Retinal detachment and shooting

[jh9]

Google, of course, returns a bunch of contradictory information.

Optometrist found a mass of scar tissue at the back of one eye, and the retinal specialist said it was likely due to a (minor?) detachment which apparently happens sometimes. No further action was needed, he said, but to keep an eye on it (har har har).

Can any of the medical types weigh in on how much (if any?) shooting, recoil and/or concussive blast impacts retinal detachment? Avoid shooting any rifles bigger than .223? Avoid indoor ranges due to increased concussion? None of the above?

[Mark D]

Not a medical expert, but I have a detached vitreous from a head blow. Doctors tell me to avoid head blows (e.g no boxing sparing), but the topic of recoil and blast from firearms has never come up. I'm comfortable shooting most calibers up to 30.06, although I don't put many rounds through the .06, mainly because I simply don't enjoy it.

In your shoes I'd probably avoid the heaviest calibers (50 BMG?), but otherwise drive on. Of course it's really good to know the symptoms of a detached retina - and if you see any symptoms get to the doctor immediately. Medical intervention is extremely time sensitive.

[Eric_L]

Google, of course, returns a bunch of contradictory information.

Optometrist found a mass of scar tissue at the back of one eye, and the retinal specialist said it was likely due to a (minor?) detachment which apparently happens sometimes. No further action was needed, he said, but to keep an eye on it (har har har).

Can any of the medical types weigh in on how much (if any?) shooting, recoil and/or concussive blast impacts retinal detachment? Avoid shooting any rifles bigger than .223? Avoid indoor ranges due to increased concussion? None of the above?

Your ophthalmologist is really the person to ask. The rest of us don’t see this much and when we do it is not their perspective. I am not rebuking you, but ask the expert.

[jh9]

Of course it's really good to know the symptoms of a detached retina - and if you see any symptoms get to the doctor immediately. Medical intervention is extremely time sensitive.

Yes, both were very specific about that. More floaters than normal is very bad; fuzziness or blind spots are cause to go straight to the ER, do not pass go, do not collect $200.

[Mark D]

Yes, both were very specific about that. More floaters than normal is very bad; fuzziness or blind spots are cause to go straight to the ER, do not pass go, do not collect $200.

Indeed, and the classic "black curtain falling slowly across your field of view".

[TNK]

Your ophthalmologist is really the person to ask. The rest of us don’t see this much and when we do it is not their perspective. I am not rebuking you, but ask the expert.

Yes, consult an ophthalmologist, probably more than one. That said, I have damage to the retina in my left eye that no medical professional has ever been able to explain. While I can see light, I have no functional use of my left eye. Because I was left-eye dominant, it took me a while to re-learn marksmanship with my right eye. I would do anything and everything to be careful not to induce more damage.

[jh9]

Your ophthalmologist is really the person to ask.

I would hope it's unlikely that there's anything specific about my case that would influence the answer.

[Erik]

Indeed, and the classic "black curtain falling slowly across your field of view".

Do not, under any circumstances, ignore this one. Trust me. Also, weird, intermittent flashes of light or odd distortions of reflected light, almost like it's passing through a prism or an old window pane or something. Go see someone soonest if that happens, ideally when they can fix it with a laser and not a surgery.

If you do end up needing surgery for a detached retina, or anything for that matter, if you can possibly manage it, I'd personally recommend you scrub yourself from head to toe with some kind of antibacterial soap before hand and be incredibly careful showering and otherwise doing anything that might allow any part of your body to come in direct or indirect contact with the eye after.

[theJanitor]

I've blown out both retinas, 34 years apart. I've shot 7.62 and 300WM for about 15 years in the middle without real concern. But after the last detachment in 2013, I've limited rifle shooting to 5.56 and PCC stuff. There are way too many fun guns to enjoy, and capable guns for serious use, in these calibers, to risk further injury

[Totem Polar]

I’ll just echo what others have said. I’ve got a repaired retinal in one eye and a vitreous in the other, and it really made a mess of my vision. I’m in the “no sparring in the boxing ring” and “PCC and “PCL”* category, myself. .556 and .243 on occasion. JMO.

Any internal fireworks in your vision, go to the eye clinic. They have a triage eye doc on call 24/7 for a reason.


*Pistol Caliber Lever