Results of Conductive Keratoplasty

[grhassel]

I had CK on my left eye 2 months ago, and it has created havoc in my life. Everything is blurry now, all the time. I wish I had tried a contact in my left eye for a month, but monovision has worked so well for friends of mine that I jumped into it. I was also treated for dry eyes at the same time. The dr tried temp plugs, they worked fine, but the permanent ones hurt so bad they had to be removed within 24 hours. I was told to use drops frequently, but I seem to be allergic to every drop ever conceived, including OasisTears which is pure glycerine. The dr zapped my tear ducts to close them, but I still suffer constantly from dry, itchy eyes. He told me to use whatever means were necessary to see while at my computer, or reading, or driving at night. So now I need 3 pairs of glasses, instead of just 1.

The dr has released me, sending me back to my PCP saying I must have "something else going on" and told me to get tested for stress. I wasn't having any problems at all before I went to him, and I would give anything to turn back the hands of time and not let him touch me. Since I didn't find that much on the con side of CK when I did my research on the internet, perhaps this post will serve as a warning to others.

I am using ordinary reading glasses for my computer with the left eye knocked out, +1.25. (still blurry, but I'm trying not to adjust the left eye at all. I get a tight feeling around my eyes after working all day at the computer and I just want to shut my eyes and put cold compresses on them)
For reading, I am using the same, with the left eye knocked out, +2.0 (but I get no enjoyment out of reading any more, and had to drop out of school until I get this problem figured out)
Can't drive at night, but he did give me a prescription to have filled for that, said I might have to use them for a year or so.

I guess my question is, will my eyes ever adjust? And how soon before I should get fitted for trifocles?

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

I really had to take a deep breath after reading this post.  I'm not sure what is bothering you more the new monovision or the irritation after the procedure.  The irritation should be the easier of the two to approach.  Treatments include punctal occlusion (done) oral flaxseed oil and fish oil supplements, frequent artificial tears, restasis, and possible a short trial of very mild steroid like alrex or lotemax.  Your irritation should improve over time since the CK spots heal up fairly well in most people.  It seems that you should have DEFINITELY undergone a trial of monovision contact lenses to simulate the visual results of CK in one eye only.  One bright note - you should adapt to the visual changes and CK does have a reputation for some regression or loss of effect over time.  Perhaps a little regression, a little adaptation, some drops, supplements etc and things will improve over time.  
Michael Kutryb, MD

[grhassel]

Thanks so much for your kind words and reassurance. I did start the flaxseed oil on the dr's advice, and I have taken fish oil for years. I can't use frequent artificial tears...after using them all day I have such severe reactions that they border on anaphylactic shock symptoms, tightening of the chest, narrowing of the throat, headache, disorientation and anxiety. I've never experienced anything like this. He prescribed restasis, which I have not filled yet, because I have lost faith in this doctor and am going back to my PCP to ask for a referral to an ophthalmologist who is an MD, not a DO, to see if that makes a difference. I'm also going to ask for a sinus MRI, or something like that to take an in-depth look at my sinus cavaties.

I do suffer from mild weather-related allergies, am also allergic to cedar, witch hazel, sulfa-drugs and metals. There just has to be something in OTC eyedrops that I'm allergic to, but I haven't found it yet. Even the single-use vials that claim no preservatives seem to exacerbate the problem. I have read that the glycerin used in OasisTears is processed with sulfites (sp?) and am wondering if I'm allergic to that, or even to the glycerin which I understand is a very uncommon allergy.

An interesting thing happened to me 8 years ago. I suddenly got relapsing polychondritis in my right ear. No injury, no trauma, it just appeared.  It was treated with Ciprio, if I remember correctly, and went away, but left me with tinnitus in my right ear. It's mildly irritating compared to some of the horror stories I've read, and I've learned to live with it, but I have to wonder also if this has any bearing on my current problem.

I'm such a positive person and am in great physical and mental health, and I usually just sail through operations and medical procedures. I've had doctors tell me I heal faster than usual because of my can-do attitude...but this has been the most daunting experience of my life and I do hope others can benefit from my post. Our eyes are such precious organs!

Thank you very much for your response, it is encouraging!