for my Cadirrac surgery.

[@kbg3879]

Hi M3, I hope all goes well with your surgery. Good luck

[@sheilatonderai1788]

3 days today since my ppv and cataract surgery.still seeing blurry and I notice the new lens is a bit powerful than my natural lens.I don't quite see clearly yet.I'll keep on updating here too.thanks Kevin you sure helped me prepare

[@kbg3879]

Hi Sheila, I hope you are healing and adjusting well. Is the blurriness improving?

[@sheilatonderai1788]

@@kbg3879 it is still there,I can't read using my right eye,Im gonna try for glasses,its been hard going outside without sun glasses as it is too bright.is it normal?should I worry.I'm still putting eye drops.

[@safakakay9054]

@@sheilatonderai1788 How is your vision now?

[@kathyloizos3411]

I had cataract surgery last year. I just started having issues in my right eye, I was told I have to have Vitrectomy surgery. I am a bit worried because I am an artist and need my eyes for work. Thank you for taking time to give info, and your thoughts.

[@kbg3879]

Hey Kathy, I’m glad you found them useful. I’m hoping things go well for you.

[@hflores6324]

Thank you for the updates. I feel so much better about my recovery. I was panicking just after 3 weeks of vitrectomy and your video tells me to be patient. Did you deal with elevated eye pressure while on the steriods after surgery? My doctor noted some elevated pressure, but was not concerned. Thank you.

[@stevek343]

I did, I guess the steroids eye drop was to much, stopped using it and felt better

[@kbg3879]

Hi HFlores, My eye pressure was monitored during my recovery, but, that was never an issue for me. My best to you.

[@terriyue3871]

Thank you for your videos. I am at the stage waiting for cataract surgeries. My right eye was detached mid September. I work on computers and am having eyes getting very exhausted. I am still seeing distorted vision on the right side and the lines are not straight. Thank you for making this video and explaining what you are still having issues and being positive to what your eyes can do.

[@kbg3879]

Hi Terri, The progress is slow, I found it easier to work with one eye in the first few weeks. So the patch was invaluable for me. I take it your bubble is long gone by now.

[@terriyue3871]

Yes, the gas bubble is gone but am not seeing clearly. My right eyes is not distorted and is using my left eye more. Work is hard since I also work on computers. In 2 weeks, I am going back for my checkup and wait to see when my cataract surgery is going to be. I hope I could see more after the cataract. I hope you well . I was wondering if you made the cataract video and the issues you had?

[@debbietriola4752]

Thank you so much for your videos. I'm 8 weeks post surgery and was told today I will probably need cataract surgery. My story is very similar to yours. Your story will help me get through this. Thank you!

[@cjmacq-vg8um]

"vitrectomy" is supposed to be for macular holes not detached retinas. i have bluriness, distortion and a slight sight blockage. i was told i had cataract, but not needed surgery yet, macular degeneration, both in my left eye, and began shot treatments for it. i went in for a delayed shot to discover i now have a macular hole in that same eye. the hole is, supposedly, unrelated to the degeneration and the neither is related to my cataract. i can't get the surgery done because i suffer from constant dizziness. my dizziness will prevent me from doing the post-op procedures too. so i don't know what the hell's going on. i don't trust any of these profiteering scammers. i haven't found a doctor in 20 years who gives a damn about me or my health. ALL THEY CARE ABOUT IS MONEY! i don't know what the hell i'm gonna do. NO ONE CARES! i guess i'll just go blind in my left eye. THANKS MEDICAL INDUSTRY for being taken over by a bunch of negligent, incompetent, money hungry thugs!

[@kbg3879]

Hi Debbie, so glad to hear your feedback. Hope you continue to heal well.

[@cjmacq-vg8um]

@@kbg3879 ... i'm being denied surgery that could save my eye-sight. our american medical system is a CRIME! its been taken over by gangsters and profiteers. its time people stand up to the corruption, neglegence and incompetence that make doctors rich and make the rest of us suffer!

[@KP-kz2rb]

Hi again Kevin - appreciate your updates. I remember the green glow you mentioned although mine was purple and I found it quite beautiful. I am 6 weeks post-retina detachment surgery and also recall the "fireworks" that seemed to be in deep space... again quite beautiful but I know they were signs of an issue. Your distortion descriptions and examples on this video are spot on and greatly appreciated. Be well!

[@kbg3879]

I'm glad you found it helpful

[@jairao468]

How's your vision now

[@KP-kz2rb]

@@jairao468 I visited the doctor on the 1 year anniversary in February and once more since then in May. At the most recent visit we decided to stop taking the prednisolone which was down to one drop a day so no more meds since May after 15 long months! My vision is good, no glasses except for reading but it's not 100% but at 57 years old I don't expect it to ever be. I still feel some slight discomfort now and then. I visit my regular eye doctor next week which will be a good time to see where we stand.

[@225rip]

Great information, I had surgery one week ago. I see the green glow at night too. I also had the buckle and gas bubble. Living in VA. Thanks.

[@kbg3879]

HI Jr, I wonder how common that green glow is for people. I notice if far less than I used to. Still happens when I go to bed and turn out the lights once in a while. Hope things are going well for you.

