Cataract Surgery

[Alysia]

Hello my friends,

My vision in my right eye deteriorated to a point in which my eye dr. recommanded a cataract surgery. (I couldn't enjoy my pred without a cost... :blink:).
The eye dr. said that it is up to me, to choose the time of the surgery. I can wait or go for it.


I have many questions:


Is it better to wait as much as I can, or to do it asap ?
At which point in the 6 months period between each rtx IV is it better to do the surgery ? Will it be more safe somewhere in the middle of that period in order to be more safe from flares ?


Should I be on antibiotics before/ during/ after ?
I remmember vaguely that Sangy wrote something about pred and going to a surgery. Does any one recall what it was ?


I cant imagine not being able to drive. How long until I can drive again ?


Since the left eye is not yet at the point to do a surgery, and I have high number of glasses in it (as well as more then 9.75 in the poor right eye) the dr. said that with the new len I will still need glasses, not to create such big difference between the two eyes. So, do I buy glasses in advance with the new numbers ? I am almost blind without glasses.


How do I choose the right surgeon ?


What else do I need to know or ask for ?


I will be more then grateful for anyone who can share everything about his/ hers cataract surgery.


Thank you all for being here. I love you. Wishing you all a blessed Christmas from pberggren1 and from me.

[seied]

I don't know much about this, but if I were to consider cataract surgery, I would start by gaining understanding of the procedure, and perhaps watch a surgery performed in Youtube.

Then with your knowledge of WG, you'll be able to assess the possible impact and prepare for it by observing best practices for before and and after.

Good luck!

Ed.

[drz]

Cataract surgery is considered a minor surgery with little risk of infection since there is no blood involvement. So it should be safe for you at any time. Your health care system is different than ours in USA so many things might be different for you from my experience.

Cataract surgery is frequently done here in USA on most elderly people so it is easy to find out who has done a lot of the surgeries with good results. I had mine done closely together and my correction before surgery was in minus 11 or 12 range and i had worn glasses for 62 years but after the surgery I can get by with out them and now have 20/25 to 20/40 vision. They do have new lenses that have bifocals included but my surgeon didn't recommend those for me in 2012 since he said they had more problems with them. I usually use cheap reading glasses for close up work and some times my corrective lenses for long distance work when I want clearer vision. New glasses were included as part of the cost of surgery by my insurance plans. My optometrist also said they replace any corrections within 6 months free too and they did. You will need to have an assessment for corrective lenses if needed after you have healed from the surgery since no one can predict what correction if any you will need after your eyes heal. I also ended up with a slight astigmatism after surgery.

You best source of information should be a good ophthalmologist who does a lot of cataract surgery and they should be able to answer all questions. Find one you trust and get all your questions answered before you proceed.

[blu4runner]

I had cataract surgery on both eyes earlier this year. The results were amazing. I had one eye done and a week later the 2nd eye. No pain and I was able to drive the next day. My only regret was that I didn't have it done earlier. My vision is now 20/10 without glasses but I need reading glasses to read.
My surgeon was a catarct specialist but they was no issue with any of my rituximab and I didn't even need to stop my coumadin.
I am happy to answer any specific question you have Best wishes with the procedure.

[BookNut]

Hello my friends,

My vision in my right eye deteriorated to a point in which my eye dr. recommanded a cataract surgery. (I couldn't enjoy my pred without a cost... :blink:).
The eye dr. said that it is up to me, to choose the time of the surgery. I can wait or go for it.


I have many questions:


Is it better to wait as much as I can, or to do it asap ?
At which point in the 6 months period between each rtx IV is it better to do the surgery ? Will it be more safe somewhere in the middle of that period in order to be more safe from flares ?


Should I be on antibiotics before/ during/ after ?
I remmember vaguely that Sangy wrote something about pred and going to a surgery. Does any one recall what it was ?


I cant imagine not being able to drive. How long until I can drive again ?


Since the left eye is not yet at the point to do a surgery, and I have high number of glasses in it (as well as more then 9.75 in the poor right eye) the dr. said that with the new len I will still need glasses, not to create such big difference between the two eyes. So, do I buy glasses in advance with the new numbers ? I am almost blind without glasses.


How do I choose the right surgeon ?


What else do I need to know or ask for ?


I will be more then grateful for anyone who can share everything about his/ hers cataract surgery.


Thank you all for being here. I love you. Wishing you all a blessed Christmas from pberggren1 and from me.

