Chinese Man Slaps His Eye for 3 Days, Leading to Retinal Detachment
In an unfortunate incident, a Chinese man underwent surgery after suffering from retinal detachment due to his attempts to rid himself of bad luck by slapping his eyelid. This bizarre story highlights the importance of consulting medical professionals instead of relying on internet myths. The case of this man, who lives in Wuhan, serves as a stark example of the potential dangers that can arise from following unreliable advice found online.
Bad Luck and Folk Traditions
The incident involved Li, who believed that repeatedly slapping his right eyelid, which was twitching continuously, would help him dispel bad luck. This belief is based on a common saying in Chinese culture that suggests twitching of the left eye is a sign of good fortune, while movement in the right eye indicates bad luck.
Searching for Solutions Online
After three days of trying warm compresses and other methods for relief without any improvement, Li chose to search online for a solution to his problem instead of consulting a specialist. Unfortunately, the information he found was non-medical and advised slapping the eyelid to ward off misfortune. Li acted on this incorrect information and continued slapping his eyelid for three days.
Symptoms and Treatment
After the slapping period, Li began to experience more severe symptoms, such as a sharp decline in vision and loss of peripheral vision. This necessitated urgent medical intervention, and he was diagnosed with retinal detachment. Doctors performed surgery that successfully restored a significant portion of his vision and confirmed that the retina’s thickness is about 0.3 mm, and that slapping or strong impacts can lead to tiny tears that cause this condition.
Important Medical Advice
Doctors explained that eyelid twitching may be related to eye strain, lack of sleep, or stress, and often subsides with rest. However, they emphasized that if twitching persists for more than a week, or if other areas such as the cheeks or corners of the mouth are affected, individuals should seek medical care. Health experts stress the importance of avoiding reliance on online advice and opting for reliable medical consultations.