torn retina

[scubastud]

Just returned from the eye doctor, she said my retina in my right eye , the thin layer is "peeling down" from the top, and if not adressed soon I may lose sight there.

I do not want to hear "see a doctor" or "contact DAN" . I will and am doing this of course...

What I would like to know if anyone here has had any issue like this, and how it may have affected thier diving? from a patient-type viewpoint?

Thanks... the one eyed stud.

[wgt]

Defying your request -- not answered from the patient perspective...

You may require a procedure wherein the retina is reattached to the back of the orbit through the use of an intraocular gas bubble. About two months after the procedure and once it has been confirmed that the gas has been absorbed from the eye, then diving most likely may be resumed (any residual gas in the eye is an absolute contraindication to diving). Expect a few disturbances of vision following the procedure, either because of persistent dysfunction of the damaged retina (actually a part of your brain) or because of some debris that may remain floating between the retina and the lens of the eye.

Originally Posted by scubastud

Just returned from the eye doctor, she said my retina in my right eye , the thin layer is "peeling down" from the top, and if not adressed soon I may lose sight there.

I do not want to hear "see a doctor" or "contact DAN" . I will and am doing this of course...

What I would like to know if anyone here has had any issue like this, and how it may have affected thier diving? from a patient-type viewpoint?

Thanks... the one eyed stud.

[PACKRMAN]

I was going to say that my mom tore her retina off putting on makeup about 20 years ago. She doesn't dive but her vision is fine. From that first response though I think you have all the help you need.

Good luck

[scubastud]

... Well I feel fine, who is to say this isn't the way my eye has always been?
I can't see a specialist till next week because of the holidays, the problem is I am s'posed to move to Guam next Friday and start my new job.
I am considering just heck with it, if it aint broke dont fix it.

[Lulubelle]

Scubastud, are you in Guam now or planning to go there in the near future?

Sorry, I know you said you wanted to hear from someone who had actually experienced this, and I have not.

Anyway, this is one of those things which CAN be serious. Please do not dive at all until you have been cleared to do so by the doc who fixes your eye/DAN docs. The eye is rather pressure sensitive. Probably a good idea to avoid other things that create pressure in the eye (i.e. weightlifting) until you have been advised that they are safe.

XOXO, Lulubelle

[wgt]

When was the last time a clinician looked in your eye with an ophthalmoscope?

Originally Posted by scubastud

... Well I feel fine, who is to say this isn't the way my eye has always been?
I can't see a specialist till next week because of the holidays, the problem is I am s'posed to move to Guam next Friday and start my new job.
I am considering just heck with it, if it aint broke dont fix it.

[scubastud]

Originally Posted by wgt

When was the last time a clinician looked in your eye with an ophthalmoscope?

Lulu... I am in Arizona, scheduled to go to Guam Friday the 4th.
WGT I Went today for an examination and glasses, and the eye doctor told me about this issue with my retina.
I have no flashes of light, no spots, no dizzyness, no nothing.
I really don't know what to do now, I need to start work in Guam, but the boss there just told me most people go off island (the Phillipines, Hawaii..) for laser or other type of eye surgery.
Even though I am told this is so very vital and dangerous and well, I should get this addressed right away, I cannont get in to see a specialist until next week... well I leave next week so ...
Damn... I'm sorry it's been a bad day, and this just tops it off...
No Idea what to do.
I guess I just needed to vent a little...

[wgt]

I meant when was the last time your eye was examined before today with an ophthalmoscope?

Originally Posted by scubastud

Well I feel fine, who is to say this isn't the way my eye has always been?

WGT I Went today for an examination and glasses, and the eye doctor told me about this issue with my retina.

[scubastud]

No idea. i dont know what an ophthalmoscope is... last eye exam was .. maybe 2 years ago?

[Lulubelle]

Originally Posted by scubastud

No idea. i dont know what an ophthalmoscope is... last eye exam was .. maybe 2 years ago?

It is usually the handheld instrument with a light coming out of the end. Doc gets really, really, (too) close when doing this exam. I used to chase babies around the room with one. They thought it was a toy.

SS, if you get in to see the retinal specialist next week, he/she/it will tell you what you need to do. I suspect that your opportunity will wait for you until this business is settled if it needs to. It is a good sign that you don't have any symptoms, but would be unwise to wait to see someone until you do.