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What Causes Blurred Vision After Retinal Detachment Operation?
Question: I had retina detachment surgery about 10 days ago. (scleral buckle/cryopexy) On my last follow up visit, I could see 20/80 distant vision and 20/60 with the pinhole over my eye. What does this mean? Will I be able to get my vision corrected with glasses?
Brief Answer:
You are not blind,still chances to correct vision
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I have gone through your medical history carefully and understood your concerns.
Retinal detachment are usually caused by retinal tear.
The aim of the surgery is to repair the torn retina. That's why scleral buckle and cryotherapy have been used.
Recovery time is usually up to a couple of weeks. You had the surgery 10 days ago, so still got time for fully recovered.
Meanwhile, it's normal to have changed vision like blurring. Pinhole over your eye is due to retinal detachment and surgical intervention.
Usually, patients would get back to normal sight again in 90% of cases. The earlier the problem is detected, and the earlier the procedure is done, the better and faster the good results.
You still have time for fully recovered. So wait a bit more. If not, another procedure might be required, but should wait for a few more days first.
With regards to eye vision, take note that normal vision is 20/20. Yours is 20/80; 20/60, that means you still can read headline letters size or Alam clock at 10 feet.
You still have chances to correct your vision, lenses can be an alternative, but need to have the full eye vision report and prescription.
I need to see the diopters first.
Thank you.
You are not blind,still chances to correct vision
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I have gone through your medical history carefully and understood your concerns.
Retinal detachment are usually caused by retinal tear.
The aim of the surgery is to repair the torn retina. That's why scleral buckle and cryotherapy have been used.
Recovery time is usually up to a couple of weeks. You had the surgery 10 days ago, so still got time for fully recovered.
Meanwhile, it's normal to have changed vision like blurring. Pinhole over your eye is due to retinal detachment and surgical intervention.
Usually, patients would get back to normal sight again in 90% of cases. The earlier the problem is detected, and the earlier the procedure is done, the better and faster the good results.
You still have time for fully recovered. So wait a bit more. If not, another procedure might be required, but should wait for a few more days first.
With regards to eye vision, take note that normal vision is 20/20. Yours is 20/80; 20/60, that means you still can read headline letters size or Alam clock at 10 feet.
You still have chances to correct your vision, lenses can be an alternative, but need to have the full eye vision report and prescription.
I need to see the diopters first.
Thank you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Thanks for your reply. I may have wrote my question wrong. When I went to the Doctors for follow up visit, they had me look at a Eye test chart first. During this first test, I could see between 20/100 and 20/80. Then they had me look through a eye cover with a bunch of pinholes in it and at that point I could see the 20/60 letters. Just wanted to know what is the purpose of this test and what significance it has on my chances to see better with corrctive lenses/glasses?
Brief Answer:
Good progress...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
Ok, thank you for clarifying your answer.
The examination of the sight (vision) is done to evaluate the grade of blindness.
The first numbers 20/100 and 20/80 are revealing that the changes in your retina has caused problems with the eyesight.
As the things are getting better, your test result was 20/60 meaning you are not blinded, but still need follow up with eye specialist to monitor the changes after surgery.
The eye test results are giving positive chances to see better with correction lenses as per doctor's prescription.
Hope this answered your question. Do not hesitate to write back if any other concern.
Dr.Albana
Good progress...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
Ok, thank you for clarifying your answer.
The examination of the sight (vision) is done to evaluate the grade of blindness.
The first numbers 20/100 and 20/80 are revealing that the changes in your retina has caused problems with the eyesight.
As the things are getting better, your test result was 20/60 meaning you are not blinded, but still need follow up with eye specialist to monitor the changes after surgery.
The eye test results are giving positive chances to see better with correction lenses as per doctor's prescription.
Hope this answered your question. Do not hesitate to write back if any other concern.
Dr.Albana
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Ok, thanks. Again why do they make me look through the pinholes, and why can I see better looking through the pinholes? Does 20/100 mean I am blind? Just a little confused.
Brief Answer:
Explanation below...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
Looking through pinholes evaluate your sight. In other words, it will determine if the blurred vision is caused by the refractive error (which is an inability of the cornea and lens of the eye to bend light rays into proper focus on the retina) after the detachment or by an organic injury.
When running pinhole test, only a small amount of focused central light rays are allowed into the eye. This prevents the unfocused light rays in the periphery from reaching the retina.
If the vision improves it is unlikely that the blurred vision is related to an eye injury; more likely to be an existing vision problem that can be corrected by lenses. As your vision improves when running pinhole test (from 20/80 to 20/60); there are high chances that your vision problems will be repaired after wearing lenses.
For your information:
- Normal vision: 20/20
- Blindness: higher than 20/200
- numbers between normal and blindness can be corrected with lenses.
However, other numbers should be considered too after a good eye examination.
Hope this answers your query.
Dr.Albana
Explanation below...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
Looking through pinholes evaluate your sight. In other words, it will determine if the blurred vision is caused by the refractive error (which is an inability of the cornea and lens of the eye to bend light rays into proper focus on the retina) after the detachment or by an organic injury.
When running pinhole test, only a small amount of focused central light rays are allowed into the eye. This prevents the unfocused light rays in the periphery from reaching the retina.
If the vision improves it is unlikely that the blurred vision is related to an eye injury; more likely to be an existing vision problem that can be corrected by lenses. As your vision improves when running pinhole test (from 20/80 to 20/60); there are high chances that your vision problems will be repaired after wearing lenses.
For your information:
- Normal vision: 20/20
- Blindness: higher than 20/200
- numbers between normal and blindness can be corrected with lenses.
However, other numbers should be considered too after a good eye examination.
Hope this answers your query.
Dr.Albana
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
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