Questions about Crystal Lens

[Becko1213]

I had a Crystal Lens implant in my right eye on Dec. 16. My vision was distorted and I couldn't see well enough to focus at all (vision reading at about -7.00) I had my day after surgery follow up and they didn't expect me to be able to see. Just said things appeared to be healing nicely. No one was available for the one week appointment given the Christmas holiday. Two weeks later the surgeon removed the suture saying it wouldn't hurt but it stung like a bee. The surgeon said "Wow. That stitch must have been too tight." Within minutes, I could at least read posters on the wall. Since the surgeon had said my eye would be dilated for a week, I didn't realize that there was anything seriously different from what other people experience.

Now I am struggling because everything looks like I am viewing it through Vaseline. The surgeon (one month post op) said that I have "significant scar tissue". He said that it won't be stable enough for laser correction for another two months.

My left eye doesn't need correction so there is a big imbalance between my eyes. I am trying to do the near vision exercises but it is hard to do with just one eye reading through Vaseline!

My questions:
Could the too tight stitch have caused any of the problems I am experiencing?
Were they remiss in making me wait two weeks to remove the suture?
Is it really not advised to have the laser procedure until at least three months out?
Should I have the second eye done so that my vision is more balanced and I can exercise both eyes at the same time? Obviously, I am terrified to do that given my experience.

I am going to get an appointment with a different surgeon for a second opinion. In the meantime, thank you for offering this forum. My frustration and headaches are only increasing and I can't fathom having to wait another two months living like this. And I fear that I am losing the opportunity to fully "exercise" my lens.

[JohnHaganMD]

Your post operative course is highly atypical. The stitch should not have any bearing after it's removed.  Even with 'no stitch' surgery it is sometimes necessary to put one in if the wound leaks. The stitch often causes astigmatism which should go away after removed.  However your vision should be quite clear after a month especially if a glasses test was done it should be correctable with glasses to 20/20. The smartest thing you are doing is getting an independent 2nd opinion and don't do anything to the 2nd eye until the first eye is satisfactory.

[Becko1213]

Thank you so very much for your response. I have become very uncomfortable with the way this has been handled so I think getting a second opinion will either put my mind at ease or get me on the right course. I appreciate you taking the time to reply

[JohnHaganMD]

sure and do research the consultant you will be seeing for the second opinion.  Should be a good, highly experienced surgeon with previous work of doing 2nd opinions. Some surgeons will not see another surgeons complications due to complexity and the medical/legal risks involved. Most good size communities has one or two ophthalmic surgeons that do that type of consulting.  Best of luck to you. If you get a chance let us know how things turn out. These posts are very informative when outcomes are posted.