I have been up to my eyeballs in alligators.
And the swamp still needs draining. And there is only me.
The episode with the freezing water line has had some repercussions, I have developed a vitreous detachment. So my right eye is like a snow globe. I have lots of new floaters there, which is like looking through the fog at the beginning of an Ed Wood movie. Apparently this happened as a result of hanging upside down in the pit.
I can still see pretty well. Everythingnis just foggy. And I don’t know yet if this will affect my shooting, as far as “being able to”. I can probably still suck just as much as I used to. I don’t think handguns will be any kind of an issue, but I like to shoot big boomers. Technicaly, since the damage has been done, there may be nothing else to worry about, but I’ll know in six weeks. At least there’s zero retina damage, and it looks like other than the persistent fog I’ll be fine.
Apparently there’s a doctor that removes the vitreous and installs a synthetic oil. This sure sounds like fun. I won’t be jumping on that bandwagon, not too quickly, anyway.
Had the same issue last fall. Went to the eye doctor, who sent me to Vandy eye surgeon.
Vandy eye surgeon said in 90% of the case it will clear it’s self up over time. He also said it was common in older folks (screw you Doc!).
I still shot IDPA and rifle without noticing a change in performance. I just practiced ignoring the big fuzzy spider in sight picture.
It disappeared in about 60 days.
That’s very encouraging! Thanks!
I’m going through that, (almost 2 months now) and mine is clearing slowly, but clearing. Hang in there Og!
You’re not going to appreciate me saying this but this condition is a natural part of the aging process and happens to everyone sooner or later.
Some people don’t notice anything at all. Some see flpaters for a while but in time (short time) that passes and that’s all their is to it. An unfortunate few have retinal detachment/tears along with the vitreous. That’s a surgical repair.
But you’ve been seen and if your retina was detached they would have told you that, so it’s tincture of time for you.
Fear not. I know you have a great doctor and you are in good hands. FWIW if you aren’t taking fish oil — the good stuff, not the cheap ass kind — there’s some evidence that helps overall eye health and decreases things like dry eye. So eat more fatty fish (Sardines, herring, salmon) and pop some fish oil. Can’t hurt you and may help.
As for the operation mentioned, it’s called a victrectomy. They used to put oil in behind after they scooped out the vitreous but now they mostly use a gas bubble. You don’t want to know how I know that.
Get better soon..
Jenny
Dr. Vernon Hermsen saved my son’s eyes, and his mother’s too, with multiple retinal surgeries. His mother had the gas bubble treatment, and it worked, but it was not fun. Hermsen is in Texas now, and can be found on the net. He is a very kind and personable gentleman, and extremely knowledgable. If you need additional information or guidance, contact him and tell him you are a friend of ours.
Edited: Thanks! The names have been changed to protect the innocent! (Actually I try to avoid using anyones’ names on the blog except businesspeople like your MD. And thank you very much for the encouraging comment.
“removes the vitreous” is a phrase that gives me the twitches.