Alysia I had cataracts removed from both eyes within a year if each other. Both caused by prednisone. I guess the ones caused by pred are a specific type and can be identified as such. I got new glasses after the first surgery with a different prescription for each eye. The eye they operated on was now 20/20. The second eye deteriorated enormously in a matter of months. Pred induced cataracts can progress very quickly. So I scheduled the second surgery. Before the surgery, they took the lens on the bad side out of my glasses completely. I managed fine without it. The good eye took over. After the second surgery I forget how long it took before I was ready for new glasses. But both eyes had perfect vision for everything except reading. I got bifocal glasses that were clear on the top and readers on the bottom of the lens. I just did not want to be hunting for glasses all day.

Of course I cannot speak to issues with the wegeners, but I can say the surgery was very easy and unbelievably effective. Like brand new eyes!

Hope this helps!

Jacquie


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Alysia]

Thank you so much, my friends, for the info and encourgement. It helps, first of all, to reduce my anxiety and stress. I need my eyes, and I need them in a good shape :rolleyes1: I am glad to know that it is not so bad after all and without issues related to wg. Although my eye dr. Said that there is higher risk for Uveuitis after catarcat surgery, for everyone, not only for a weggie.
Jacquie, the idea of taking out the len sounds good, although in my case the operated eye will prob still needs glasses, because of the other eye. My eye dr said that if I can wait for the other eye to get worse, I can do a surgery in both of them.
I am still searching to learn more. I didnt yet caught any surgeon (we have holiday here). So more comments are more then welcome. God bless you.

[BookNut]

Jacquie, the idea of taking out the len sounds good, although in my case the operated eye will prob still needs glasses, because of the other eye. My eye dr said that if I can wait for the other eye to get worse, I can do a surgery in both of them.
I am still searching to learn more. I didnt yet caught any surgeon (we have holiday here). So more comments are more then welcome. God bless you.

It will all depend on how well the surgery goes. I have had to wear glasses all my adult life because of astigmatism in each eye. The surgery corrected my vision in each eye to 20/20. The only reason I need glasses is for reading, because that is a function of eye “musckes” not lenses. I just did not want to chase reading glasses all day or wear them around my neck, so they are clear on top and readers on the bottom of the lenses in the glasses. I can easily drive or watch tv with no glasses now.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Alysia]

It will all depend on how well the surgery goes. I have had to wear glasses all my adult life because of astigmatism in each eye. The surgery corrected my vision in each eye to 20/20. The only reason I need glasses is for reading, because that is a function of eye “musckes” not lenses. I just did not want to chase reading glasses all day or wear them around my neck, so they are clear on top and readers on the bottom of the lenses in the glasses. I can easily drive or watch tv with no glasses now.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I would like to keep my glasses anyway because they "hide" my poor saddle nose. With them, no one notice it :glare:

[Alysia]

I met the eye surgeon yesterday. I went to the one who got most of the reccomendations and who is doing many surgeries.
Well, it sounds too easy to be true. He said that he will insert tiny thing, the size of a pen tin and will use ultra sound. He didnt explain exactly the procedure and I didnt ask beyond that. Too scary.
I asked many other questions. He doesnt see any problem due to wg (btw, he said: "you dont look sick :) ) He had seen another weggie (one is a lot here). He said that I will not need any pain killers (really ?). That I dont need to take antibiotics. Only 2 kinds of eye drops for 2 weeks, 4 times a day each. That I will not need sun glasses in the days after the surgery (really ?) He said that at the morning after the surgery I will take off the bandage by myself from my eye, and then "you can wash your face and go to work". 4 days after the surgery, I can go to the optometrist for new glasses, temporary, and then I will be able to drive.
He said that the number of the new len will be 2.5 and it will be for distance. He said that I will not need reading glasses. I forgot to ask if I will be able to read without the glasses for distance or with them, and if I can choose. I prefer to be able to read without ANY glasses. I hope it is possible.

This dr. made everything looks too simple so I cant be sure if I can trust him. he also has sense of humor but it also made it hard for me to trust him. Is it my problem ? What do you think ? Is the way he presents the surgery indeed that simple ? Am I just a scardey weggie ?

Anyway, he is experienced and my eye dr. Whom I trust 100 percent reccomanded him. So I will take him.

The surgery is going to be this Thursday on 10:00 in the morning. Dr. Phil will be there to watch over me.

[drz]

Cataract surgery is consider pretty routine and low risk procedure when done by a competent surgeon with lot of experience.

