Last Thursday I developed severe floaters in my left eye. I've had floaters for years but this was different. I went to see a doctor in the ophthalmology department at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation in Santa Cruz and was told I did NOT have a retinal tear, that I only had floaters and they would settle down within a week. I was told I could fly this week as I had plans to visit New Zealand with my husband for 3 weeks. By Monday my eye was not better and I felt it getting worse. I had told that doc this seemed different than floaters but he didn't seem concerned. So I went to see a retinal specialist who did extensive test on my eye and discovered several very large tear in my retina and did emergency laser on the eye. So now I'm pretty much bed ridden, no reading, no computer, only large screen tv and audio books. Sigh. I'll be getting weekly checkups to see how I'm healing and determine how long I have to rest my eye.
We had to cancel our trip to New Zealand, wah! But I am so grateful that Dr. Wu was able to address my eye and I didn't take that first doctor's advice. If I had gotten on a plane my retina would have detached and my eye would have bled. I could have lost my eyesight in that eye.
I do not know why the tears happened but am getting some further testing to see if we can determine that.
I won't be posting for a while again as I should be resting my eye. My son has been helping me with email messages and he may check back here for me for time to time.
Our eyesight is precious and do not take it for granted!!!
I don't know if you'll get this message or not but I'm glad you and your eye are ok. I'm sorry you had to cancel your trip but like you, your vision comes first! Take care.
ReplyDeleteSending love, positive thoughts and hopes for a speedy recovery.
ReplyDeleteI have bad floaters -- they often affect what I'm doing. My doctore doesn't take me seriously -- but I know now that if they get really bad to ask for a second opinion! Keep us posted, Lorri! Hope you have a quick recovery :)
ReplyDeleteTake care of your eyes Lorri. Will be back to visit you again - hugs Nat
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this online, I too suffer from floaters, etc. My Dr has always said if I notice any sudden change to get me into the office asap, for exactly what has happened to you. Every year we dilate and he does a very thorough exam looking for tears.
ReplyDeleteI wish you a speedy recovery, Lorri.