The shock of my life

[Matt K.]

Well, folks, getting older sucks. Apart form the 'usual' ailments, I had quite the shock a month ago. Something was irritating my left eye (the one I use to focus with), and I closed it and looked through my right eye. Then I closed my right eye and looked through my focusing eye. Thought a bug had hit the windshield (was driving at the time). There was this bright yellow spot right in the center of my vision. Like a floater. Did not pay much attention to it, but when I moved and saw the spot move as well, I definitely knew that this was no bug on the windshield. To make a long story short, I have developed "central serous retinopathy", a condition where fluid collects under the central retina (macular area) and disrupts central vision. Since my mom had macular degeneration I got nervous. I already have Drusen, and Glaucoma, I did not need another ailment. Anyway, it is one of those things that happens to people when they get older. No guarantee that it will resolve itself. And no guarantee that it will not happen to the other eye. So I will be focusing with the eye that is the weaker one, till something resolves. If the right eye gets the same thing, I will sell my all my gear. No point in this hobby then. Could not sharpen any image, and could not see it properly. Anyway, enjoy your vision while it is there, and never take it for granted.

[Runmonty]

Really sorry to hear that Matt. I hope it all works it out for you and things don't degenerate any further. Hang in there mate.

[zombiesniper]

Sorry to hear. Hope it takes care of itself.
I had a coworker once with a similar condition. Debris floating in his eye. Sorry I don't know what his condition was but he was able to do a day surgery paired with medication that cleared his vision to about 90%. Do you know if that is an option in your case?

[Matt K.]

Really sorry to hear that Matt. I hope it all works it out for you and things don't degenerate any further. Hang in there mate.

Thanks Runmonty. Of course I am going to hang in there. Have an appointment with a retina specialist, will see what comes outta that. There is a chance of repair via laser ... just not sure how effective. Heard a variety of outcomes. Time will tell.

Sorry to hear. Hope it takes care of itself.
I had a coworker once with a similar condition. Debris floating in his eye. Sorry I don't know what his condition was but he was able to do a day surgery paired with medication that cleared his vision to about 90%. Do you know if that is an option in your case?

Thanks zombiesniper, much appreciated. We all have floaters, blood that gets loose in the eye ... but this was a sudden release of liquid which had built up behind the retina - hence the warped vision. As I stated to Runmonty, there is laser surgery available. Will see what to do after the visit to the retina specialist.

[mbrager]

Shocking to hear this terrible news. Kind of devastating for a photographer I imagine. Please keep us updated. My thoughts are with you. Take care.

[Matt K.]

Shocking to hear this terrible news. Kind of devastating for a photographer I imagine. Please keep us updated. My thoughts are with you. Take care.

Thanks Michael,

Visited a retina specialist today and was told I had a hole in my macula, which needs to be surgically fixed. If not attended to, it will get worse and there is no alternative to surgery. Not looking forward to having someone poking around in my eye for 45 minutes, but I guess the alternative is equally undesirable. After this I need to be face down for at least two weeks, if not longer to let this heal. This happens to be in my focusing eye, as you know. I knew something was up with it, but did not think it was that severe. So I will take care of this before I venture out into any more shoots. No point in shooting if my eye is going to be unusable. There is a 90% success rate in the surgery, so I am confident I will be shooting in the new year. I am so lucky to live in a country where things like that can be dealt with in good time, without a lot of waiting ... contrary to public opinion. Happened September 9, surgery is November 30. I think this is lucky.

[Marko]

Sorry I only opened this thread now Matt. What a predicament, but thank goodness there's some hope for you so quickly...with a high success rate.
Sending positive thoughts your way.

[Matt K.]

Sorry I only opened this thread now Matt. What a predicament, but thank goodness there's some hope for you so quickly...with a high success rate.
Sending positive thoughts your way.

Thanks Marko. Guess the worst thing is being face down for two weeks ... and no computer, so no images to look at on here or anywhere else ... oh well ... in the scheme of things this is minor.

[asnow]

Sorry Matt, like Marko I'm a little late responding to this post.

That really sucks. It's bad enough for the average person, but devastating for a photographer to lose his sight. As Marko said .. thank goodness that there is some hope with a high success rate. I have a lot of sympathy for you having to stay face down for two weeks. Not sure I could do it. Hope you have a lot of music, etc. to listen to. All the best in your surgery and recovery and I'm sure everybody on the forum will be thinking about you.

Can't wait to see some pics once you are back on your feet.

[Barefoot]

We're pulling for you, mate.