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Now need Laser Posterior Capsulotomy After Cataract Surgery & 2 RD'S, what next?

So after seeing my eye doctor, It was scheduled for me by the eye doctors office to schedule with my cataract surgeon for further evaluation on eye issues.  My eye sight in my left eye was worsening after only a few months since my last visit plus,  I have also been experiencing a great amount of glare in bright lights and the sun which continue to be hard to bear.  The eye doctor said I have swelling in both eyes, some scarring, and The left eye has some bleeding.  I had cataract surgery in March of 2014.  I had retinal detachments in July and October of 2013.  

My cataract surgeon suggested I schedule for a YAG Laser Posterior Capsulotomy, which is quick and will clear up the distortion and glare, one eye at a time.  I am not thrilled about having another surgery obviously, but feel confident in the doctors I am seeing for this, yet am concerned just the same!

Any surgery has risks, obviously...!  Further RD'S?  Is the surgery making that more possible, or if I don't do this procedure would my eyes continue to have increased glare and scarring and loss of vision?  

I have to admit that my concerns come from having one thing after the next, and possibly causing more future issues because of another intervention or surgery of sorts?  How much can the eye take, and at what point is more surgery making it worse, or not worth the added risks?
What is the recovery time from this procedure?  At what point, if I go ahead with this surgery as scheduled, do I know that this has been successful?

Thank you for any insight you may have
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Avatar universal
See my in text reply to your last message...
The main question: Did you catch any fish the other day?

Yes!  It was Fun!   It appears this will be the end of ice fishing for this season, but who isn't ready for Spring?

I am glad you have gotten relief from the discomfort! My eye feels better too.

Yeah!  I still feel some discomfort in my left, but it's still better than it was, so that is good!

I have never heard that flying or altitude poses a problem unless one has a gas bubble in the eye.

The Gas is a problem, for sure!  I have been doing some research on the extra pressure associated with flying and altitude changes on IOP, and find little concrete evidence.  However, I also wonder if it is something that is a bit harder to track or locate an adequate amount of test subjects for, as the population with eye issues as some of us have are in a smaller group...and therefore there may not be much research or tracking of these multiple issues, in coordination with the extra pressure changes with altitude and pressure from it and flying.  Do you know what I am saying?  I am not trying to be over thinking this, yet wonder about extra pressure in cases like ours being out of the norm and possibly at more risk.
Some of what I did find that threw some caution in were most often found with glaucoma patients...
A Study with this link here:
http://www.iovs.org/content/48/4/1622.long

The quote below is one  I  took from a study which I found the correlation, well,  .inconclusive, at best, but when taking  into account the thickness of the cornea, and the other issues associated with our challenged and weaker eyes....?

"IOP measurement can be complicated by anatomic, instrumental, and physiological sources of error. The effect of altitude on IOP and its significance may be masked by several factors. Failure to correct for corneal thickness (which increases significantly at altitude ) can artificially inflate IOP readings. Furthermore, it is difficult to generalize from studies with a small number of subjects, measured in difficult circumstances by different methods, with the added...."
IOP air travel-Glaucoma
http://www.glaucoma.org/treatment/summertime-tips.php

Currently I am seeing only the retina dr. At each visit I have a scan done of both eyes.  After I'd been taking the drops for several weeks, a repeat scan showed the significant improvement (flatter retina and resolution of some of the cysts) I mentioned earlier. I saw the scan myself.  I was first checked at three weeks. The next check will be five weeks after that.

Good news that improvement is being shown for your eyes!  That is encouraging and great to hear!  Longer times between visits is a positive as well!

At the retina office my pressures are measured with a penlike instrument (a tonometer?) "bounced" gently against my eye.
My RDs were three years apart--like you, one in each eye.

I have had the same instrument used for pressure checks too.

I was given a prescription for glasses one week after my cataract surgery this last time. I wonder whether that was too soon, whether the refraction might differ by now. Do you wear glasses, and if so, how soon did you get a new script after your cataract surgeries? My lenses are no-line progressives.

One week!  Wow, that was quick!  I did choose glasses as well, as I just wanted something over my eyes.  I really didn't need them for distance originally, as my eyes were hovering at 20-20 or nearly that!  Recently, that has changed...but also the on and off for reading, just made getting glasses easier... So, glasses!  My eye doctor said I could wear contacts, but as the other issues have presented themselves now...all on hold!

The trend toward larger frames seems like it would be helpful to us.

Yes, all this is scary to me, too. Staying busy helps.
Scary, so true!  

I will give a summary of this last visit shortly
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Avatar universal
The main question: Did you catch any fish the other day?

I am glad you have gotten relief from the discomfort! My eye feels better too.

