Anyone diving after retinal tear surgery?

[Selchie in LB]

I recently experienced a retinal tear due to butting heads with one of my dogs. The dog is fine, but I got a retinal tear. I immediately went to a specialist who laser "tack welded" the retina in place. I cannot exercise, lift anything or do anything strenuous for 14 days. I am under the assumption that I can return to normal activity after this which for me is scuba diving. I mentioned that to the doctor at the time of the surgery, but he was more concerned with the next 14 days and healing.

So if anyone has any experience with this please share. I'll keep you posted on my progress. So far the weld has kept the retina in place.

 

[g1138]

My dad once had a slight case of tennis elbow from playing too much tennis and renovating his rental apartments (lots of lifting, carpet tearing, painting etc). After a short 2 week break, despite the doctor's warnings to take it easy he still kept on doing what he usually did. Long story short he now hasn't played tennis for 6 years because he still needs to heal his elbow, it's still not completely tip top.

Not a doctor but here's my thought. I think you should take it easy, get another checkup after 14 days, and then ask the doctor again.

 

[Selchie in LB]

I should clarify that I am waiting the appropriate amount of time and will definitely go to the follow up visit.

My question is after that time frame any problems noted?

 

[Trace Malinowski]

I underwent two floater only vitrectomies with 20 gauge instruments inserted into the eye and returned to technical diving 3 months after each surgery which was the DAN recommendation. Since most vitrectomies are performed for retinal repair with the insertion of a gas bubble returning to diving is possible.

Contact DAN and your opthamologist, but you may want to wait at least 3 months even if you might be able to resume normal surface activities.

I had surgery to suck out the eye floaters in my vitreous humor and had no issues with the retina, but caution was advised during my post operative check-ups with regard to returning to running, lifting heavy weights, diving, surfing, going on rollercoasters and such. It was recommended to ease back into normal activities over a period of weeks with diving and rollercoasters allowed after a couple months since the cutting tool was used close to the retina.

Just some food for thought, but contact the appropriate experts and don't hesitate to compare second and third opinions and take the most conservative advice since sight is such a precious gift.

 

[Scott L]

Trace, roller coasters? Perhaps that's what created the floaters in the first place.

 

[w ripley]

I had a retina detach in one eye. I believe there was some tearing, as well. Underwent laser surgery probably 10 years ago and have been diving ever since. No problems.

 

[j2s]

Plan on having synthetic lenses implanted to eliminate glasses and Rx's in my masks forever [eyes never get old as in laser surgery]...My doctor says absolutley no diving for 4 months and no strenuous activity of any kind for the 1st month.....The diet and inactivity will be a real test

 

[Selchie in LB]

j2s - the recovery period with no strenuous activity is killing me! I miss swimming and diving already.

Thank you Bill for you information. My retina did not become detached thank goodness. I understand the treatment for that is to become a total couch potato and your head actually needing to be face down for significant periods of time! Glad to know you are diving again.

 

[fish149]

I had a torn retina when I was in 7th grade and after the Dr. repaired it they told me the same thing; take it easy. Personally if the same thing happened to me now I would double whatever recovery time I was told before diving or excercising again (keep in mind that I usually don't stop excercising whenever I have any other type of injury but if came to potentially loosing my eyesight I would). Your eyes are nothing you want to gamble with; be patient with your recovery.

 

[j2s]

Selchie, Probably do the same to me, may even cause my spouse to get a divorce, will just have to grin and bear-it...Any suggestions ????....Texas-hold-'em in Vegas for 4 months ?? !!!!!...Can't be near water, might as well go to the desert !!!