I had surgery for a detached retina in Nov 2005.
I'm really pleased to be able to say that my vision is practically what it was before surgery.

I had a small silicon implant placed on the weak part of the retina, then a belt to hold it in place. I believe all the materials are silicon.

I meant to ask the dr and every time I see her I forget ---- is there a "shelf-life" to these parts? Do I have to worry about having them removed and or changed at some point in the future?

also.... the wee patch is very close to the surface of my eye ball - because of where my tear was. I still find that if I lie a certain way I am quite aware of it --- have other people found it has taken a long time to mentally "ignore" the feeling you have something added into your eye?

I had surgery for a detached retina in Nov 2005.
I'm really pleased to be able to say that my vision is practically what it was before surgery.

I had a small silicon implant placed on the weak part of the retina, then a belt to hold it in place. I believe all the materials are silicon.

I meant to ask the dr and every time I see her I forget ---- is there a "shelf-life" to these parts? Do I have to worry about having them removed and or changed at some point in the future?

also.... the wee patch is very close to the surface of my eye ball - because of where my tear was. I still find that if I lie a certain way I am quite aware of it --- have other people found it has taken a long time to mentally "ignore" the feeling you have something added into your eye?
Hi Cas29.
I think these parts will last quite a long time although I have no idea of the shelf life. I can tell you that I've had mine since 1986, so thats 21 years and still going strong! The only time they would have to remove it I was told (If I remember rights in all this time) was if an infection were to occur at the site.
I remember I could "feel" it for a long time too. I still can notice it if I look a certain way, but no one else can see it....it's just a high spot under my lower lid.
Hope this helps! Best of luck to you!
Hellas

Hi Hellasrules!
I had a feeling they had to be more or less permanent but I was wondering if that was just wistful thinking on my part! I felt that logically, given what a delicate job it is to insert them, ideally you shouldn't have to change them.

Now, most of the time I don't feel anything, but if I lie on my side in bed, it can irritate me, and there are days here and there where it just drives me mad and I want to rip it out! I had hoped that by this time I would stop noticing it, but.... I guess it will be a bit longer.

Nobody can notice mine either,.... just me!
Thanks for your post,
cheers,
C