[BookNut]

I met the eye surgeon yesterday. I went to the one who got most of the reccomendations and who is doing many surgeries.
Well, it sounds too easy to be true. He said that he will insert tiny thing, the size of a pen tin and will use ultra sound. He didnt explain exactly the procedure and I didnt ask beyond that. Too scary.
I asked many other questions. He doesnt see any problem due to wg (btw, he said: "you dont look sick [emoji4] ) He had seen another weggie (one is a lot here). He said that I will not need any pain killers (really ?). That I dont need to take antibiotics. Only 2 kinds of eye drops for 2 weeks, 4 times a day each. That I will not need sun glasses in the days after the surgery (really ?) He said that at the morning after the surgery I will take off the bandage by myself from my eye, and then "you can wash your face and go to work". 4 days after the surgery, I can go to the optometrist for new glasses, temporary, and then I will be able to drive.
He said that the number of the new len will be 2.5 and it will be for distance. He said that I will not need reading glasses. I forgot to ask if I will be able to read without the glasses for distance or with them, and if I can choose. I prefer to be able to read without ANY glasses. I hope it is possible.

This dr. made everything looks too simple so I cant be sure if I can trust him. he also has sense of humor but it also made it hard for me to trust him. Is it my problem ? What do you think ? Is the way he presents the surgery indeed that simple ? Am I just a scardey weggie ?

Anyway, he is experienced and my eye dr. Whom I trust 100 percent reccomanded him. So I will take him.

The surgery is going to be this Thursday on 10:00 in the morning. Dr. Phil will be there to watch over me.

I will keep you in my thoughts!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Lilly]

Hi Alysia, I just read about your eye surgery. I will be praying for you, and no, you are not a "scardy weggie" Ha Ha Ha!!!! I hate having ANY kind of surgery. Love you, and I'll be anxious about the outcome for you. Blessings and much love,

[Alysia]

Surgery done this morning. I am typing with one eye covered, looking like a pirate... :blink::scared:

I have questions to those who had it:
I have CRAZY nausea. Although all the stuff was local. Also total exhaustion and pains in the eye (not sharp like they warned me, in case of sharp pain to call the dr.). Paracetamol pill didnt help. Are those common symptoms ?

[Alysia]

Also writing how was the surgery for others who would like to know:

I copy a short explanation of the procedure:

Phacoemulsification cataract surgery is a procedure in which an ultrasonic device is used to break up and then remove a cloudy lens, or cataract, from the eye to improve vision. The insertion of an intraocular lens (IOL) usually immediately follows phacoemulsification.

Read more: http://www.surgeryencyclopedia.com/Pa-St/Phacoemulsification-for-Cataracts.html#ixzz53EJUUVaW


the surgery itself lasts only 10 minutes. But before it they put many eye drops twice and waited 40 minutes after each drops' session. So it was a long waiting. The dr. was very nice and professional.
In the surgery room they covered all my face, but the eye, after cleaning it with sterile solution. An unpleasant device held the eye wide open. I saw lights of many colors. During all the surgery they were using lots of drops. That felt calming. I felt the sting of the injection.
When the dr. Took out my len I felt it; it was CRAZY SHARP pain, one of the worst. Thanks God it was fast enough. My bp dropped and I heard them saying 100/50. Not too bad. Then I heard the dr. asking for the len and I saw the circle of it while he inserted it. It was also very fast. I was glad I took this dr. Because he knew his job. As for the pain I felt, I understood from him after the surgery, that mine was extreme. Not only a scardey weggie but also sensitive :wink1:

[blu4runner]

When mine was done I felt absolutely no pain of any kind and I was able to see out of the eye immediately. I didn't have any bandage to cover my eye post surgery. Before the procedure we spent about 30 minutes with eye drops to numb the eye to prevent pain.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery
My doctor used the ORA system for my surgery https://www.myalcon.com/products/surgical/ora-system/

[Alysia]

When mine was done I felt absolutely no pain of any kind and I was able to see out of the eye immediately. I didn't have any bandage to cover my eye post surgery. Before the procedure we spent about 30 minutes with eye drops to numb the eye to prevent pain.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery
My doctor used the ORA system for my surgery https://www.myalcon.com/products/surgical/ora-system/

Wow, sounds wonderful. Thank you for sharing, Victor. Its important for others to know that it can be without pains and much easier then mine.

I googled the ORA system in Hebrew searching for cataract surgeries with it and couldn't find it. Maybe they dont have it here yet ? I will ask my surgeon...

