Question:
What gas is this? Isn't there another friendlier one?
Answer:
The type of gas doesn't affect the cataract. It's the treatment itself
that causes cataract. Different types of gases are used because they have
different rates of absorption by the body. My doctor used plain old air,
because it lasts about five days before it gets absorbed. The purpose of
the gas is to push the retina back to where it is supposed to be
connected, to give it a chance to heal there. Tilting the head is
necessary so that the bubble is pushing in the right place. I had to lay
on my side for five days.
It sounds like your doctor was not successful in communicating what your
treatment was, how it worked and what the side effects would be. I would
suggest that you do some research on it. My doctor gave me a handy
booklet with lots of pictures, diagrams and large print. It was very
instructive. I hope what I have posted helps, but I don't think it is
enough information.
As I said, the treatments for RD often cause temporary impairment of
vision. This means that your vision might get better in the next year or
so.
