What to do?

[fallon323]

I had my cataracts removed by an ophthalmologist who did not know that the drug Flomax created problems with the dilating of the pupil. The result was that he experienced difficulties. It is now 30 months later and he says I need to have YAG  surgery done as my eyes have developed secondary cataracts. I can hardly see out of the one eye.

I want to have it done but because of the previous procedure and his not being aware of the effect of Flomax I have lost confidence in the Dr. He is very experienced and has been working at a partially subsidized hospital for many years.

What do you suggest?

What should I do?

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

you should be fine. I did two yag capsulotomies this AM and 45 minutes later both were seeing 20/20 and happy as can be.
JCH MD

[fallon323]

Thank you for the support and information. I`ve had the procedure done and all went well. I can now see equally well with both eyes. The doctor told me I would experience floaters as there was a lot of matter floating around. He told me if it does not improve I must see him on Friday. However I have not up to now experienced any problems at all.If my vision remains as it is now, 6 hours after the procedure, I will be a very happy chappie.

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

The American Academy of Ophthalmology representing the USA Eye MDs is pleased to provide this service to the world.

JCH MD

[fallon323]

So be it, I will have the procedure done by the same doctor who did the surgery.I suppose I am just being paranoiac. As you say, the initial operation in spite of the complications was very successful.
Let`s hope the YAG procedure is also a success. I will let you know the results on Wednesday night or sometime on Thursday.
Thank you very much for your advice, it has been nice to have someone I can talk to about the problem.I am not a person that would ever confide in a friend or even family on issues of health.Always keep these things to myself. (-:

[fallon323]

I found out about it after having my cataracts removed and went into it on the internet because of the problems the doctor had doing the operation. That is why I lost confidence in him, I felt that a doctor should be up to date on something like that.

Do you mind me asking more question?

1)  If  a doctor is aware of the fact that a patient is or has been on Flomax,  can he change his normal operational procedures to cope with this contingency?
2) Will it effect the YAG procedure?
3) My right eye is very bad, I have hardly any vision in it, everything is a blur if I close my left eye, I am scheduled to have the YAG treatment in 5 days time. Should I cancel and go to another doctor will the time factor make things worse if I can only schedule another appointment with someone else 2 or 3 weeks  later? ( there would be a price difference of R2500 which I can ill afford being a pensioner who has no medical aid.)

Thank you for you patience . Eyes are so very important.

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

floppy iris syndrome due to flomax (can occur wcwn if it has been discontinued) is not "poo-poo" it's "true-true), documented in many elegant studies, has occured to me in surgery and is accepted the world over.

JCH

[fallon323]

Thank you for that advice, I will follow it.He told me that he had discussed the problem he had had with my eye with a colleague( when I mentioned the Flomax thing to him) and his friend had said that he was sure that I was on Flomax. He said that he had heard about it before but, to quote him, ``He always Poo Poohed the idea``
Anyway, let`s hope things go well with the next procedure now that he knows what to expect.

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

1. Even if he knew it is often not possible to prevent complications. If' he's experienced he knew but may not have told you.
2. The serious complications caused by "floppy iris syndrome" are higher rates of capsular tear, vitreous loss, iris damage and inablility to insert IOL.
3. Cloudying of the posterior capsule IS NOT a complication of floppy iris syndrome (the flomax problem)
3. If you need the yag have it. Why don't you discuss this with him/her and "clear the air"

JCH MD