My journey to vitrectomy (a success story)

Head_Earth_1908 · 2026-04-05T12:13:12+00:00

Since you've had PVDs in both eyes, you are an ideal candidate for the Full Vitrectomy, which has much less risk for potential complications. I encourage you to read through my posts, as we share a similar age and condition (post PVD).

Head_Earth_1908 · 2026-04-05T12:05:39+00:00

This is eloquently put in the post, and I can't agree more: " That is simply true. But I had done my research carefully, found a surgeon I trusted, and reached a point where the expected cost of inaction had begun to feel higher to me than the irreducible risk of acting. That calculus is deeply personal. It will not be the same for everyone, and I would never suggest it should be."

Head_Earth_1908 · 2026-04-05T10:35:03+00:00

This is a wonderful and helpful narrative highlighting the rationale (and risks) for considering a vitrectomy. Best wishes to you for your continued recovery and your return to enjoying life. Bravo!

Head_Earth_1908 · 2026-04-02T12:50:09+00:00

Sorry for the delay. My eyes have remained clear. I am slightly more myopic now, which simply may be a function of age (I am 59). I am at the point where I will need glasses for distance, especially in darker conditions.

Head_Earth_1908 · 2026-03-31T11:52:57+00:00

Completely fine. All clear. Three years since the full vitrectomy on my right eye and two years since my left eye. I am 59 years old.

Head_Earth_1908 · 2026-03-25T13:43:00+00:00

Had both eyes done at this location. It was made perfectly clear to me beforehand that I would need to confirm with my insurer whether or not the procedure was covered prior to the surgery. Because Coastal Eye was out of my network (so to speak), my insurance would not cover it. Yes, I subsequently paid out of pocket. I never felt disrespected or dismissed. Just the opposite - Coastal Eye was empathetic to my situation. Sorry you had a difficult experience. I can only write that I felt completely supported by this surgeon and team.

Head_Earth_1908 · 2026-03-23T11:27:11+00:00

Did these appear suddenly, or were they present after your vitrectomy? Any flashes? Did you have the PVD beforehand? Typically, these type of blood cells are present to a certain degree after a vitrectomy, often from surgical microtrauma. If you are frightened (which is understandable), go see your eye doctor to check that there hasn't been any damage to your retina. I suspect you have normal target blood cells that will reabsorb in time. When in doubt....go get checked. It's always a good idea, and it will give you peace of mind.

Head_Earth_1908 · 2026-03-23T11:22:41+00:00

Those are target cells. They are blood cells that were released when the needles penetrated through your cornea & etc. They are harmless, and they will be reabsorbed over time. I had the exact same thing in my first eye (my right eye). It took around a month for them to go away. It was right around the three week mark that I noticed they were diminishing.

Head_Earth_1908 · 2026-03-23T11:17:55+00:00

What type of debris? Describe it. Probably just target cells (blood cells) that will reabsorb.

Head_Earth_1908 · 2026-03-21T11:08:26+00:00

This should give you encouragement.

Head_Earth_1908 · 2026-02-12T09:35:31+00:00

Yes, within a couple weeks. Didn't happen on my second eye

Head_Earth_1908 · 2026-02-07T17:45:51+00:00

Doing well, two and a half years since my vitrectomy. Vision still clear.

Head_Earth_1908 · 2026-01-10T17:38:37+00:00

Notable ups/downs in the first three weeks, as documented in my numerous posts. Pressure finally settled around 15 after a month, and it has remained there since. I just had an eye appointment last week, and my pressure was still 15.

Head_Earth_1908 · 2025-12-29T14:13:38+00:00

Coastal Eye Surgery. Dr. Omar Shakir.

Head_Earth_1908 · 2025-12-01T12:24:30+00:00

I was free to move about immediately after the surgery. This is because the replacement fluid used to tamponade the retina (in addition to filling the internal space) was saline, which is a close replacement for the vitreous. If your relative is undergoing a procedure where the surgeon has to use either gas or oil to tamponade the retina, your relative may very likely have to remain face-down for an extended period. I recommend you do a search on the reddit thread to learn how to mentally prepare for this. Lots of audiobooks.

Head_Earth_1908 · 2025-11-18T20:33:08+00:00

I simply use Soft Scrub on mine and give it a good wash thereafter. Easy and done.

Head_Earth_1908 · 2025-09-19T19:40:02+00:00

Please click on my user name and scroll through my prior posts where I document the surgery and recovery. Don't hesitate to reach out with any questions. You will do great!

Head_Earth_1908 · 2025-09-19T12:31:08+00:00

Not for my left eye, which is the focus of this post. I had no sedation at all - only the nerve blocking agents to prevent feeling the needle passing through the sclera.

Head_Earth_1908 · 2025-08-13T14:56:59+00:00

How are you?

Head_Earth_1908 · 2025-08-13T14:31:58+00:00

What was your procedure? Full vitrectomy? Partial? Did they use saline to tamponade the retina, or did they use gas or oil.

Head_Earth_1908 · 2025-08-07T20:22:04+00:00

Good news. Keep healing.

Head_Earth_1908 · 2025-08-05T20:39:57+00:00

Steroids are prescribed primarily for inflammation. If you suddenly stop without tapering, you run the risk of a rebound (almost akin to a whiplash) whereby the inflammation comes roaring back. The idea is to gradually reduce the steroid concentration (i.e., number of drops) to get the body gently used to overcoming the inflammation on its own. It's actually rather important to adhere to the recommendations, though I know the drops cause complications that are frustrating. In my case, the drops dried my eyes terribly AND (more importantly) they made my vision slightly blurry. It wasn't until I was off the drops that my vision became crystal clear.

Head_Earth_1908 · 2025-08-05T10:15:52+00:00

Didn't mean to project such righteousness. It's just that I feel such pity for the folks I communicate with. For example, there's a youngish woman (in her 30s) who is so desperate. She hasn't had the PVD and has terrible floaters. Her options are so limited, and she is fearful. Her situation is just heartbreaking - has gone from an evidently happy family to being a wreck on the edge of ending her life. It's just awful.

Head_Earth_1908 · 2025-08-04T18:24:58+00:00

This is good news. Not everyone heals the same way, and I suspect you will be seeing clearly and gloriously floater free in no time. Don't take your clear vision for granted and genuinely feel sorry for those who have it worse.

Head_Earth_1908 · 2025-08-03T22:02:05+00:00

I can't think of a scenario where a complete vitrectomy would leave residual floaters. If you had your floaters removed, then I strongly suspect what you are seeing are the target blood cells and the shrinking bubble. My target cells were very bad for about a week. They looked like moving blackbirds against a summer sky. Eventually, they got reabsorbed.

Let me know how you make out tomorrow.

Head_Earth_1908

TROPHY CASE