Btw, the video looks too scary. I am glad I didnt watch it before the surgery :scared::blink::huh:

[Alysia]

I took the bandage off yesterday's morning. I see so much better with my right eye. Although I still need glasses for distance with it. Now it is uncomfortable because each eye is totally another story: right eye can read well. But not see well in the distance. Left eye cant see well both for distance and reading plus developing cataract. I tried all my glasses and none are fitting right now. I cant wait to go to my optometrist tomorrow to fix temporary glasses. Will go right after the eye surgeon's check.

If there is a strong light I see the circle of the new len. Should it be this way ?

I still have nausea and dizziness, I guess its kind of vertigo because of the sight mess :blink:

Dr. Phil spent the night with me in a long sweet dream. He allways comes when I need him the most :wub:

[Alysia]

I went to the eye surgeon for check up. I asked others in the waiting room if they felt the pain I did during the surgery. No one had it.

The dr. said that the eye looks good. Although I still have pains and needs paracetamol pills to endure (I dont have high tolerance to pain).

I told the surgeon that I felt crazy sharp pain when he took the len out. He said: "It is impossible". I said that not only I felt it, my blood pressure also dropped down and I heard the nurse saying 100/50. He said again: "It is impossible". I became angry and asked: "Do I look like a liar to you ?"
He said: "but your eye looks good". I said again that I felt that pain, "do I look delusional to you ?". I said that I will need a surgery in the second eye and I dont want it to happen again. Then he said: "I believe you". Thank you dr.

Anyway, I wrote today an email to the hospital where I had the surgery (small private hospital) asking my medical file, telling about the pain and asking to check what went wrong, maybe the drops for anasthesia were given too early ? Maybe the injection was given too close to the procedure ? Will see what they say.

Its still a mess with the eye glasses. There is huge difference between the 2 eyes and I need to get used to the new glasses.

After all I am glad that the eye is ok. Praise The Lord.

[Lilly]

Hi Alysia, I LOVE how you stood up to the doctor, who was telling you that you had no pain in surgery!! How can a doctor be so dumb as to tell YOU how YOU FELT!! I think you finally got through to him....and also, how long until you get your medical records? Is your next surgery already scheduled? I know that right now, your eyes are each different until you get your next surgery....but back when I was able to wear contact lenses, I would put a lens in my stronger eye, which for me was my right eye. The lens helped me see distance clearly. And in the other eye, I wore no lens, and that eye would see things up close, like my computer, etc. Some people have a difficult time doing this, but for me, it worked. My Mom was the same way. So we could use each eye individually. Some people just cant do it, and its better for them to get glasses that see distance through the top of the lens, and close up through the bottom of the lens. (The only reason I sound like I know what I am talking about, is because my sister Jackie tells me how things work because she has worked for eye doctors, and has years of experience in the glasses / contact lens / Lasix surgery, etc.) So I guess I was wondering if you are getting the other eye done exactly like the first one? Will you be able to see the same out of both eyes after the second surgery? Will you need glasses to see close up after surgery #2? (I am asking lots of questions!) I know you are probably a bit apprehensive about the second surgery, especially if you have to have the same doctor. Thinking about you dear friend.....Blessings and Love

[Alysia]

Hi Alysia, I LOVE how you stood up to the doctor, who was telling you that you had no pain in surgery!! How can a doctor be so dumb as to tell YOU how YOU FELT!! I think you finally got through to him....and also, how long until you get your medical records? Is your next surgery already scheduled? I know that right now, your eyes are each different until you get your next surgery....but back when I was able to wear contact lenses, I would put a lens in my stronger eye, which for me was my right eye. The lens helped me see distance clearly. And in the other eye, I wore no lens, and that eye would see things up close, like my computer, etc. Some people have a difficult time doing this, but for me, it worked. My Mom was the same way. So we could use each eye individually. Some people just cant do it, and its better for them to get glasses that see distance through the top of the lens, and close up through the bottom of the lens. (The only reason I sound like I know what I am talking about, is because my sister Jackie tells me how things work because she has worked for eye doctors, and has years of experience in the glasses / contact lens / Lasix surgery, etc.) So I guess I was wondering if you are getting the other eye done exactly like the first one? Will you be able to see the same out of both eyes after the second surgery? Will you need glasses to see close up after surgery #2? (I am asking lots of questions!) I know you are probably a bit apprehensive about the second surgery, especially if you have to have the same doctor. Thinking about you dear friend.....Blessings and Love

Thank you so much sweet Lilly. I cant use my eyes the way you do. It sounds amazing to me that you can do it :hug3:

After the second surgery hopefully both eyes will be able to see about the same. So far it still makes me some dizziness although less. Thanks God.

