Eye Soreness

Two years ago, I had both glaucoma and cataract surgery. The type of glaucoma surgery was non laser, and, I have the clear bubbles of fluid above each eye cornea,  They look like clear fluid blisters above each eye. The cataract surgery, cataract lenses  were replaced with acrylic foldable IOL's.  Surgery done in both eyes.
Seemed to have no problems for about a year and a half, then had a slight soreness, irritation in the left eye. My doctor gave me a bottle of antiinflammatory medication, which seemed to clear that problem up. That was last May.
At the beginning of this year, I experienced a soreness, pain in my left eye, along with lot of watering, sunlight will bother it. I made an appointment, was issued an antiinflammatory called Xibrom.  The eye felt kinda like something was in it, or, my eyelid was rubbing on something.  The Xibrom seemed to help.
Also, at about the same time, I noticed my vision, both distant and reading, is blurry.  It's hard for me to compare between the two eyes, as my right eye has  a lot of vision loss. Left eye still have full vision.  I was issued a new prescription for eyeglasses ( haven't got the new glasses in yet)

My question:  What can cause the eye to become sore and watery, sunlight bother it, that could be related to either the glaucoma or cataract surgery?  What could be irritating my left eye? What is the antiinflammary medication helping?

[Houman Vosoghi, MD]

It is possible that you have a bleb leak or worse a bleb infection in the eye from the glaucoma surgery area.  You need to see your glaucoma surgeon immediately!!!!!!!!!!!  you can not count on non-glaucoma specialists to catch the subtle signs of a blebitis.  If you are seeing a glaucoma specialists, he/she should be able to pinpoint exactly why you are having your symptoms after a full exam.  Don't delay if you haven't seen a glaucoma specialist for this.

HV

[rodan]

I've been to an ophthalmologist  (she substitutes for my regular glaucoma specialist)about ten days after I first noticed the symptoms, then, saw my regular glaucoma specialist little over a week ago. The first gave me the Xibrom, and, it did seem to help. She didn't find any problems in the eye after examining it, and told me to keep my appointment I made with my regular glaucoma specialist ( whom I saw little over a week ago ).
My regular doctor, after checking my eye, didn't find any problems, either, at least she didn't mention any. She gave me another antiinflammatory, ( this time Bromday ) and told me to take it once a day, and, when I run out, if I need more , call in for a prescription.
I don't know what a "full exam" would involve, she looked in my eye at both the cataract and the glaucoma operations for any problems.  She did not dilate my eye. My glaucoma IOP readings were ok, ( 14 and 17 ) This is the doctor that did my actual operations in both eyes for both glaucoma and cataracts.
A question for you: "blebitis", if this is the problem, could she easily see that after examining that eye, or, would it involve a detailed, full examination?

[rodan]

I read information on what a "bleb leak" is. I really don't think that is what I'm experiencing, VIsually, the bleb blister in my eye looks like it has been. and, my IOP reading, by both doctors this past month, were about 14 and 17.  THis is about what they have been since my operation two years ago.
As I'm sitting here  typing this message, sunlight coming in through to room by the window doesn't seem to make the eye water like it has been. Yesterday, I noticed my eyelid, as it blinked, to cause some discomfort, as though it rubs against something during the blink.
I can remember after I had the operation, my doctor did have to shorten one of the "plugs" put in my eye, as my eyelid was rubbing on that.
Is it possible maybe one of the remaining plugs worked it's way out a tiny bit, enough to cause irritation, but, I'm sure she looked at those when she examined me.
I do feel that the left eye ( the eye in question) does not see as sharp as the right eye, both distance and reading , and think this is related to the irritation.
I'm going to continue using the Bromday, once a day, and, when my new eyeglasses come in, check it that helps my vision.
If there is anything else you would like to ask or any advice, please do so.  If I still experience the problem after running out of Bromday, I will contact my specialist.

[Houman Vosoghi, MD]

Based on your visits with both doctors it seems to me you do not have blebitis, leak or other serious problems as they would have found those on exam (especially the glaucoma specialist).  I would not worry too much.  Try using preservative free artificial tears every 2-4 hours for a couple of days and see if your symptoms get any better.  If you get worse though you should call your ophthalmologist again.

HV

[rodan]

Both doctors did mention to use artificial tears, even if my eyes do not feel as though they need them. And, they did mention using the preservative free type, if my present drops have preservatives in them, (they do).
Have been on the Bromday now for a few days, sample bottle almost empty. Eye has no pain or discomfort. When I run out of Bromday, will see if the pain and discomfort come back. If so, I will call the doctor.
I do have another issue with my eyes that's been bothering me, will start a new thread on that.