N.M., a renter from North York, Ontario, shares a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection, preparation, and perseverance. Diagnosed with a rare retinal condition after a routine eye exam, N.M. underwent not one, but three vitrectomy surgeries. With determination and the right tools in place, this renter faced the challenge head-on—and just eight weeks after surgery, was back on the tennis court. What a comeback!
Renter: N.M. ~ North York, Ontario
1) Why did you have vitrectomy surgery? (macular hole, retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, other)
Retinoschisis — My retina was splitting into layers. While this condition is sometimes only monitored, my doctor saw it was moving toward the macula, which could have resulted in vision loss. Surgery was necessary to prevent it.
2) From the time of diagnosis until surgery, how long did you have to wait?
I’ve had three surgeries. The most recent one was scheduled for January 2023, after it was deemed necessary in November 2022.
3) What symptoms led you to visit an eye specialist (Optometrist or Ophthalmologist)?
I had no symptoms at all. It was a routine optometrist visit that caught what was initially thought to be a retinal detachment. My ophthalmologist later diagnosed retinoschisis in both eyes. This experience reminded me just how important regular eye exams truly are.
4) What kind of hope did your Ophthalmologist give you about your situation?
He gave me a 95% success rate with a vitrectomy and laser treatment. Unfortunately, my first surgery was in the 5% that didn’t succeed, so I needed a follow-up. The second surgery included a scleral buckle to support the retina and keep it in place.
5) How would you describe your level of anxiety (before surgery, during your facedown recovery)?
My first surgery didn’t bring much anxiety thanks to a very informative surgeon. But I really underestimated what “facedown for a week” meant. By the third surgery, I knew what was coming, and that made the recovery period my biggest source of anxiety. Still, I knew it was necessary to heal well.
6) How would you describe your eyesight (one week after surgery, one month after surgery, three months after surgery)?
- One week: A large gas bubble blocked most vision.
- One month: The bubble had shrunk, and vision improved significantly.
- Six weeks: The bubble was gone, and my vision was nearly back to normal.
- Eight weeks: I was back on the tennis court—a huge milestone for me.
7) Besides renting equipment, what one piece of advice would you give someone regarding the facedown recovery journey?
Prepare ahead of time. Rent both a facedown chair and a massage table. Use pillows to support different resting positions and alternate between setups—chair, table, couch—to stay as comfortable as possible. Entertainment is also key: a two-way mirror for TV, audiobooks, music, and podcasts really help pass the time. Sleeping was the hardest part, but I found a “mostly facedown” position using pillows that helped me get some rest.
8) What is one thing you wish you knew before your vitrectomy?
Plan early. For my third surgery, I stocked up on meals, rented equipment in advance, and had support from a caregiver. All of that made a huge difference in how I experienced recovery.
9) Is there anything else you would be willing to share?
Facedown recovery is hard—there’s no way around it. It’s uncomfortable, frustrating, and it can feel endless. But:
- Time passes—even if it feels slow.
- Your body will heal. Just take it one day, or one moment, at a time.
- It’s worth it. Whether you’re driving, watching sunsets, or getting back on the court, the effort pays off in the end.