A kind lady from the hospital called me. We discussed the issue of feeling pain during the surgery. She said that I can get my file but it will have to be by asking the eye surgeon for it. Do I want them to do it ? I thought for a bit. Then I decided that I dont want to "mark" myself as a "trouble maker" with the surgeon. After all he did the sugery well. And I still need him. I dont want him to refuse to operate me at the second eye. I told her not to do it and explained. She understood. I decided that before the second surgery I will ask my eye dr. To write to the eye surgeon not to start operating before checking that the anasthesia is working.

My guess is that he didnt wait enough after giving me the injection. All other patients said that their surgery lasted 20 min. Mine lasted 10 min. So maybe that was the reason.

No idea when I will go for the cataract surgery in the left eye. It is not yet proggressed enough. So I keep on consuming my pred, it will sure bring me there :wink1:

[Lilly]

Hi Alysia, I agree with your decision to hold off on getting your medical records, and not wanting to be looked at like a "trouble maker". I think its a smart decision on your part. Since you have to count on him for your next surgery. You are probably correct, that he didn't wait long enough after giving you the injection. I hope your eye is doing good. Blessings and Love

[Alysia]

An important note: after cataract surgery, weggies need to take eye drops for 4 weeks.

My eye surgeon prescribed me only 2 weeks. Few days after finishing them, I got an infection in the operated eye. I went to my eye dr. She said that weggies need to take the drops 4 weeks. So I am back on the drops for more 20 days :blink:

[Alysia]

I am now 2 months after the cataract surgery. But I am afraid something is wrong with the new len: if I am in darkness, and a strong light is in front of me, I see the len and not the view. It is scary to drive at night in rural area without roads' lights, if a car is coming in front of me with high lights, I see my len and not the road. I see the circle of the len and some shinning in the middle of the len, like looking at a shinning window.
(It was so bad that I played with my cars' lights trying to see the road better, until the fuses were burnt in my car in the middle of the highway, in the darkness, but this is another story...)

Anyway, is it normal ? I doubt it. Going tomorow to my eye dr. Please tell me what is your experience ?

I also feel uncomfortable in my eyes many times a day.

[BookNut]

I am now 2 months after the cataract surgery. But I am afraid something is wrong with the new len: if I am in darkness, and a strong light is in front of me, I see the len and not the view. It is scary to drive at night in rural area without roads' lights, if a car is coming in front of me with high lights, I see my len and not the road. I see the circle of the len and some shinning in the middle of the len, like looking at a shinning window.
(It was so bad that I played with my cars' lights trying to see the road better, until the fuses were burnt in my car in the middle of the highway, in the darkness, but this is another story...)

Anyway, is it normal ? I doubt it. Going tomorow to my eye dr. Please tell me what is your experience ?

I also feel uncomfortable in my eyes many times a day.

This is definitely not normal. I hope the surgeon will be able to correct it quickly! Let us know what he says. If he tries to pit uou off, find another dictor for a second opinion. Ask about “floaters”. My most recent lens was a bit if a problem. They had to take it out and put in another one. I get the sensation that I can see the edge of the lens on the outer edge of the eye. The eye dr says I have a floater there. Good luck!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BookNut]

I am now 2 months after the cataract surgery. But I am afraid something is wrong with the new len: if I am in darkness, and a strong light is in front of me, I see the len and not the view. It is scary to drive at night in rural area without roads' lights, if a car is coming in front of me with high lights, I see my len and not the road. I see the circle of the len and some shinning in the middle of the len, like looking at a shinning window.
(It was so bad that I played with my cars' lights trying to see the road better, until the fuses were burnt in my car in the middle of the highway, in the darkness, but this is another story...)

Anyway, is it normal ? I doubt it. Going tomorow to my eye dr. Please tell me what is your experience ?

I also feel uncomfortable in my eyes many times a day.

This is definitely not normal. I hope the surgeon will be able to correct it quickly! Let us know what he says. If he tries to pit uou off, find another doctor for a second opinion. Ask about “floaters”. My most recent lens was a bit if a problem. They had to take it out and put in another one. I get the sensation that I can see the edge of the lens on the outer edge of the eye. The eye dr says I have a floater there. Good luck!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Alysia]

Thanks Jacquie ❤
I went to my eye dr., not to the surgeon. She said that the surgery was done well, but that my eye is still inflamed. She didnt want to prescribe me more pred drops, she said that I might not be able to wean them.
I will see her again soon to check it all again.
She also said that the glare is a possible side effect of cataract surgery. She prescribed me eye drops Iopidine to use an hour before driving at night. She said it might help. I didnt try them yet (busy with getting my every 6 months rtx). I also found on google that there are special glasses for night driving with yellow lens. I will try to find and check them.
Eye is still very sensitive. Sometimes even aching a bit. I guess it is what it is.

