Optic Nerve Damage

[monica42]

Following cataract surgery, my eyesight in the left eye was severely impaired.  After two more implant surgeries due to the lens slipping out of position, it took a seventh doctor to finally tell me that my optic nerve was damaged.  I was told that it was not caused by the cataract surgery.  However, the change was so dramatic immediately after the first surgery I find this hard to believe.  My other eye was also scheduled for cataract surgery, but they do not want to do it for fear that the same thing will happen.  Why would the doctors say this if the surgery was not the cause of the damage?  It doesn't make sense.   My eyesight is greatly diminished.  I'm looking for some help.

[MrPresley]

I know that IOP typically elevates tempoararily after cataract surgery, as mine went from a normal of 12-14 to 21 the day after.  I assume you were prescribed eye drops (I was given prednisolone and dilcofenac) to address this?

[JohnHaganMD]

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[wgp8435]

I had cataract surgery on my left eye two weeks ago. Immediately, I had significant pain which lasted for 3 days.  My vision before the surgery was 20:40 but now is 22:100 which is legally blind.  The doctors say there is some kind of damage to the optic nerve but that it couldn't possibly be related to the surgery.  They say it is all an amazing coincidence.  Something else must have manifested itself at just the time of the surgery.  Considering the pain, and timing this is all highly suspicious to me.  Don't know what to do next.  I am sunk as my job requires I have two good eyes.  I am 63 young and in perfect health otherwise with what has been a great career.

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

Optic nerve damage after cataract surgery can be due to elevated post operative pressure,  chance, or due to the anesthetic needle hitting the optic nerve.  The last cause is beyond the control of the surgeon.

Dr. O.

[mattdawson]

Dr. O, I would like to ask you a question if you dont mind.... My mom is a 64 year old female and had cataract surgery around 4 weeks ago in her left eye and 10 days ago in her right eye....she has had great success with the right eye, even immediatly after the surgery, however the left eye has been giving her issues, ever since directly after the surgery and still 4 weeks out...she has the constant feeling of "having something in her eye" and with occassional twitching on her lower eyelid. Her cataract surgeon said everything looked fine, do you have any ideas of what the issue could be?

[JohnHaganMD]

Answered elsewhere. Dr. O does not post anymore