Retinal Examination

[honeydip]

I have a retinal examination tomorrow well at least I think I do. I am seeing an opthologist regarding floaters and flashing lights. What exactly will they do to examine it? Is it surgical? The appointment is at 11.30 will I be able to go skiing the next day?

[Old_Geezer]

They put dops in to widen the pupil, then shine a light in and look at it through a lens.

If all is well then that's the end of it. If there are tears they'll want to shine a laser in to seal the tear before it gets worse. Not pleasant but perfectly bearable. Not chopping involved if that's what you're concerned about.

[Baldric]

I had one just before Christmas, nothing drastic (same reasons as yours) few eye-drops, lots of close up exams with head resting on frame, just to keep still, and a dye put in just to check for scratches on the eye, nothing surgical, just slightly uncomfortable. If your driving, take someone with you to drive home as it did affect vision for a couple of hours afterwards.
No problems next day.

[Old_Geezer]

Err yes, you could ski as soon as your pupil returns to normal size later that day. BTW dont drive there. Your vison in that large pupil eye will not be good, the sun will seem very bright. May pay to take sunglasses or a peaked cap.

[mallyh]

my oh has these yearly as he's diabetic looks a bit alien for a while and cant drive for a few hours after x

[Baldric]

Should read "if you're driving"................doh!

[LoftyLottie]

It might be as simple as this, which is very likely if you are older or are short sighted.

http://www.rnib.org.uk/eyehealth/eyeconditions/eyeconditionsoz/Pages/posterior_vitreous_detachment.aspx

As others have said, just eye drops and then a thorough examination of the eyes. Nothing surgical.

And make sure you have someone there to drive you home or even walk you home. You are not meant to drive afterwards. Your sight will return to normal after a few hours. If it is sunny it makes things even worse.

No pain whatsoever.

[honeydip]

Thanks for the answers. Not too much to worry about then.

[Dee Sa]

just to be on the safe side, ask during the examination if its okay to ski next day and follow the instructions given.

[Scylax]

The ophthalmologist uses a slit-lamp to view the retina at the back of the eye in an enlarged view. Simple... bright light, nothing else.
'Floaters' are extremely common and are usually of no significance.

You won't be able to go skiing tomorrow if you live in Nigeria or Papua New Guinea.

[Prudie]

I think I should come with you, I read it as rectal.

[boxtops]

what others say - it makes your vision go a bit skew-whiff for a little while but it soon returns to normal. when you say "go skiing", do you mean fly to a skiing destination, or go up your local mountains?

[honeydip]

Got it done yesterday and nothing wrong at all whoop woop! Such a relief. Thanks for everyone's advice!!