doc blaming double vision on recall due to mad cow disease!!

[twochicklets]

I have previously posted about my diplopia due to a block I had for cataract surgery on June 18, 2008.  I saw my surgeon today and he told me that in May/June of this year, there was a recall of the medicine used for the block because of a fear of mad cow disease.   He explained that this additive had been used to spread out the medicine during the anesthesia.  He also said most likely also helped the medicine to dissipate afterwards.  It was one of the  "-ase" chemicals.  He now says that my double vision was probably caused by this medicine (that has recently been recalled) sitting on my muscle too long and becoming toxic.  His assistants had previously told me that the block was a "blind poke" and THAT damaged my muscle.  I simply want to know what happened and if I am in any other danger because of this recalled medicine.  ALso, what to the experts on this forum know about this recalled drug.

Now a follow-up, my eye muscle surgery is scheduled for December.  The cataract surgeon wants me to do a YAG before this.  I measured a 20/25 on the glare test today, and he said if I wait a month it will probably be 20/30 and then insurance will cover it.  I got the feeling he was rushing to do the YAG and wonder if this is protocol.  Is it better and safer to do a YAG sooner rather than later?  By the way, I have reZoom and I know how much y'all hate these lenses.  Thanks in advance!!

[twochicklets]

Oh, and thank you so much Dr. Feldman, for taking your time and answering me!!  I truly appreciate it.
TC

[twochicklets]

Jodie, I get that feeling as well!  Wondering if the other eye care experts have any thoughts on this.

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear Twochicklets,

I assume the medication you had was wydase.  I am not sure of the specifics of the recall but this medicine is used to help distribute the anesthetic.  

With respect to the YAG, it is not necessary to make an opening in the capsule unless your vision is affected and you are bothered by the cloudiness.   If the reduced vision is affecting your activities, then I would recommend opening the capsule.  If it is not, I would wait until it gets worse as there is always a risk associated with any procedure.

Lastly, I am not negative about the ReZoom lens and think that many patients do well with it.  As with any IOL implant, there are positives and negative of each kind.

Dr. Feldman

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California

[JodieJ]

I'm not an eye care professional, but it sounds to me like your surgeon's name is Dr. Blame Avoidance.  His assistants' explanation makes more sense to me.  I'm glad that you are satisfied with your ReZooms.