[@225rip]

@@kbg3879 Hi Kevin, I thought the doc installed an LED in the head at first! LOL. I am on my 4th week of recovery and sometimes the light is purple. I am sure it is some kind of neuron misfire to the brain, but it sure seems real. At this point I can see about 3 feet in front of me and it is blurry. Thanks for getting back. I go back to the doc next Friday; I will ask him about the lights to see what he says. I am praying for a good report.

[@yesenia7950]

Hi Kevin, I had a Vitrectomy in my LE a year ago. My vision was blurry/smudgy once the gas was gone from my eye at about 7-8 weeks. I’m afraid to do the cataract surgery although my vision is awful in my LE. My right eye is now going through PVD, I had a tear and detachment repaired with laser last month. I was told because of my retina issues that a monofocal iol was best for me but I don’t know which iol brand and it’s stressing me out. Your videos help me stay optimistic, thank you.

[@kbg3879]

HI Yesenia, it is really hard for us to know what lens will work best for us. I really wish we could try before we buy, but, it just doesn't work like that. I have mono as well.

[@Man0fMeans]

Thank you for making this video. I am 1 day post-surgery. I’m nervous about my future. I am 48.

[@kbg3879]

Best of luck MOM, it is very unsettling to lose vision in any way.

[@paulbaird8684]

Hello Kevin -My journey started in February this year with laser to a retinal tear to my right eye. Unfortunately the scarring produced by laser / cryo causes retinal traction in my case (proliferative vitreo-retinopathy)so I've ended up with two vitrectomies for detachment in my right eye. The same thing has happened in my left eye - initially a tear treated with cryo and further two detachments needing vitrectomies. I am five days into my second vitrectomy on my right eye. The cataract surgery was performed at the same time. Once this current gas has dissipated I'll need a visual field test to see if I am allowed to drive. It's been a little bit of a tedious year. Thanks for this video, you explain well the same problems that I have in slightly low light and glare - maybe polarised lenses might help with the latter. Best Wishes.

[@kbg3879]

Hey Paul, It sounds like you have not had an easy time of it at all. Two detachment! I realize I'm relatively lucky. I wish you all the best.

[@lawheellawheel4586]

Hello how is your vision now? My mum is about going into this

[@lolalolia8035]

Thank you very much for your film !

[@kbg3879]

Hi Lola, glad it helps, best of luck.

[@MrTonyretro]

Hi Kevin, it's Friday and I had my operation on Wednesday. What you have told me is very useful and comforting as it is extremely scary. I am 66 and very active and this has come as a big shock, but from what I know from what you have said I can plan ahead. What most scares me is that something happens to my good left eye while I am still recovering from the right eye surgery, macular was ok and I didn't need the buckle and didn't need laser. I will ask about preventative surgery for my left eye although they have told me it is fine at the moment. I have a huge gas bubble and the soft lights at night. Thanks very much, I'll keep you posted on my recovery. Tony

[@kbg3879]

Hi Antony, I'm not sure what preventative measures there are for macular hole avoidance. My preventative surgery tacked down the edges of the retina so they would not peel away. It's still not guaranteed.

[@lawheellawheel4586]

How is your eyes now?

[@claybourne7162]

Kevin, Thanks for making this video! Really practical information. It's tough to hear what you went through - particularly because this is day four since my vitrectomy. Can I ask which patch you decided to use and where you bought it? Thanks again for taking the time to share your experience.

[@kbg3879]

Hi C, nothing fancy for my patch. I went to cvs for mine. I ended up liking the slightly cone shaped ones that don’t touch the eye.

[@tammiehardrick5314]

Hi Kevin thank you for posting your videos I really appreciate you taking the time to document your journey to help so many of us along the way. I had a macular off detachment the end of December 2021 and I just had my cataract surgery two days ago. I'm terrified of getting my other eye done because my detached I everything is longated and words are very wonky. I'm not sure how they could balance out my vision to where I could still see up close and my good eye. I'm so afraid of losing my up close vision and I did have to have some laser on my good eye.

[@kbg3879]

Hi Tammie, Have you talked to your DR about your concern for your up close vision? I'd be interested to hear your DR's response. I hope things go well for you.

[@bnjairam]

Kevin, thank you for putting this series of videos together. Highly informative and was a source of encouragement for me as i went through my own vitrectomy journey. Mine seems to be an almost identical sequence of events, albeit on a slightly compressed timeline. While I have experienced pretty much the same symptoms as you, I am unable to articulate them as well as you have. And oftentimes I find myself saying "me too", "that's exactly what happens to me", etc. as I watch your video. Two things I'd like to know from you: a) what advice have you received on preventive measures to reduce the chances of retinal tear/detachment in your left eye? and b) any exercises/routine maintenance procedures that can (hopefully) make the future trend more towards "normal" for your right eye?

