Any eye doctors, or anyone swim after an eye surgery?

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.
Parents
  • Yeah, probably not worth it. Not onlyl do you have pool water to contend with, but the pressure of the goggles on the eyes may not be good for it. Then you throw in diving where you could not only have issues with the goggles/pressure, but accidentally getting water in? Eyes are a lifetime. Swimming is not. for recruiting, are there schools she would like to go to that you can contact the coaches to see if they will be at any other events? Stuff I'm wondering about is, can she do kick sets? Or those larger open water goggles? Or "patch" the eye and wear goggles? Anyway, things went very well, we have a follow-up on Tuesday morning (week from today). We'll talk again, then. LIke I said, just wondering if there are things I could ask the doctor about. Jr. Nationals is what we are generally considered to be the meet where you get noticed. And obviously it is once per year. So the timing of this just stinks is the big thing. Good news is that she should be a Scholastic All American this year (freshman) based on her Winter Juniors time and academics, which will by all means help! But whatever, we'll get through it. The shock and disappointment has worn off a bit, so coming to grips is easier. Anyway, not trying to be crazy "push your kid" parent. More like crazy "do everything you can to support your kid" parent. 67Queen is a physician, and doesn't have a competitive (sports wise) bone in her body, so she won't let any chances be taken, anyway.
Reply
  • Yeah, probably not worth it. Not onlyl do you have pool water to contend with, but the pressure of the goggles on the eyes may not be good for it. Then you throw in diving where you could not only have issues with the goggles/pressure, but accidentally getting water in? Eyes are a lifetime. Swimming is not. for recruiting, are there schools she would like to go to that you can contact the coaches to see if they will be at any other events? Stuff I'm wondering about is, can she do kick sets? Or those larger open water goggles? Or "patch" the eye and wear goggles? Anyway, things went very well, we have a follow-up on Tuesday morning (week from today). We'll talk again, then. LIke I said, just wondering if there are things I could ask the doctor about. Jr. Nationals is what we are generally considered to be the meet where you get noticed. And obviously it is once per year. So the timing of this just stinks is the big thing. Good news is that she should be a Scholastic All American this year (freshman) based on her Winter Juniors time and academics, which will by all means help! But whatever, we'll get through it. The shock and disappointment has worn off a bit, so coming to grips is easier. Anyway, not trying to be crazy "push your kid" parent. More like crazy "do everything you can to support your kid" parent. 67Queen is a physician, and doesn't have a competitive (sports wise) bone in her body, so she won't let any chances be taken, anyway.
Children
No Data