Your eye doctor will determine when your eyes and vision have recovered and you are ready to enjoy your daily activities based on your recovery from retinal detachment surgery. Reading with only the good eye will not harm either eye, so do not be afraid to read that way until the reattachment heals.Īfter surgery, patients want to resume their favorite activities, including reading, as quickly as possible. Your low vision optometrist can recommend specific low vision glasses or devices that can enlarge text and graphics to the extent you require.Īlso, you may find it easier to read with the unaffected eye. Magnify Your Screen or BookĪ magnifying device will make letters in printed material larger and more accessible. Make reading easier by reading from books with large print, or bypass reading altogether by listening to audiobooks. In the days and weeks following surgery, when you are not yet able to read from books or a computer, use a screen reader, which converts written text into auditory recordings. Add some extra lamps and use fluorescent and halogen bulbs that illuminate reading material more effectively than incandescent bulbs. You may need more light to see and read than you did before your retina detached. The retina contains layers of nerves that are sensitive to light. It is possible that surgery has altered your optical prescription, so having updated eyeglasses will help you see and read more clearly. When your eye surgeon feels your eye has recovered, they will recommend having an eye exam to determine whether your eyeglass prescription is still right for you. The following are some tips for reading following retinal detachment surgery: 1. However, reading or watching television won’t harm your eyes, and there is no reason not to try to read if you feel so inclined. Until the retina heals and holds its position, you may see bright spots or your vision could be blurry. Vision in the affected eye or eyes is likely to be poor for weeks following surgery, making it difficult to read. Engage in strenuous activities like a workout.It will be a while before you will be able to: For some people, it can take several months.ĭuring this recovery period, it’s crucial to avoid doing things that require vigorous head movements. How Long Does It Take to Recover from Retinal Detachment Surgery?Įvery patient will recover from surgery at a different pace, but most patients can resume some of their regular activities between 2 and 4 weeks post-op. Vitrectomy - replacing the aqueous humor with silicone oil.Scleral buckling - placing a belt-like structure around the white of the eye.Pneumatic retinopexy - injecting a gas bubble into the eye to push the retina back into place.There are three types of retinal detachment surgery: In some cases, additional surgery may be required. The answer will depend on the severity of the detachment and the outcome of the surgery. Patients often wonder how soon they will be able to read following retinal detachment surgery. Recovery from surgery is lengthy and it may be weeks or months before vision is fully restored. When the light-sensitive retina has slipped out of its position, surgery is required to reattach it. Retinal detachment is a potentially sight-threatening condition that requires immediate attention.

Retinal detachment repair