Some of our renters come from having already sustained trauma to an eye. Thankfully I only see a handful of people in this situation during each calendar year. In these cases, progress is slow and sometimes discouraging. Along the way you take the wins where you can get them. The biggest piece of advice this renter shared is to do what you can to be prepared for surgery.
Renter: J.L. ~ St. Catharines, Ontario
1) Why did you have vitrectomy surgery? (macular hole, retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, other)
Retinal Detachment
2) From the time of diagnosis until surgery, how long did you have to wait?
7 Days
3) What symptoms were you having that made you go visit an eye specialist (Optometrist or Ophthalmologist?)
My eye was already injured from a fall that required surgery. The doctors didn't see a retinal detachment at that time. The retinal detachment was not noticed until more eye testing was done weeks after the surgery.
4) What kind of hope did your Ophthalmologist give you about your situation?
Due to my injury, he could only restore 40-50% of my eyesight.
5) How would you describe your eyesight (i.e. one week after surgery, one month after surgery, three months after surgery)?
- One Week - No Improvement
- One Month - I was able to see shadows
- Three Months - I was able to see shadows
Remember that this is a slow recovery.
6) Besides renting equipment, what one piece of advice would you give someone regarding the facedown recovery journey?
Do what you can to be prepared for the recovery.
7) What is one thing you wish you knew before your vitrectomy?
We felt we were already prepared for the surgery.
8) Is there anything else you would be willing to share?
Talking with someone who has already been through surgery is very important to help prepare you for the recovery.
