pain after multiple eye surgeries

[Luna9]

In October 2010  I had laser surgery for a detached retina. A cataract was removed at the same time. In January an exterior lens was inserted. Later that month the retina detached again and I had a second surgery to attach it. The Macula also partly detached and I now have scar rtisuue on the retina. In August, the artificial lens which seemed to be causing considerable discomfort was replaced with an internal lens. My  eye is constantly irritated and painful. I use gel drops constantly but they only provide temporary relief. Has anyone gone through a similar scenario. If so, have you found any releief from the pain? Has anyone been able to help you?

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

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[Luna9]

Hi !

    Thanks so much for your note. I'm so sorry for all you are going through and can empathize COMPLETELY!  I too had the Macula partially detach so now have only partial vision in the left eye....wavy and watery. During the first detachment a cataract was discovered and they removed it. Later an external lens was inserted. This was very painful and I now have an internal lens but the eye is still sore and painful so beware! also dealing with swelling around the scar tissue of the retina so really have two issues going.

   What the retina guys told me is that a Vitrectomy to remove some of the scar tissue possibly improve the vision and reduce the swelling, but after 4 surgeries on this poor eye I am naturally reluctant. Are you considering this?

               Stay well and thanks again for writing!

        

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

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[trebor45]

I know what you must be going thru, had two failed laser surgeries, before i had conventional microsurgery for DR, The retina reattached with a fold in it, they said it was risky to try, and fix, now blurry, and distorted, and I think cataracts are forming, the ten day face down recovery was awful, hang in their, and good luck.

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

New Mexico is not the ends of the earth. you can ask the Eye MDs taking care of you for a respected outside their practice to consult on you or as I said find one near you at www.aao.org

JCH MD

[Luna9]

Dear Dr. Hagen,

    Thank you so very much for responding to my query. At this point, I am growing desperate as this situation has been going on for over a year. I currently see doctors from 2 medical organizations: one that is dealing with the swelling around the scar tissue on the retina, so far without success. The other organizations did the original laser surgeries to re-attach the retina and did both surgeries to insert the artificial lens'.I have been back to them many times to complain of the pain and discomfort and have been told there is nothing I can do as there have simply been too  many surgeries on the eye. Should I seek further help? I am in New Mexico and options are limited,

Again, my thanks for your help and the hope it has given me.

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

I suggest you ask for a second opinion from a cornea/IOL/Cataract surgery.  Need to check for cornea problems and also any exposed sutures.

Your eye MD team will likely be quite willing to refer you for another opinion. You can also find other eye MDs near you at www.aao.org

JCH MD