Eye Filled With Water After Surgery

[tmhutch]

Hello. Recently my grandmother (85yo) underwent cataract surgery. Post surgery up to present (4 months) there is what appears to be fluid "sloshing" around behind the lenses of the eyes when observed from the side. Looking straight into the eyes it cannot be seen and is only visible from the side in natural light while the eyeball is in motion (causing the fluid to jiggle). Otherwise, the fluid seems to be stationary, halfway filling up what appears to be an empty space.

I accompanied her to her most recent doctors visit and explained the observation. The optometrist expressed minor interest and stated he had never heard of any such symptom. He was not interested in pursuing the issue any further.

She has 20/20 vision as a result of the surgery but only when looking straight ahead with the eyes held steady. Any movement of the eyes causes blurred vision and minor disorientation. Closing either eye steady's the vision of the other.

To sum up: The two issues are what appears to be water sloshing around behind the lenses and blurred vision when eyes are not stationary. Can anyone shed light on these symptoms? Any help is greatly appreciated.

Todd

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

There is a diuretic like pill,  Diamox, which some doctors use to treat CME, swelling of the macula with fluid.  A complication of cataract surgery.

Dr. O.

[tmhutch]

Interesting. That does sound similar. Thanks for the info.

[kmcc]

my mother had cataract surgery, and she had fluid buildup - the doctor  prescribed a diuretic pill for her to take, and that took care of the problem.  Not sure if this is the same situation.

[tmhutch]

Thank you. She currently is not experiencing any spots, lines or flashes of light in her field of vision nor is she experiencing any clouded or reduced vision when the eyes remain stationary. Only what could be described as scattered or blurred vision when the eyes are in motion.
Would you say she is experiencing liquefied vitreous pockets (lacunae)?  

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

This is probably a vitreous floater.  See an ophthalmologist.

Dr. O.