I have never heard that flying or altitude poses a problem unless one has a gas bubble in the eye.

Currently I am seeing only the retina dr. At each visit I have a scan done of both eyes.  After I'd been taking the drops for several weeks, a repeat scan showed the significant improvement (flatter retina and resolution of some of the cysts) I mentioned earlier. I saw the scan myself.  I was first checked at three weeks. The next check will be five weeks after that.

At the retina office my pressures are measured with a penlike instrument (a tonometer?) "bounced" gently against my eye.

My RDs were three years apart--like you, one in each eye.

I was given a prescription for glasses one week after my cataract surgery this last time. I wonder whether that was too soon, whether the refraction might differ by now. Do you wear glasses, and if so, how soon did you get a new script after your cataract surgeries? My lenses are no-line progressives.

The trend toward larger frames seems like it would be helpful to us.

Yes, all this is scary to me, too. Staying busy helps.


Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Eye pressure link
https://www.glaucomafoundation.org/info_new.php?id=156&cat=12#28

Also if I didn't say this before, or this isn't an obvious situation, based on my eye correction and issues, but I have been told I have thinner corneas than normal.  

A link I was just reading, references this
http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/hypertension.htm
Info about - Elevated eye pressure monitoring, and glaucoma ,

Thanks for all of your input!  You and Flossy have been great!  

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Avatar universal
In regards to the visual field test, I actually was told that I lost some vision in my left eye after my RD.  My eye doctor said I couldn't drive a school bus.  I do notice I miss something approaching on the left, but not sure why this didn't show up!?

I just bought another pair of over the top glasses, the brightness drives me crazy!  Even indoors, when it is SO bright, and someone is standing in the light, I can hardly see who it is or features clearly.

I have the same featureless in plant as you without features as well!  I believe both are the same, but only have one card in my wallet now to check.  I think the other is left in a case at our cottage, so will check that eventually!

I agree that describing the discomfort is awkward, but concerning and noteworthy, just the same!?  I do feel dryness can be part of it, even though I feel I am drowning in drops!  Two days, and it may learn more, but feel the eye, "pain or discomfort," is somewhat better anyhow!  But, I will bring it up and discuss this current and previous concern.

Retina scans, not each time, but the cataract surgeon usually does this one.  I will ask for the retina scan if not, the health of the retina is very important, & I have already had RD  in each eye in 2013, cataracts in 14, and one YAG in 15 with one more tentatively scheduled in the near future,...but only after months of stable eye healing...without swelling, and some of the current issues being treated for.

It is frustrating that the steroids raise the pressures in the eye, but know that is how they work.  I just don't want to have this lead to glaucoma, nerve damage, another RD, the shots, or anything else!?!   I am starting to wonder if this will never get balanced out without incurring more damage, or ability to not have to worry that something will happen or need to be continually monitored with ever changing treatment methods!

How often are you being checked with your drop regime, and which doctor do you see for this?  What tests do they run?  How is the eye pressure measured at your visit?  Do they use a different pressure measuring tool at your various eye doctors?

Also with the pressure issues in the eyes, I have concerns over how altitude or flying affects this.  Are you familiar with this?
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Avatar universal
You said," "In terms of the pain in your eyes, if you had a chance to mention it on Thursday at least the dr knows about it and can give you some advice.  That's something for which I don't have an idea about what could cause it, although it certainly sounds unpleasant. ".

Not exactly Pain, but discomfort for sure.  I had thought it was gone, but it still exists-just lessened now.   I do hope the improvement continues, as it is troubling.  

In response to the traction reference that the cataract surgeon threw out on my last visit you said, "In terms of the 'traction problem', I've seen that term used when describing the vitreous of the eye pulling on the surface of the retina.  As people age and the vitreous jelly inside the eye becomes more fluid-like and shrinks a bit, sometimes it tugs on the surface of the retina.  From what I've read it sounds like many patients have the vitreous separate from the retina without any problems, except that sometimes it gives transient 'flashing' or 'barber pole' visual illusions.  For some other patients the tugging or traction is stronger and can lead to a surface problem on the retina like a tear or layer separation in a small area of the retina.  The retina specialist can order an OCT to get a 'side view' of the retina layers, if such a thing is suspected."

  Thanks for the info and potential insight!  It is reassuring to go in with some background info.  It is increasingly frustrating, and not to mention scary each time a new issue is brought up.  

I appreciate everyone's input, as it is all quite scary and overwhelming, at times.

Thank you!
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Avatar universal
Thanks for the reply, I will let you know on the brand and check out the model number-fascinating you have two different!  I am going ice fishing, so will reply and update shortly!  Happy to say though, the pain seems to be subsiding!
Helpful - 0
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