Cataract Surgery after Shingles Episode

[Mel_Cu]

This is similar to a question asked in 2006.  I had an episode of shingles of 2007.  Developed HZK in my right eye in July of 2007.  I also had a leison on cornea that took a long time to heal.  Only after sewing my eye shut (tarsolopy ? sp) for 12 days did it heal so that steroid treatment could be started.  I started on a regimine of Pred Forte 4 drops/day reducing monthly to 1/day during Feb 08.  Eye is at 20/100 and IOP is normal and I am 71 in good health otherwise.  I had an ultrasound done and the interior of the eye seems to be OK.  The eye has "quieted down" and is clear.  HZ caused a dense cataract.  My Doc said that we can do cataract surgery and my vision will improve,  but it is high risk.  I am interested in getting some opinioins as to the risks and to the usual outcomes.  Is it common for people to accept the risk and have cataract surgery after a shingles episode?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS]

Any one having any surgery is at risk, whether they accept it or deny it its always there. With new techniques and oral antivirals most people with HZK and HZ uveitis do fine with cataract/IOL surgery.

JCH III MD

[doctordeb]

I Had an attack of the eyes thought to be conjunctivas on an off for about a year, last attack left me with blurred vision i was sent to the hospital they said it wasnt conjuntivas but scratches on my cornea! any way a week later the cornea had split  and could not heal due to infected cells, had the split cornea removed! (horrid episode) still vision is blurred and compromised six weeks later!   the other eye was affected but to a lesser level,my eyes are very senative to  light swollen in the morning small blisters on lower lids and generally painful all day.
Could this be shinngles  of the eyes? my Mother contracted shingles two months ago.  Any feed back would be very very much appricated.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS]

The person to ask is your ophthalmologist. It doesn't sound like shingles at all. Most common cause recurrent cornea erosions and/or cornea dystrophy.

jCH MD