[Aneinu]

Thanks Jacquie [emoji173]
I went to my eye dr., not to the surgeon. She said that the surgery was done well, but that my eye is still inflamed. She didnt want to prescribe me more pred drops, she said that I might not be able to wean them.
I will see her again soon to check it all again.
She also said that the glare is a possible side effect of cataract surgery. She prescribed me eye drops Iopidine to use an hour before driving at night. She said it might help. I didnt try them yet (busy with getting my every 6 months rtx). I also found on google that there are special glasses for night driving with yellow lens. I will try to find and check them.
Eye is still very sensitive. Sometimes even aching a bit. I guess it is what it is.Wishing you all the best.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

[Alysia]

Thanks Aneinu. Meantime my eye got a bit worse but I am not sure if it is related to the surgery or not. The other eye is also red and irritating. It might be the wg smoldering at this time, when I am at the "edges" of the 6 months' period between rtx IV. Last 2 nights I also had nightsweats. Going tomorrow for the second rtx IV.

I still have a problem of glare in the dark and of "jumping white lights" in the operated eye after being in the sun.

[drz]

Thanks Aneinu. Meantime my eye got a bit worse but I am not sure if it is related to the surgery or not. The other eye is also red and irritating. It might be the wg smoldering at this time, when I am at the "edges" of the 6 months' period between rtx IV. Last 2 nights I also had nightsweats. Going tomorrow for the second rtx IV.

I still have a problem of glare in the dark and of "jumping white lights" in the operated eye after being in the sun.

Maybe another second opinion about the problem and possible treatment might be good idea. It sounds like you had some very unusual side effects from a routine surgery.

[Masha]

Alysia, I kind of agree with Drz. Since you are stil having vision problems, maybe it is time for a second opinion. I know how you feel-you don’t want to offend your doctor. But he will get over it, and only you know your own body. When you think something is getting worse, it usually is. If it isn’t getting worse you will still feel relieved for following up on it.
What has your doc said about your night vision? In my age group, widowers who can still night drive are the most popular among the widows....I will write more tomorrow while I am getting my infusion.

[Alysia]

Thank you Masha. My eye dr. Said that I will need to use special eye drops an hour before driving at night and she was not sure it will help. We had holidays here so there was no one to talk to. I will try to set an appointment and ask a refferal for second opinion.

[Alysia]

I went to my eye dr on Wednesaday. The operated eye is not inflamed anymore. Thanks God. But I have few problems:


1. Strong lights make me see the len and not the view. It is dangerous while driving at night (which I avoid now) or against the sun. And irritating, on daily basis. It bothers me more then the cataract did. Because at those moments I loose my sight.


2. Eventhough I asked the surgeon few times to insert a len so that I will not need reading glasses, only glasses for far, he didnt do it. I still need 2 kinds of glasses. If something gets into the operated eye I cant see it in order to take it out !


3. Worse: he created TOO BIG difference between the 2 eyes, although I asked him not to. He was supposed to put len number 4 but put number 2. The other eye is almost 9 so it is crazy. I cant fit the right glasses for both eyes and I have no choice but to wear lower number for the nonoperated eye. And I dont see well enough after all.


I told my eye dr. all that. She said that the glare problem is because my pupil became enlarged after the surgery and that it is not a problem because of the len. She said the surgery is good. She said that I dont need to operate the second eye in the near future. She said that I cant fix what was done. That there are too many risks and that it is impossible. Really ? She is a good dr. And I trust her. But she is not a surgeon. And the surgeon is her friend. She cant admit that he screwed up. I sent the surgeon an email writing him all the problems. He didnt answer.

I wonder what should I do. What do you think ? Does anyone here have a surgery to fix a cataract surgery ? BookNut ?

Any ideas are welcome. Thank you all for being here. God bless you.

[Pete]

Is there a medical licensing body in Israel that you can address this with?

