Retinal detachment from boxing..?!
Question: I had trauma to left eye from a boxing match and received a retinal tear first and had laser. That was two months ago. I' am now having lightening like things in that same eye and a bunch of black dots. Could it have torn again? How serious is this and do I need to get in fast, I'am scheduled to leave the state for a match in d.c. in two days.
Answers: I had trauma to left eye from a boxing match and received a retinal tear first and had laser. That was two months ago. I' am now having lightening like things in that same eye and a bunch of black dots. Could it have torn again? How serious is this and do I need to get in fast, I'am scheduled to leave the state for a match in d.c. in two days.
Well I can certainly answer this question for you. I work as an RN for retinal surgeons so I believe I'm qualified. So what you most likely had was an LIO laser for the retinal tear. Were you having flashes before going in for the tear? The black dots are called floaters. I'm not sure how much 'a bunch' are but it sounds to me like you have had a detachment, at the very least another retinal tear. How long ago did these symptoms start and have they worsened? The flashes are the result of the actual retina lifting and the signal you receive to your brain is a flash similar to that of lightning. This is serious! Call the retinal specialist you went to for the laser and say you believe your retina has detached and hopefully your macula is still on. If it is, it could be minor enough that you can do an in-office procedure called a pneumatic retinopexy, where they inject a gas bubble into the eye to flatten the retina, the air bubble dissipates on it's own (usually 1 month). If it's more severe, you may have to do outpatient surgery but in EITHER case you cannot fly anywhere for any matches as the elevation with the gas bubble will increase resulting in very serious intraocular pressure and pain. This is all considering you do indeed have a retinal detachment. It's better to be safe than sorry! Good luck!
With your history, I would see a Dr. before you have another fight.
RN
You are describing flashes (lightening) and floaters (black dots), which are characteristic of a retinal tear or detachment. Are they increasing? It may have torn again or perhaps they missed a tear (?). Since you have a history of trauma and tears, I would definately go to see an eye doctor and get a dilation.
you definitely have another tear. the flashes are signs of traction and the "floaters" or black dots you see are hemorrhage. see a retina specialist and unfortunately may have to retire from boxing.