Recurring redness after vitrectomy

[xltjim]

Hello.  I am 4 months in after vitrectomy for detached retina in my left eye (macula on).  Surgery and recovery went pretty well.  I am scheduled to meet with my surgeon for preliminary discussion on cataract surgery tomorrow as well as a followup to recurring redness/inflammation that I have had since the surgery.  My eye feels like sand is in it sometimes where the left incision was.  No pain at all, just scratchiness and general redness comes and goes.  Sometimes the eye is really red.  I had been taking genteal gel (daytime) and genteal ointment (night) as recommended for dryness.  Eye doctor felt that I may be allergic to preservatives in genteal and took me off that and prescribed a short course of durezol over 9 days (3xday for 3 days, 2xday for 3 days, 1xday for 3 days).  After a day on Durezol the eye cleared immediately and felt great.  No dryness or anything.  Now two days after last dose, it seems to be slowly getting red again and will be discussing with doctor.   He did mention that we have to get this settled down before we can proceed with cataract removal, and I agree.   Is what I am going through somewhat expected or typical 4 months in after surgery?  Other than this I am blessed with full field of vision in the eye, albeit blurry due to cataract.  Thank you for all you do (Dr's) and look forward to any others that can share their experience.  Regards, Jim

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

No its not typical. You should ask the cataract surgery to carefully check and see if you have any exposed sutures from your retina surgery. Sometimes the incisions are sutures, sometimes they do what is called a 'scleral buckle" and a band is sutured around the eye. That can often erode through and be exposed to the surface. If you do have exposed sutures you would need to see the retina surgeon to see if they can be removed. Also the cataract doctor should flip your upper lid and look underneath. Sometimes debris or pieces of suture can hide under the upper lid.   If it were just dry eyes then installation of arificial tears should make much better. Steroids are going to make a lot of thing feel better without really pinpointing a cause.

[xltjim]

Thank you for responding Dr.  My surgery didn't have the buckle.  I did purchase refresh preservative free drops today.  I have to say it feels 100% better just after one dose.  Will take your recommendations to the Dr. tomorrow.  Oh and thank you for your service!!

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

The improvement is great.  Refresh is great, another good preservative free is Clear Eyes Pure Relief Preservative Free