blurry vision after pterygium removal with conjunctival auto graph

[juliebrown707]

I had surgery to remove a ptyerigium in my right eye using conjucntival autograph 5 years ago, and  everything is great. I now had the same surgery in my left eye using the same technique and same doctor,  but I now have blurry vision after removing the patch over six days ago. What could be the reason for the blurry vision? Is this part of the healing, or is it considered a complicaiton?I search the internet for "complications" after ptyerigium surgery and there isn't any info besides recurrence as the complication. What could I do to fix this? PLEASE HELP!

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

Yes it usually gets better with time. Cause is usually irregular astigmatism of the cornea. Generally glasses will also help. People with history of pterygium are somewhat less than ideal candidates for contacts and/or lasik

JCH MD

[debdyo]

I had a pterygium removed in my left eye to prepare for cataract surgery and not have a need for a special insert, just the regular one the insurance covers.  After the surgery, my vision is very blurry in the left eye.  It has been over 3 months, and still the same, and the doctor doesn't expect it to get better.  Now it is causing a strain on my right eye, which is not my dominant eye.  He said that eye is getting worse, so he scheduled by cataract surgery for 2 weeks.  He said he's never seen a patient not gain full vision after having this removed, and I could tell he was baffled.  Is there any chance something was not done right with the removal surgery?  Now I need to pay $1600 for the special lens out of my pocket in addition to the remaining charges.  I'm just wondering if the doctor is at fault in any way, or shares some of the burden.  I think he should at least charge me 1/2 for the toric lens he now needs to use.  Your thoughts?

[JohnHaganMD]

The smart thing is to step back and not rush into surgery when you are unhappy with the first surgery and the surgeon.  With your history you would NOT be a good candidate for a 'special" lens such as toric or multifocal IOL.   Either your cataract has gotten worse or you have excessive scarring (irregular astigmatism) from the pterygium and the subsequent surgery.  That is, for most surgeons, a contraindication to anything other than a regular aspheric monofocal IOL.   I would suggest you get a second opinion from a different surgeon, if possible one that specializes in cornea/refractive surgery. Again I would NOT proceed cataract surgery, especially 'special' IOL without getting another opinion.

[juliebrown707]

I have spoken to the doctor. He said it can get better with time, If not eyeglasses, contacts or lasik can correct the problem.

With your experience, Does it usually get better? If not, can lasik help?
I am able to see clearly when I squint. Also, when I was checked at the doctors office, I was able to see the small print clearly when looking through the cover with the small holes in it, that the doctor gives to check vision.

Julie brown

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

First you should know this is not an uncommon problem. For more information use the archives and search feature to read about others that have had similiar problems.

Second you need to discuss your concerns with your surgeon. Call their office tomorrow. Just like having babies and raising kids are all different so two bilateral surgery (right and left eye, right and left hip, etc) are not mirror images of each other.

The cornea is the primary focus lens of the eye anything that alters the shape, fluid content can have a major effect on vision.

JCH MD