[BookNut]

I replied to you at length on Facebook. I have not had a surgery to repair a surgery, but I sure do think it is time for you to get another opinion. Make sure it is from a surgeon in a different practice altogether.
Love [emoji175] and healing thoughts,
Jacquie


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Masha]

Hi Alysia,
The man across the street from us is a retired eye doctor, so I asked him what he thought. Of course not seeing the patient makes it difficult to diagnose. He did say having another surgery on the one they just operated on is too invasive, and could prove to be dangerous. He also said that our brains would have difficulty balancing the difference from one eye to the other. Conservatively, and for the short run, try a patch on an eye at a time. You may have to use your good eye for night driving.
He also said you will probably need to go to a prescription pair of glasses, one lens thick, the other thin.
My experience has been that doctors rarely criticize each others work. However that being said, their is a woman in our neighborhood who had to have stomach surgery. She’s in her 70’s, husband has Alzheimer’s. After the surgery she was worse than before. The surgeon told her nothing was wrong with her physically, that she needed to see a psychiatrist. Her adult children took her to Duke, a great teaching hospital here in the Carolinas. Eric goes there. The surgeon there found a bag had been left in her stomach! Big law suit. Bottom line, we are the best judge of our own bodies.
Is there a large teaching hospital or eye institute near you? Our friend, the eye doctor, also said that the format for the surgery and difference in vision, potential problems, should have all been set down before you prior to surgery. I should add that this man had a very large eye practice in California. Stabilization and adjusting to your new normal may take a while.
I don’t know how insurance or health care works in Israel. That being said I would avail myself to the best possible opinions out there, BUT, after talking to him, I would not have another eye surgery until all alternatives have been attempted, if ever.
Be well.
Masha

[Alysia]

Is there a medical licensing body in Israel that you can address this with?

Thanks Pete. I guess you mean something like Ombudsman to complain ? Not sure. I wrote to the clinic where the surgeon works that he didnt bother to answer my email. So they told him and were back to me, telling me to go to my eye dr. with my issues. So nothing helpful.

[Alysia]

I replied to you at length on Facebook. I have not had a surgery to repair a surgery, but I sure do think it is time for you to get another opinion. Make sure it is from a surgeon in a different practice altogether.
Love [emoji175] and healing thoughts,
Jacquie


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thank you Jacquie, and all the others. Yes, I think I need to get second opinion, although not sure which dr. It should be. Still searching.

[Alysia]

Hi Alysia,
The man across the street from us is a retired eye doctor, so I asked him what he thought. Of course not seeing the patient makes it difficult to diagnose. He did say having another surgery on the one they just operated on is too invasive, and could prove to be dangerous. He also said that our brains would have difficulty balancing the difference from one eye to the other. Conservatively, and for the short run, try a patch on an eye at a time. You may have to use your good eye for night driving.
He also said you will probably need to go to a prescription pair of glasses, one lens thick, the other thin.
My experience has been that doctors rarely criticize each others work. However that being said, their is a woman in our neighborhood who had to have stomach surgery. She’s in her 70’s, husband has Alzheimer’s. After the surgery she was worse than before. The surgeon told her nothing was wrong with her physically, that she needed to see a psychiatrist. Her adult children took her to Duke, a great teaching hospital here in the Carolinas. Eric goes there. The surgeon there found a bag had been left in her stomach! Big law suit. Bottom line, we are the best judge of our own bodies.
Is there a large teaching hospital or eye institute near you? Our friend, the eye doctor, also said that the format for the surgery and difference in vision, potential problems, should have all been set down before you prior to surgery. I should add that this man had a very large eye practice in California. Stabilization and adjusting to your new normal may take a while.
I don’t know how insurance or health care works in Israel. That being said I would avail myself to the best possible opinions out there, BUT, after talking to him, I would not have another eye surgery until all alternatives have been attempted, if ever.
Be well.
Masha

Thank you so much Masha for your caring and for asking your neighbour. I make some readings meantime and indeed it seems too dangerous to touch the eye. I read about other treatments but all might be complicated considering wg affecting my eyes, making them red and dry. Maybe I will need to buy special glasses, for day driving, night driving, reading and so. (Costs a fortune that I dont have). I cant compensate with the second eye, because that the difference between the two eyes is so big that I cant wear the right len for that eye (which should be 8-9) only a lower number (7) so I dont see well enough with it.
A good thing might be, that a weggie on facebook told me that he had similar issues, although more mild, and that in time it gets better for him.

[Pete]

Alysia

What I actually meant was the body that gives the government’s approval to someone to practice medicine.

[Alysia]

An update: I went to get a second opinion from another eye surgeon. He was very professional.

