IOL after cataract sugery

[aleif]

Hello Doctors
I had cataract surgery on one eye three weeks ago, and had a multifocal IOL inserted. I had LASIK 8 yrs ago which was successful. After this recent surgery my far vision has improved although with double images. My near vision has steadily declined to the point of -4.5 on the scale at my local drugstore (letters of less than 3/4" tall are too blurry to read clearly) and not presently correctable with glasses.  My doctor says that the surgery was a "complete success" although "he no longer blames himself for mistakes due to his philosphy." At first, he said despite my protests that everything was OK, but when my vision took a sharp downturn and my husband was present he changed and said the problem is "cells forming cysts or webbing (?) around the nerve, due to my middle age" and wants to have them removed with laser surgery in an in office procedure and scheduled that for next week. Although he has a big reputation in our large metro area (teaching hospitals experience and so on) , the steady decline has me very worried--I'm much worse than before the surgery--and I did not expect repeat surgeries to correct the correction. He says "wait and see, it will correct itself over time" I have worn contact lenses for many years and that is what this feels like--a very badly fitted and not properly corrected lens.Is this normal or should I find another doctor?

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear aleif,

I would recommend that you listen to what your body is telling you.  I would ask your eyeMD for a diagnose and seek a second opinion if you are not satisfied. I am not sure how to interpret his description but commonly, swelling can occur in the area of one’s central vision.  This can lead to a deterioration in vision.  It can often be treated with a steroid and nonsteroidal medication to reduce swelling.

Dr. Feldman

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California

[aleif]

Thank you for your kind answer and participating in this forum. As an experienced patient with many (other) surgeries behind me, I know the sound of  “…oops…” when I hear it, unfortunately. Listening to your gut is always good advice, but sometimes you need to hear it from an expert. It’s hard not to rush in hoping for more to surgeries to help and ASAP! I still can’t get a sense of if the follow up laser is standard or not. Several friends and neighbors have come forward to say they did it. There are many skilled surgeons in this metro area, so I have a second opinion scheduled.
Thanks again, Aleif