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

[Greenbaypat]

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

[pinhole]

I had my first followup 3 weeks after starting the drugs. My next appointment will mark 5 weeks later (conclusion of 8 weeks on the drops). The first surgeon I saw scheduled me for a vitrectomy. It's the second-opinion surgeon who recommended drops to start. He also mentioned an injection.

You'll find lots of info from other patients about epiretinal membrane peels/macular pucker using the search function on this forum.

[Greenbaypat]

Thank you for your clarification on your progression, as yes, I hadn't understood it to be that way!  I am happy to learn the correct progression as that does give me hope for similar results!!!

I did just post a question on macular pucker and cataract forum, as it appears another member may be considering this same procedure as we have been discussing here!  

I just spoke with my cataract surgeon, and he felt the surgery, based on my retinal surgeons summary from my visit is the best course for me at this time.

I am still unsure, and have more questions.  Plus, I feel I lack clarity on a few issues and the terminology used!?!

I also hope to speak to my eye doctor.

I will post more as I get through some of those calls...

I am curious in that you too are doing the drops with some improvement, and at what point do you or they say-enough drops...now surgery?  Mine, two weeks?

[pinhole]

Thank you for posting the update.

I am glad your pressures are good!

Your surgeon gave you a lot to think about. Are you inclined to get a second opinion? It might be useful.

I suspect I am in the same boat. My eye does not seem to be making further gains despite continuing the drops. I will let you know what happens at my appointment next week. I think you've given me a preview.

I did have a second vitrectomy on my other eye to peel the membrane that had developed. It was done at the same time as the IOL/cataract surgery, nine months after the vit-buckle RD repair, and I got a good result. What I don't know but am curious about now is whether there was swelling before that surgery. All I knew was that my vision had decreased to the point that surgery was advised.

Take good care. I will be thinking positive thoughts for you as you figure out the best course to take. Please continue to post.

[Greenbaypat]

So, my Eye appointment with the retinal surgeon said my left eye is still not healing well enough from the drop regime, while the right seems to be.  
My IOP readings were lower with all of the drops anyhow.  
15 left 18 right
My vision is still decreased in the left eye, and some in the right.
He said I had 3 options

1.) He suggested I consider the vitrectomy surgery again to remove the scar tissue which would help alleviate the swelling and improve my vision (possibly).  

2.) I could have the steroid injection, or the (Shot in the eye.). The shot could lead to or a fix or may add risk of glaucoma .

3.) is to do nothing, just continue the drops, which he feels is not sufficient.  I asked if I did this what would the result for me be?  He said -if I left it that I could have worse vision possible or stay as is, or ?

His recommendation is to have Surgery within a month and schedule ASAP.

[pinhole]

I am so sorry! I see I have created confusion here.

The YAG didn't cause all those problems. My intention was to provide the history of the eye that I ultimately had the YAG in. Since the YAG I have been dealing with edema. (There may have been some edema even before the YAG.)

I really hope I have not caused you to worry.

[Greenbaypat]

Are you saying, by implication by the doctor that he would have said Glaucoma?  Or what?  

Answering that though, no, rarely does he say or make predictions of what's next.

So, I find the details and results of your YAG to be extremely alarming!  Gosh, all I have read about YAG states so strongly about the safety....minimizes side affects and extra procedures?!!