RP, Wrong power IL in my one good eye, Astigmatism, PCO, SSDI, and I'm 29

[blindguy]

In January I had cataract surgery  on my left eye as recomended by my retinal specialist.   With the cataract my acuity was a cool 20/200best corrected  and is the same to this dayless the shower curtain like fog that would appear in the presance of any much needed light.  I am now learning  that the right eye was my work hoarse that was 20/70 on the eye chart but super great at reading distances and all other forms of functionality when corrected  .  In Feb. we did this eye per his recomendation but as of today says was by my demand.  In our conference call today with the office manager who he wanted to be on the phone he even went as far as to say that he normally wouldn't have operated on it but I basically begged him to.  Prior to me signing any consents I was told that the reason that we were doing this eye too was to fix two things at once. First it would eliminate the need to do it later, and second and most importantly it was supposed to improve my acuity but I would have to wearbi-focals.

     Long story short,I have a Yag Lazer procedure scheduled for next week and am scared that making a "window" or in other words hole would yes get rid of fog that is forming from the scar tissue, butwould additionally destroy whatever ih any hope may remain for replacing the IL since the capsule would then be compromised.  In post op exams he has rattled off terms like pc wrinkling,cupping, floatersyadah yadah yadah but still says things look fine and blames my all of a sudden after surgery vision lossin my right eye 20/100 on my retinitis pigmentosa.  Best corrected with 4.50 on the reading lens part of my glasses I can barely read 12 point font on the screen when 5" away.  I am typing this letter using a screen reader and have lost all functionality down to being unable to shop for my own groceries.  The day after surgery my chart performance awarded me the same 20/100 uncorrected I had before the procedure.  3 weeks later when refracted I pulled a 20/70 got my perscription and hit the closest glasses shop to have a single vision set made.  Distance was worse than it had ever been and now as I get closer things get blurrier.  Not really preserving my central vision if you ask me.  The motto on this very reputable company's website is "**** ***** comprehensive eye care and eye surgery center dedicated to preserving the precious sense of sight."  I expressed my concerns at each and every appt. and was told that it was my Rp however my retinal specialist says it hasn't progressed.  I would love to hear anything you guys have to say on the matter.  I am going to go in tomorrow and get copies of my file and then invite my surgeon and his manager to join the conversation.  Am I  being a jerk?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

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[berrywoo]

I, of course, agree with Dr. Hagan and think you should go get another opinion.

I'd also like to add that IOL calculations are not an exact science. And given your history RP, etc. the measurements were probably harder to obtain and this would effect the calculations. So if you do decide to explant the current IOL and get another, realize that your vision will still not be the same as before, even if you set the target for near.

Most doctor's when doing exams love to rattle off terms, so that the assistant or the doctor him/herself knows what to write, or type, into your file. The pc (posterior capsular) wrinkling that you mention could indeed be the main culprit of your vision woes post-op. However, it's best to seek a second opinion as mentioned above.

And if you are indeed pursuing SSDI or any other disability claims good luck!

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Good luck
JCH MD

[blindguy]

Thank you very much, I already have an appt. with a new Dr. on Friday.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

I would strongly suggest you get a second or even third opinion from different Eye MDs about your current status and the reasons for your reduced vision before you have a yag capsulotomy.

JCH MD