Argon Laser for a retinal tear

[FastJoyRide]

Optometrist caught a small tear in my left retina during a routine eye exam last week. He referred me to an eye surgeon for further investigation who found 2 small tears in that eye, and one developing in the other eye. Fortunately all were on the periphery and not near the vision area of the retina, so no vision loss so far. Eight hours later I'm having my retinas spot-welded. I was under orders to be a couch potato for the weekend - which I did. But now he's saying no "over-exertion" for 30 days - WTF?!

Would someone please tell me that riding my FJR in the ever-sedate CBA-type fashion that I do is OK? GR8EYES to the courtesy phone?

 

[C&C]

Ask the eye surgeon. I believe I would bite the bullet and lay off the bike for the month (unless cleared by the Doc); these are your eyes you're talking about. And no, I'm not an expert by any stretch of the imagination, JMHO.

 

[Geezer]

Perhaps a pair of goggles, or sunglasses that have the foam edge to seal around your cheeks like the cruiser guys wear would protect your eyes and let you ride. As C&C said, ask the eye surgeon.

Any idea what caused the tears?

 

[chrisflock]

Optometrist caught a small tear in my left retina during a routine eye exam last week. He referred me to an eye surgeon for further investigation who found 2 small tears in that eye, and one developing in the other eye. Fortunately all were on the periphery and not near the vision area of the retina, so no vision loss so far. Eight hours later I'm having my retinas spot-welded. I was under orders to be a couch potato for the weekend - which I did. But now he's saying no "over-exertion" for 30 days - WTF?!
Would someone please tell me that riding my FJR in the ever-sedate CBA-type fashion that I do is OK? GR8EYES to the courtesy phone?

If the doc told me they were going to be 'spot welding' my eye...I'd show up with parts to make a CB antenna mount for my bike. "As long as you've got the laser welder out..."

Just saying.

But more on-topic, did the doc specify what he meant by no "over-exertion"? I mean, don't try to read Moby Dick or stare at anything else commonly known to make your eyes bleed? Or does he mean don't go for a run or get a hooker or otherwise get your heart-rate up too high? Or don't try to lift real heavy boxes or sneeze too hard or anything else that might cause an eye to pop out?

 

[wheatonFJR]

Optometrist caught a small tear in my left retina during a routine eye exam last week. He referred me to an eye surgeon for further investigation who found 2 small tears in that eye, and one developing in the other eye. Fortunately all were on the periphery and not near the vision area of the retina, so no vision loss so far. Eight hours later I'm having my retinas spot-welded. I was under orders to be a couch potato for the weekend - which I did. But now he's saying no "over-exertion" for 30 days - WTF?!
Would someone please tell me that riding my FJR in the ever-sedate CBA-type fashion that I do is OK? GR8EYES to the courtesy phone?

Sorry to hear about your injury there Dave. Gr8eyes has been active over at FJR Riders...so if he doesn't respond soon try over there.

I really hope that the repair works well AND you can have a great time riding at CFR which you've worked so hard for.

In any event, best wishes...and will see you in a month or so. :clapping:

 

[FastJoyRide]

My understanding is that it's the heart rate / blood pressure kind of exertion that causes the concern as it might inhibit the healing of the retina. We're moving on Thursday and I'm under strict orders to be a "setter and pointer" - no heavy lifting!

As to why, he had no certainty except that such damage runs heavily through genetics (in some people as the texture of the "jelly" in your eyeball changes with age it can cause the retina to wrinkle or rip - now there a real non-expert explanation!) My parents are both long gone, but I'm not aware of them or their parents having any eye issues beyond needing glasses. But come to think of it, the milkman had bad eyes... :winksmiley02:

Thanks for the good vibes Wheatie. By CFR I'll be over 6 weeks post-surgery so no worries there!

 

[JohnTC40]

My understanding is that it's the heart rate / blood pressure kind of exertion that causes the concern as it might inhibit the healing of the retina. We're moving on Thursday and I'm under strict orders to be a "setter and pointer" - no heavy lifting!
As to why, he had no certainty except that such damage runs heavily through genetics (in some people as the texture of the "jelly" in your eyeball changes with age it can cause the retina to wrinkle or rip - now there a real non-expert explanation!) My parents are both long gone, but I'm not aware of them or their parents having any eye issues beyond needing glasses. But come to think of it, the milkman had bad eyes... :winksmiley02:

Thanks for the good vibes Wheatie. By CFR I'll be over 6 weeks post-surgery so no worries there!

The condition you're referring to is called posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). As you say it can create tension on the retina causing distorted vision, flashes of light and, in some cases, can detach the retina. It can be treated surgically, but it is a very delicate operation. I know something about this because I have this condition in my left eye. In my case it is causing my vision in that eye to be slightly distorted (objects appear 20% or so larger and are slightly mishapen, and straight lines appear to be curved). Thankfully, my brain can still take the different inputs from my two eyes and deliver a nearly normal image. My surgeon and I have been monitoring this for several years now and will only turn to surgery if the retina tears or separates, or if the distortion becomes unmanageable.