Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Afraid of Vision Loss (self.Blind)
submitted by Brave_Moustache
Hello everyone. I don’t want advice. I would just like your experience. I’m 34. I don’t have insurance. I haven’t experienced any trauma or injury. About a month ago I started to see flashes of light. They seem to get worse over time and get more frequent. About a week ago I started to see floaters. A few grey splotches at first that graduated to tons of tiny circles. Also a few times a day, I experience dark flashes as if I’ve blinked. I did some research and discovered these are symptoms of retinal detachment, among other things (blood clot, vitreous detachment). Every online source instructed me to see an Ophthalmologist immediately to rule out serious conditions. I finally went to ER last night and they basically told me what I already knew and referred me to an Ophthalmologist. Like I said, I don’t have insurance to cover the appointment/testing however.
I’m posting here because basically I’m just scared. I’m wondering if anyone can share their experience with these symptoms and the timeline of events leading up to retinal detachment or other outcomes. How long does it typically take after the outset of symptoms for the detachment to actually occur? I take the online medical sites with a grain of salt but it still scares me how fast they say retinal detachment can occur. I’m obviously very worried about going blind, but I have no way of knowing if this warrants the amount of fear I have. I’m trying to borrow money as quickly as possible to cover the appointment but I don’t know if I’ll be able to do that either. Any experience you have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks everyone!
I’m posting here because basically I’m just scared. I’m wondering if anyone can share their experience with these symptoms and the timeline of events leading up to retinal detachment or other outcomes. How long does it typically take after the outset of symptoms for the detachment to actually occur? I take the online medical sites with a grain of salt but it still scares me how fast they say retinal detachment can occur. I’m obviously very worried about going blind, but I have no way of knowing if this warrants the amount of fear I have. I’m trying to borrow money as quickly as possible to cover the appointment but I don’t know if I’ll be able to do that either. Any experience you have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks everyone!
[deleted] 3 points 2y ago
My impression from my specialist is that some hospital ERs have an optometrist on staff and some don’t. Could you call around if there are other ERs within driving distance? It’s frustrating but at least in the ER they would have to treat you (and I do believe retinal detachment qualifies as a medical emergency)
Brave_Moustache [OP] 1 points 2y ago
I actually did this. Out of 8 hospitals in my area only one had an “on call” optometrist. The others either consulted over the phone or transferred out. Transferred to who, I don’t know. I chose the hospital with the on call since it was my only option. However my mistake may have been I went to the ER at a time he was not currently on call. I get the feeling he wouldn’t have been called anyway though. I believe you’re right, it’s a medical emergency. However my ER doc asserted that this wasn’t very serious...He’s also the same guy who told me the referral would accept me without insurance (they won’t). Probably said it so I would let him leave the room. I’m just praying that this isn’t the biggest mistakes of my life. I mean the floaters have been going on for a week and half. If it was going to happen, shouldn’t it have already?
[deleted] 2 points 2y ago
I wish I knew! My issues are under my retina and if I don’t get steroid shots for it, I get permanent scarring. So there definitely are things that will get worse if you wait a week or two and cause permanent vision loss.
People are constantly going to the ER for bad reasons. So I don’t think you need to feel bad about going back and hoping someone else (ideally the optometrist) sees you. Sometimes it can help to use the exact phrasing you see on the medical websites because that triggers the dr’s understanding of the symptoms they think they should be looking for so you get treated better. It sucks, but you really need to be your own advocate or the system will steamroll you.
People are constantly going to the ER for bad reasons. So I don’t think you need to feel bad about going back and hoping someone else (ideally the optometrist) sees you. Sometimes it can help to use the exact phrasing you see on the medical websites because that triggers the dr’s understanding of the symptoms they think they should be looking for so you get treated better. It sucks, but you really need to be your own advocate or the system will steamroll you.
