Time back to riding after retinal detachment surgery

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Can anyone who has had retinal detachment surgery let me know how long it was before you got back to riding and jumping again please. Had surgery 3 days ago and being sensible but have a lot of horses so looking for practical stories of others recoveries. My surgeon has no concept of what riding and looking after horses entails so be great to hear others experiences though am looking for positive ones please 🙏
 
I had 3 surgeries on my right eye in 2023. I was told not to do any activities that caused jolts to the head as my detachment was very sudden and rapid so the repairs saved my sight but it’s vulnerable. Anyway I was back riding after about 4 weeks but I stuck to walk for a couple of months.
 
I had similar surgery for a different problem. I had to do no exercise above walk (human walk - wasn't allowed to ride), driving or anything dusty (no mucking out or haynets) for a fortnight, then another fortnight where I could drive and muck out but still not do any form of 'bumpy' exercise like running or riding - yoga and light weights work were OK. After 4 weeks was allowed to do most things including running and riding and go back to work (could have been back at work earlier if I'd had an office job).
 
I agree with Gamebird's timings. Get yourself a good pair of tight fitting wrap around glasses to protect your eyes and wear them for at least 6 weeks while around the horses. You will be fine, good luck
 
Thanks for these replies. Already had cataract surgery on both eyes but this time the surgeon was very non committal about being able to showjump again which was a bit of a downer and she seemed to think months before I could even get on a horse so is good to hear of others more positive experiences. 🙂
 
I'd push for an answer. I've had retinal detachment surgery and it was about 3 months until I got back on board but you could really do with a bit more of an idea from a surgeon/specialist. Whatever you do, don't be tempted to rush it and risk a recurrence. Your eyesight is beyond precious.
 
PoppyAnderson said:
I'd push for an answer. I've had retinal detachment surgery and it was about 3 months until I got back on board but you could really do with a bit more of an idea from a surgeon/specialist. Whatever you do, don't be tempted to rush it and risk a recurrence. Your eyesight is beyond precious.
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This.

Don’t be gung ho with eyes. With and around horses it’s the jiggle goggle movements and the dust that need to avoided while the eye is healing. You can wear goggles to keep out the dust, but any form of riding involves jiggle/joggling of the head.

If she’s not familiar with what horsey activities entail, such as the above, then you need to tell her.
 
PoppyAnderson said:
I'd push for an answer. I've had retinal detachment surgery and it was about 3 months until I got back on board but you could really do with a bit more of an idea from a surgeon/specialist. Whatever you do, don't be tempted to rush it and risk a recurrence. Your eyesight is beyond precious.
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Hi thankyou for that - much appreciated - I will be very careful but is good to hear you were back on 3 months later ☺️ I will try my best to explain to her next time I see her. It is just sometimes tricky when the surgeon has no concept of what you do and although don't expect her to give me an ok too quickly not do I want a blanket no for months and months if it would actually be ok even to get on and walk around at the timescale you had say 💁😁
 
I have a very high risk of retinal detachment and had cataract surgery in May this year. The surgeon told me to basically recline on the sofa for four weeks. He then checked me over and discharged me. I started riding again then but avoided any lifting for another four weeks. And so far, so good.
 
Maryann said:
I have a very high risk of retinal detachment and had cataract surgery in May this year. The surgeon told me to basically recline on the sofa for four weeks. He then checked me over and discharged me. I started riding again then but avoided any lifting for another four weeks. And so far, so good.
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That is brilliant to hear. Wish you well with your eye health in future but it is great to hear you are back riding
 
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