[@kbg3879]

Hi B. For preventative measures, my surgeon has said there isn't really anything I can do. I do want to avoid getting hit in the head, but, no real limits on my types of activities. Also no suggestions to do eye exercises or have certain nutritional content added to my diet. My left eye also had laser surgery to help reduce the chance that a detachment would occur there. They want more regular checkups, but, those aren't preventing problems, they are just hopefully catching problems earlier. But, I'd much rather prevent a tear than identify it early. I read a study that indicates we are made to look out at the distance, and that societies that focus on reading have higher incidents of myopia and retinal issues. Asian cultures have the most issues, we westerners have the 2nd most issues. I'm not gonna give up reading though.

[@bnjairam]

Okay... good to know. Thank you for your response. Take care!

[@suet8903]

Hi Kevin, Any issues with the laser to the left eye? I have the same recommendation from my surgeon. I am 3 months post op buy haven’t had the laser in the other eyes & have read that vision could be compromised for the laser procedure. Any insight you could give would be much appreciated.

[@kbg3879]

@@suet8903 I believe I had good results from the laser treatment in the left eye, and I will be sharing that in a video when I have the time to organize my info and make a video on the subject.

[@suet8903]

@@kbg3879 thank you for responding. I had my laser procedure in my other eye last week and it seemed to go very well also. I will look for your video.

[@jamie7364]

Thanks Kevin, I had retinal detachment surgery on 17 November 2022. A check up on 25 November showed that all is still well, but I am anxious about what to expect, especially concerning the substance that will be used to replace the vitreous humour that was removed. There does not seem to be much information about what is currently used, how long it is expected to last and what, if any remedial work needs to be done to keep it clear and healthy.

[@kbg3879]

HI Jamie, I had to ask my surgeon very pointed questions about which gas he used in my eye and how long it would last, he didn't readily disclose that to me. In the end I learned he used a longer lasting gas and that I'd have the bubble for about 8 weeks. The bubble was completely gone between week 9-10 for me. I wish you all the best.

[@laraleen6381]

My partner just have his Vitrectomy surgery couple days ago, Dec. 16, 2021 here in the Philippines, was hoping he would have a very good recovery, thanks for sharing your story we both watch, huggg from Phils.! Merry Xmas!

[@kbg3879]

Hi Lara, I hope your partner's recovery is going well. It always seems long when you are waiting to heal. I wish you the best.

[@myongs.4911]

Thank you so much for making your journey of recovery. It was really helpful when I had vitrectomy for retina hole. My surgery did success that retina hole is repaired. But, it was difficult days and nights due lack of information about the surgery, recovering road and outcomes. I had followed up today after the surgery two and half months. Blurry and waviness and reading ability are far worse than before the surgery and I’m disappointed. My doctor said, within two months I need to have cataract surgery and it should help remove blurring. But it might be not helping waviness and some spots of holes. Your video helps me to have keep hoping for better vision and expectations for slowing recovery. My question is should I look for second opinion and cataract surgery for different doctor which is my doctor told me or stay with my doctor and let me do cataract surgery? He is a retina specialist. Appointment today with him, he knew that I will disappointed . But he was never promised that I will have better vision after the surgery. All I heard was that everyone is different. Thanks again.

[@kbg3879]

Myong, I can say that my waviness is less bothersome now than it was 10 months ago. It is still there, but, either its less or my brain has adjusted to it. I'm curious to hear how your are doing now and 6-12 months down the road. Let me know your progress.

[@davew5980]

Thanks Kevin. I went in for vitrectomy on my left eye Dec 20,2021 after going in for a full checkup a month before and feel i was not given information i should have been told at that time.Now i have that distortion very bad and at least because of your videos i'm freaking out a little less,but it still sucks.Hope you're doing ok.

[@kbg3879]

Hi Dave, I'm doing about the same as at the time I made this video, which is way better than the first few months after the vitrectomy. Those first 3 months were very anxious for me. Hopefully your recovery goes smoothly.

[@judithedwards3395]

My EM Retinal Surgery update from 10 mins ago. The "C" word should have read as "P". I also had a Peel. Why could I see my surgery being done, and clearly hear every word too. I even remember the word "buckle" being used. Why didn't I receive more anaesthesia??

[@notso1973]

Howdy from Texas Kevin. From one IT guy to another, thanks so much for your videos, After being diagnosed with both cataract issues and a macular, hole I had the vitrectomy surgery about 4 weeks ago, I go in for the final scheduled checkup next week My experience so far seems very similar to yours, my vision is still very 'fuzzy' and it seems to be improving somewhat but it's so difficult to tell for sure from day to day. I know the topic will come up next week about cataract surgery and at this point even though it's very difficult to put up with fuzzy vision in one eye, I'm inclined to wait another month or 2 before having the cataract surgery to see if things clear up anymore from the vitrectomy. My bubble left me around the 2 week mark so I didn't have it as long as you did. What I'm wondering and my question to you is did you put in the standard cataract lenses or did you have them put in the custom lenses? You may have answered that question already and if so, I guess I missed it. Thanks again for your videos. It's nice to know someone else who has gone down this road. I'm so happy to know that you've ended up with a mostly successful outcome. Gary

[@kbg3879]

HI Gary, I don't have multifocal lenses, I have mono focus. It's so hard to know the best decision because you don't get to sample them. Have you had cataract surgery, how are your progressing?