He said that usually Cataract surgery is done on much older patients. He explained that with aging the pupils react less to light. The new artificial len exposes the pupil to more light then the original len of the eye. since I am relatively young for a cataract surgery, my pupil reacts more to light then expected. There is nothing I can do about it except from trying the eye drops if I want to drive at night, and special glasses. But every operation is a big risk of retinal detachment. So not going to do any.

As for the huge difference between the 2 eyes, he suggested to try to add to the glasses a contact len in one eye only. I am not sure I can use contact len with my poor red dry eye.

Anyone here is wearing contact lens ?

AND, he said that in the non operated eye I DONT HAVE CATARCT. I said, are you sure ? He said yes. It was weired because both my eye dr. and the damn surgeon told me that I do have cataract in the other eye. But I trust this new dr. more. It means that the damn surgeon is even worse then I thought. He shouldn't have created such BIG difference between the 2 eyes, especially NOT when I shouldn't operate the second eye.

:angry::scared::blink:

It is what it is.

[Pete]

Alysia — So far, no evidence of cataracts in my eyes. My ophthalmologist checks for them every six months. He is aware of pred induced cataracts and was very pleased to learn that I have gotten off it.

I wear hybrid contact lenses. They have a hard contact (just covers the iris) embedded in a soft contact that covers more of the cornea. I wear these because of astigmatism that soft contacts alone can’t correct. They are very comfortable, and I wear them 10-14 hours a day.

I care for my lenses properly and have had no problems with them.

My wife also wears soft contacts, and she has dry eyes. She uses drops (Restasis I think) to deal with dry eyes and has no issues.

Dwell on the good news about the “good” eye. Who knows, your surgically corrected eye may grow better as you age.

[Masha]

Alysia,
Glad you went for another opinion, but what a bummer! I remember when you went back to those original doctors and they blew you off. Yes, I know Pete is right in saying for you to concentrate on the good eye. But, you have every right to be outraged.
When you go to the doctors (not just the eye doctors)/do you have someone who goes with you? My husband has sat through every appointment with me. This is good, because as the doctor answers my questions more arise.
Again, as Pete said we will celebrate that you don’t need cataract surgery in the other eye. No more eye surgery.
Oh, the places this disease they call Wegeners will take us. Prayers.
Be Well, I know you will.
Masha

[Alysia]

Thank you so much Pete and Masha for your encouragment. Indeed I need to be happy with my good eye. I just dont understand why my eye dr said that I have advanced cataract in it. It makes me wonder if she is a good enough dr.
And I need to find a way to see better with the difference between the 2 eyes.
Thanks a lot for the info about the contact lens, Pete. Sounds promising. I will check it.

[Alysia]

An update: :cool1:

I've found a wonderful eye surgeon. Couple of months ago he operated my father and healed his vision against all odds. So, on 6 January I went to my second cataract surgery - this time by the most wonderful eye dr. ever - Dr. Shalem - God bless him.

The surgery went well (although it was painful, I guess it's me). Already in the day after I've started to see so much better - I have not seen so well for years :thumbup: Praise The Lord ! It is so amazing to just see well. My eye has recovered so far easily. No problems. I am still fascinated from seeing things I couldn't see before, I can see the mountains far away when I go to the grocery shop !

Dr. Shalem will also treat my second eye with lazer, after I will finish the treatment in the operated eye. Hopefully he will fix the damage in that eye that the bad eye surgeon did.

At the day of my cataract surgery, the readings were: "The people who walked in the darkness have seen a great light," - so I knew it is going to be well. So much light :love:

[me2]

Wow, terrific news.

[larrysb]

Some relevant info on cataracts from an eye doctor--me.

1. long term use of corticosteroids (prednisone et al) does cause cataracts. One would assume that the benefits of using pred to control disease far outweighs the resulting cataracts which are easily remedied. Cataracts are dose and term related and there are no guidelines for what that is in the real world. For some people a two week high level dose does it but not usually. For others a longer term low dose is the cause but again, not always.

2. when to have cataract surgery is generally a personal choice. When your vision is affected to the point that it bothers you, have the old, cloudy lens removed and replaced with a nice, new clear plastic model. But here's the catch: most cataracts evolve slowly and your brain adapts to the loss of clarity and brightness, color shifts, and even night glare. To a point. If you see your eye doctor regularly, even every few years, he/she will know the degree your vision has declined, regardless of your personal subjective view of things.

If your doctor talks in terms of "it's not ripe yet" or vaguely "does it bother you" without further discussion, find a new eye doctor.

Cataract surgery is one of the most successful and lowest risk surgeries. But it is surgery and no procedure is not without risk.

[Mnjet]

Thanks for the information!