A Photographer's loss of vision: Not an existential crisis, but a blog about a recent retinal detachment, its causes, "cure," and progress. Find the blog at:...

TGanner Loc: Haines, Alaska

Not an existential crisis, but a blog about a recent retinal detachment, its causes, "cure," and progress. Find the blog at: https://timenspace.smugmug.com/Collections/Blogs/Blogs/A-photographers-loss-of-vision/

FRENCHY Loc: Stone Mountain , Ga

TGanner wrote:

Not an existential crisis, but a blog about a recent retinal detachment, its causes, "cure," and progress. Find the blog at: https://timenspace.smugmug.com/Collections/Blogs/Blogs/A-photographers-loss-of-vision/

Glad you are feeling OK. I was in the same situation , one morning I woke up with a spot in my left eye, see the ophthalmologist in the morning, , see a doc at 1pm same day and he told me to be in the hospital the next morning at 4.30 , surgery , in hospital for 4 1/2 hours then home , with the instruction to keep my head down as much as possible for two weeks , what a pleasure !! .

Like they say " getting old is not for p..s " LOLLL

Take Lutein 20 for your eyes , I'm doing this for the past 3 years .

Glad for you , you can still enjoy the beautiful world of photography

GregWCIL Loc: Illinois

Tom,

That's a fascinating (if scary) blog post you've shared. I hope your recovery continues. At least you seem to have kept your sense of humor. (Only you would put an eye patch on an eagle.)

Be safe and we hope you get good news in California.

Greg

Ps, Did you know that I tagged along with Charlie for a return trip to Alaska this August? We did the Kenai Peninsula then flew down to Wrangle. Sorry we couldn't work in a return to Haines. I've attached one of my eagle photos from the trip. Consider it my "get well card."

(Download)

n3eg Loc: West coast USA

Probably the best read on UHH in a long time. Hope everything turns out OK in California.

sab2101 Loc: Henderson Nv.

TGanner wrote:

Not an existential crisis, but a blog about a recent retinal detachment, its causes, "cure," and progress. Find the blog at: https://timenspace.smugmug.com/Collections/Blogs/Blogs/A-photographers-loss-of-vision/

Not at all bragging, however I had retinal detatchment surgery 5 1/2 wks. ago still do not have full vision in my left eye. The bubble that was injected into my eye is about 80% gone, once that is gone I should have full vision in my left eye. I was up during the complete surgery, they just gave me what they called a "block" I guess that is to block the pain. After the surgery the pain was not that bad at all, only once did I take a Tylenol. I know how you feel and we both need to get better real soon.................Mike

pilgrim1951 Loc: New Jersey

Very timely topic for all of us "geezers." I had surgery 8 days ago for vitreomacular traction syndrome, which caused a pin-point hole in my retina. I, too, have a gas bubble in my left eye and while it is momentarily "entertaining" it's mostly a pain in the butt. Especially the face down positioning all day and night. See my surgeon on Friday for update. Can't help but think of the words of Jesus from the Sermon on the Mount, "If thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light."

CSand Loc: Fayetteville, Georgia

Thank you for this information. Do not have torn or detached but do have "lightning" type flashing to side of right eye. Was told this is normal aging as the eye fluid, like the white of an egg, around eye shrinks and in doing so tugs at retina. And that my left eye had already flattened but I had not noticed any flashing. It is difficult at times dealing with this old tent but I am grateful that I have mindset to keep going as if I were younger. Take care.

TGanner Loc: Haines, Alaska

CSand wrote:

Thank you for this information. Do not have torn or detached but do have "lightning" type flashing to side of right eye. Was told this is normal aging as the eye fluid, like the white of an egg, around eye shrinks and in doing so tugs at retina. And that my left eye had already flattened but I had not noticed any flashing. It is difficult at times dealing with this old tent but I am grateful that I have mindset to keep going as if I were younger. Take care.

My advice is to go see an ophthalmologist! Yes, the flashes are part of aging, as is the shrinking of the vitreous fluid that will cause tears that will cause the detachment. Being blind is not necessarily a consequence of aging anymore. They can remedy the malady before it becomes a calamity. Just sayin!

pilgrim1951 Loc: New Jersey

I agree with the advice about "keeping an eye on the condition." The pulling or traction on the retina is what caused my hole. My procedure removed the remaining vitreous gel and the inserted gas bubble is like a band-aid to allow the natural fluids in the eye to fill in the hole and seal it. If successful, it will restore most of the distortion caused by hole and prevent the distortion and from progressing. By all means keep seeing your opthalmologist because the earlier the treatment the better chance of successful outcome. Take care.

CSand Loc: Fayetteville, Georgia

TGanner wrote:

My advice is to go see an ophthalmologist! Yes, the flashes are part of aging, as is the shrinking of the vitreous fluid that will cause tears that will cause the detachment. Being blind is not necessarily a consequence of aging anymore. They can remedy the malady before it becomes a calamity. Just sayin!

Thank you for your concern. I have been under care of my two ophthalmologist for last month. Have been told to be very aware of situation as far as abrupt changes but that it will run its course and I should have no major problem. Thanks again. S

TGanner Loc: Haines, Alaska

CSand wrote:

Thank you for your concern. I have been under care of my two ophthalmologist for last month. Have been told to be very aware of situation as far as abrupt changes but that it will run its course and I should have no major problem. Thanks again. S

Sounds like you are doing everything right! Best of luck and keep the faith!!

norman1312 Loc: London, UK

Oh, I wish all my problems could be solved so easily. Waking up in the morning and having pain beyond belief as soon as I opened one eye. The doctors came up with a diagnosis of corneal epilthelial distrophy (simply put, the outermost layer of the cornea is the epilthelium, and this thins, so that when you open your eye it 'pops' - PAIN). Thankfully, not my 'shooting' eye.
I suppose that's better than going blind in one eye for nearly a year, as a precursor to a diagnosis of MS (same eye). Now, that really slows you down. No more long walks to find the best shot(s). How often do the shots come to you?

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I've an acquaintance who is a retinologist. She readily reattaches retinas on a regular basis. I'm in awe of someone who can restore a person's sight. She thinks it's all in a day's work, no big deal.

Glad your doing better and hope things stay that way.
--Bob

TGanner wrote:

Not an existential crisis, but a blog about a recent retinal detachment, its causes, "cure," and progress. Find the blog at: https://timenspace.smugmug.com/Collections/Blogs/Blogs/A-photographers-loss-of-vision/

sab2101 Loc: Henderson Nv.

rmalarz wrote:

I've an acquaintance who is a retinologist. She readily reattaches retinas on a regular basis. I'm in awe of someone who can restore a person's sight. She thinks it's all in a day's work, no big deal.

Glad your doing better and hope things stay that way.
--Bob

The day the eye surgeon did mine, he also did three other ones. I was told they do about four per day...........Mike

TGanner Loc: Haines, Alaska

sab2101 wrote:

The day the eye surgeon did mine, he also did three other ones. I was told they do about four per day...........Mike

We are all coming apart at the seams!