Brave_Moustache [OP] 1 points 2y ago
Thanks for the tip! I may just go back tomorrow if can’t borrow money for the referral. Time is of the essence.
mashalf 3 points 2y ago
My dad has had retinal detachment and he had to go through a vitrectomy. It takes a few days to heal and about a few weeks to slowly get your vision back. Individual cases might vary though. His surgery was in 2018 and he says he still has a bit of difficulty driving at night. However, when at first he noticed the symptoms you experienced, he was told to go to the ER right away and they operated on him immediately. I’m not sure why your ER sent you away but maybe things are different in your country. (I’m in Canada).
Is the flashing in both eyes? A retinal detachment can be fixed but also is likely to get detached again. I wish you best of luck!
Is the flashing in both eyes? A retinal detachment can be fixed but also is likely to get detached again. I wish you best of luck!
Brave_Moustache [OP] 1 points 2y ago
I’m in the US. I don’t know if this matters but there was no optometrist on staff for testing. The ER DR looked in my eye and there was no hemorrhaging. However the ER DR does not have the expertise or equipment to test thoroughly. I’m very frustrated and afraid that they could have very well discharged me anyway into darkness.
Edit: yes flashing in both eyes
Edit: yes flashing in both eyes
43wrox 2 points 2y ago
I have had retinal detachments in both eyes. I am now completely blind in one eye and have limited vision in the other.
I strongly recommend you get seen by an Opthamologist ASAP. Optometrists often don’t have the right equipment to determine if retina is detaching.
Pay for the scans. It is worth it.
Good luck.
I strongly recommend you get seen by an Opthamologist ASAP. Optometrists often don’t have the right equipment to determine if retina is detaching.
Pay for the scans. It is worth it.
Good luck.
Brave_Moustache [OP] 1 points 2y ago
Thank you for the advice and direction. Is the the ophthalmologist’s equipment something they can transport, say to an ER? Or is it only on site? Also, how long did it take for your retina to detach after the onset of your symptoms?
Edit: Not familiar with the terminology. What do you mean by pay for the scans?
Edit: Not familiar with the terminology. What do you mean by pay for the scans?
43wrox 1 points 2y ago
BR, wondering generally where you live but I don’t believe the equipment can be transported. Cost is zero fit me because I live in Canada. I understand why you would be hesitant to pay $100 or more for retinal scan but the way I see it I can’t work at all if I have no vision. I am now complete blind in right eye. Luckily vision has been saved in left eye, after 3 surgeries, for now.
Hallowss 2 points 2y ago
I lost the majority of my vision (I rely on light perception) through damage to my optic nerve. However like you, my retina suddenly tore in my left eye with no obvious trauma. I’m lucky to live with free health care so serious causes were ruled out. Like you though I can’t currently get surgery as they are still investigating why, and at that time it didn’t really effect my vision, my right eye was always better.
I recently had an accident which has left my right eye also ‘physically’ blind.
I was okay with losing my sight how I had, I knew I would continue to lose more vision due to the damage of my optic nerve, but the idea of losing my vision because of damage to my actual eyes is terrifying
I recently had an accident which has left my right eye also ‘physically’ blind.
I was okay with losing my sight how I had, I knew I would continue to lose more vision due to the damage of my optic nerve, but the idea of losing my vision because of damage to my actual eyes is terrifying
Brave_Moustache [OP] 1 points 2y ago
Thanks for the reply. You’ve been through some ups and downs. How long did it take for the tear in your left retina to effect your vision, if at all?
Hallowss 2 points 2y ago
It was like my vision suddenly changed, I assume I noticed it straight away, but I don’t know. I went to the ER about 2 hours after it started
How long did you wait to go to the ER?
I do still have vision in my left eye, it is constantly disturbed. I noticed the flashing lights first, now I’d say it’s like part of what I see is underwater.
in good lighting I can see almost as if nothing changed. However, I rely much more on good lighting now
How long did you wait to go to the ER?
I do still have vision in my left eye, it is constantly disturbed. I noticed the flashing lights first, now I’d say it’s like part of what I see is underwater.
in good lighting I can see almost as if nothing changed. However, I rely much more on good lighting now
Brave_Moustache [OP] 1 points 2y ago
I really appreciate you sharing your experience with me, thank you :)
CAHWY17 1 points 2y ago
contact the state offices for the blind and get there assistance.
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