This is about my daughter (14). Retinal detachment, genetic (she's -11 diopters!). Going in for surgery today to put this silicone band around it. Some grey area in doctor's orders, we have follow-ups, but a non-swimming doctor will say "no swimming," so I am hoping I may be able to get some input. He defaulted to "I don't care what you do, just do NOT let water in it for 3 weeks." Here's teh rub, she is a Winter Juniors qualifier, and has a very, very good shot at Summer Juniors in both backs, and a pretty decent shot in the 100 fly, as well. A 2-3 week break will pretty much kill that, as our LSC Championship meet is in 5-1/2 weeks. The meet this weekend where we were really hoping to make it is obviously out of the question.
So my question is, is there anyone with experience trying to continue to train right after surgery, or might there be an eye doctor (even better, a surgeon) on the board who knows how things that keep water out of the eyes (goggles, or goggles plus tape, etc.) work? Default is to just not take a chance, she's young, she's already cacught the eye of one good D1 program's coach, etc. But if there is a professional here who can tell me if it is at all possible to train with ZERO increased risk to not training, I would really appreciate the input.
Again, to erase all ambiguity, not looking for feedback on risks. I'm sure many reading this are thinking "Dude, it just isn't worth the risk!" and I agree! Unless we hear otherwise, we won't be taking them.
I'm not a doctor but I have had eye surgery to remove a pterygium. I don't specifically recall the time frame that I was restricted from swimming but it was a few weeks at least. My surgeon was also a masters swimming teammate at the time so he knew how badly I wanted to at least use a kickboard, but the answer was no.
It's not really a great substitute but I think your best option is to have her try to maintain some level of fitness with weights and stretch cords while waiting for the eye to heal.
Hope all goes well with the surgery.
I'm not a doctor but I have had eye surgery to remove a pterygium. I don't specifically recall the time frame that I was restricted from swimming but it was a few weeks at least. My surgeon was also a masters swimming teammate at the time so he knew how badly I wanted to at least use a kickboard, but the answer was no.
It's not really a great substitute but I think your best option is to have her try to maintain some level of fitness with weights and stretch cords while waiting for the eye to heal.
Hope all goes well with the surgery.
