The internet is great for many things, but when it comes to your health issues, it often serves up worst-case scenarios without the context. Within seconds, you are convinced you are going blind. It terrifies you, but it is time to close the browser and listen to real eye experts. In this article, we have gathered the most asked retina questions we hear at AKIO. These answers come directly from the best retina specialist in Delhi.
The "Eye Emergency" Questions
Q1. Will I go blind if I have a retinal detachment?
Yes, if you ignore the symptoms of retinal detachment for a week, you are at risk of permanent blindness. But if you rush to a top Retina surgeon in Delhi, within 24-48 hours, you can save your vision. The blindness isn’t caused by just detaching the retina; it is caused by ignoring the symptoms.
Q2. Are retina injections painful? Be honest.
No, it just feels like a momentary pressure, not a stab. At AKIO, a multi-step numbing protocol is used by retina surgeons who are known for taking patients through the eye injections so calmly that the procedure is over before you realise it started.
Q3. Is surgery my only option?
If you found a retinal tear early, before it peels off into a full detachment, we can treat it with a laser barrage. This is why we always suggest our patients get those symptoms checked immediately. Early detection can change a major surgery into a 10mins procedure.
The "Eye Recovery" Questions
Q4. How long is the recovery period for eye surgery?
You’ll likely be back to your daily rhythm pretty quickly, but there is a catch. For about three to four weeks, your surgeon will ask you to hit pause on anything that puts pressure on your eyes. That means skipping the heavy lifting and intense gym sessions until the healing is completely finished.
Also Read: – Early Signs of Retinal Detachment You Should Never Ignore
Q5. Can I watch TV or use my phone?
Yes, you can watch. This is the biggest myth. You can binge-watch your favourite show or check emails. The only downside is that your eyes might feel dry or tired because you blink less when staring at screens. Just use your lubricating drops and take breaks.
Q6. Why am I seeing black spots (floaters)? Are they dangerous?
Think of the vitreous jelly in your eye like a clear egg white. As we age, it liquefies and clumps up. These clumps cast shadows on your retina; those are your floaters. Seeing a few bugs flying around is normal. However, if you suddenly see a shower of hundreds of black dots or flashing lightning bolts? That is a red alert. Run to the clinic. That is the jelly pulling on the retina, threatening to tear it.
Q7. When can I start driving?
It isn’t just about reading to see clearly. It is about the “Gas Bubble.” If we used a gas tamponade to hold your retina in place, you cannot drive. The gas bubble vibrates with the car’s movement and distorts your vision, making it impossible to judge distances. It is advised to ask your surgeon about driving permission.
The "Eye Diseases" Questions
Q8. I have diabetes. Will I definitely go blind?
Think of high blood sugar like rust in a pipe. Over time, it corrodes the tiny blood vessels in your retina, causing them to leak fluid or bleed. This is Diabetic Retinopathy. It is the silent killer of vision because you won’t feel pain or vision loss until the damage is severe. If you manage your sugar intake and get an annual scan, you can keep your vision for life.
Q9. Is retinal disease hereditary? Will my kids get it
Most are not. But Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) has a genetic link.
If your retinal detachment came from a boxing injury or high myopia, your kids are safe. That is mechanical, not genetic. However, conditions like AMD (loss of central vision) or Retinitis Pigmentosa do run in families.
Q10. Why do I need a specialist? Can’t my regular eye doctor treat this?
A general retina specialist is fantastic for glasses and cataracts. But the retina is neurotissue; Treating it requires a super-specialist who does nothing else. At AKIO, experts like Dr Atul Kumar and Dr Aman Kumar handle complex cases that other doctors refer away. We use specific diagnostic tools, like OCT angiography, that a general clinic simply doesn’t have. When the margin for error is zero, you want the specialist.
Summary
Your eyes don’t have a “Check Engine” light. Often, the only warning you get is a shadow in your vision or a sudden blur. That is why waiting is the one risk you cannot afford to take. If you are still scrolling through forums trying to self-diagnose, stop. The internet can give you information, but it cannot give you a diagnosis. Only a look inside your eye can do that. Whether it is a routine checkup or an emergency second opinion, the team at AK Institute of Ophthalmology(AKIO) is ready to help. Don’t gamble with your sight. Ask the questions, get the answers, and then get back to living your life.
