Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

cataract surgery prognosis

previously wore glasses +7 for distance of about six feet and +9 for reading-distance vision not used. I had serious problems with contrast, night vision, depth perception, all since childhood. I chose multifocus lenses regardless of issues with 'black lines, haloes, glare' since I had these problems already all my life. (black lines from frames of specs). the surgery will be phacoemulsion, I live in india.

first cataract surgery october 6, left eye multifocus AMO Technis, topical anesthesia plus some form of injection (twice) in the hand they told me was anesthesia which as far as I could tell did no good at all but depressed me for about 7 days. I screamed and struggled the whole time, and experienced a lot of swelling afterwards in the outer eye (lids,etc). after two weeks, vision was clear as crystal, but about five days later became cloudy. since then it got somewhat better but comes and goes, seems to be worse for distance. however I was happy since I could now walk without looking at my feet, no more stumbling and getting lost etc. even with one eye my depth perception was incredible.

second surgery on right eye november 5, and I managed to remain still and quiet. however on the day afterwards at my checkup I noticed I saw two images from the right eye only when looking at the machine they used to test distance vision. after that I have begun to notice that in comparison my first eye now sees a yellow tint in white paper...also it is quite blurry moreso in distance. there is a black semicircle which is always more pronounced on waking, and a constant feeling of something in my eye just under the eyelids, all around the rim or a feeling of the eye being held partially closed at the outer corner (where the black ring appears) though looking in the mirror it is completely open, and even trying to pull it apart  the feeling persists. (here I am still referring to the left eye.)

I no longer need glasses to read, even the small print of the warning on medicine. I can thread a needle the first time, which to me is the best test of eyesight. I do ok on the computer and last time I went out, before the second surgery, I believe I saw well in distance-if not, still about 150% better than I have for thirty years before even without cataracts and wearing corrective lenses.

at my one week followup checkup today I told them I saw double in the right eye and the left eye was cloudy. the junior doctor who does most of the followup and pre checkups was unconcerned about the left eye, but tried to tell me the right eye was swollen because I had been administering the drops incorrectly. this is entirely impossible, I have definitely administered the drops as required, though I do not deny there may be a swelling even though I cannot sense it.  the surgeon saw me and said everything was fine. once again I saw the junior fellow, who administered eyedrops three times and I asked what they were but did not get a clear answer. I was not examined any further, but allowed to go home and told to come back in a month. if he gave me some treatment, clearly he believes there is the possibility something is wrong that can be affected by drops. when I returned home the double image was very much increased, and I saw any number of sparkling and flashing circles and haloes for about six hours.

as of yesterday I was comparing the two eyes, and the left was certainly blurry, the right had blurry spaces and double image, but possibly better at distance. yet when I put them together I have good sight. I will be happy if things stay as they are but I am worrying (shall we say catastrophizing) if something is wrong and things will get worse.

I am extremely sensitive even to eye drops, and there is a possibility the test for measurement was faulty since I couldnt keep still and one eye had to be done twice. from that, i believe there was some injury to the eyelid even before the surgery.  how would I know if the size of the lens was wrong? what symptoms would there be? or can you give me any idea that something else might be wrong, such as the placement of the lens, or any prognosis or diagnosis?
3 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
maybe i should ask specific questions...
how would I know if the size of the IOL implant was calculated or manufactured wrong?
how would I know if the lens was implanted out of alignment? can it move after surgery is complete?

what i have gathered from cruising the archives is that my problems may go away as much as a year later. they sound like multifocus lens issues that have to be dealt with and since my original eyesight even before cataracts was abysmal i am better off now.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
so now i am worried.

my surgeon says 'everything is fine'. in india doctors are not accustomed to patients questioning them. they are not obligated to speak at all. do you feel i need to get an exam by someone in usa?
Helpful - 0
711220 tn?1251891127
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
You need to speak to your surgeon.


Dr. O.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Eye Care Community

Top General Health Answerers
177275 tn?1511755244
Kansas City, MO
Avatar universal
Grand Prairie, TX
Avatar universal
San Diego, CA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Discharge often isn't normal, and could mean an infection or an STD.
In this unique and fascinating report from Missouri Medicine, world-renowned expert Dr. Raymond Moody examines what really happens when we almost die.
Think a loved one may be experiencing hearing loss? Here are five warning signs to watch for.
When it comes to your health, timing is everything
We’ve got a crash course on metabolism basics.
Learn what you can do to avoid ski injury and other common winter sports injury.