alcon aspheric

[DebbieDel]

It has been close to 3 mo's since my surg. One eye only - I have "slow healing" and discomfort (throbbing, stabbing/ poking and like 'something is moving' pains that seem to be quieting down. I had a burst vessel recently and the Dr. feels it is not related to my eye but it happened in the area where it hurts the most ( the right side of the right eye). The poking is more near the center to tear duct area and happens more when I focus close. My vision is clear and I am thankful for that - but it hurts more when things are closer - reading & computer (3 ft away), TV (8 ft away).  I use reading & computer glasses & glare screens on the computers.  Seems better when I am focused on distances - but my near and intermediate vision are the most important to me. Tried natural tears (sev. brands) - makes no difference. Could the  'aspheric' component of the lens be involved as it affects light waves? My preference has always been to select a lower contrast &  light to things in the past. In brightly lit stores my eye reflects a tad in the corner of my eye - but I don't mind that. I have tried sunglasses (all the time) but stopped I wear them for TV. Has anyone experienced this? Is there a way to change the lightwave with glasses if that is the problem? Maybe this will  go away? I live in the Chgoland area and can go anywhere. The surg. has a good name - but he is not connecting with the fact that I need my eyes  for work and I am always uncomfortable. I often work 12-13 hr. days and reading is of paramount importance to me.

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

No Alcon is widely used and even if a surgeon uses another brand it will not create a problem to evalute your case. Your problem is very atypical since cataract surgery is usually fast healing and not painful. That's as helpful as I can be anything more would be speculation. Start work on the second opinion

JCH MD

[DebbieDel]

Dr. Hagen - thank you - I will see someone else - should they be experienced with Alcon and how they fit in the eye? Is it possible that the vessel rupture is the result of whatever is causing so much ongoing discomfort?  Is there anything you can think of that could cause this? It is not just when focusing -it always stings/burns in the upper right area of my eye and almost always feels like something is in my bottom lid . I have noticed that the clear membrane is touching my bottom lid in the morning near the corner. The deeper pain has finally subsided. The Dr. has looked(lifted my lid as well) sees nothing to account for this. I took an extra week of steroids & have higher pressures (for many years). so after the rupture he suggested more & I asked to avoid more as it there was not guaranteed it would do anything almost 3 mo's out. The redness was gone in 2 days w/out steroids. Also, I am concerned it there is some odd infection - steroids may make it worse. Could  I have an infection that revealed itself  week when a vessel broke? I don't rub or pick at the eye.

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

The aspheric part of the IOL is not the problem. It has supperior optics to spherical optics. I suggest you get a second opinion. Find another ophthalmologist near you at www.aao.org

JCH MD