Restasis and YAG post cataract surgery

[Ashley52]

I apologize for starting a new thread but I can never find my old ones on here.  I had a one month surgery follow up today on my ReStor eye.  I'm doing fine with the exception of I have to wear reading glasses for computer.  Surgeon said this is because I have slight astigmatism in my Crystalens eye.  One of my gripes with this practice is I see someone different every time I go in.
The doctor I saw today said that before the surgeon can do relaxing limbal incisions for the astigmatism, I need to go on Restasis for a period of time so that they can get better measurements on my eyes.  Now I thought Restasis was for "dry eye" and I don't have any of those symptoms.  She also said that he would likely do the YAG laser on that eye first because I have some scar tissue there.  Again, I am not having any clouding or other symptoms that I've noticed and am wondering why they would do this, especially given that I had a PVD in that eye and high risk of retinal detachment.  I know I need to talk to my surgeon about all this but as I said, they pass me around that practice and everyone is always in a hurry.

[AnnaE]

If you want to advertise, contact the website. You cannot advertise on the forum. None of us need to go to India, I think. But if you want to promote, use the proper channels.

[Ashley52]

I'm really not sure how you're suggesting this organization could benefit me.  I have already had both lenses implanted.

[Ashley52]

Just an update
I saw the surgeon for a follow-up this morning.  My iritis seems to be under control and he is weaning me off the Pred Forte. Everyone is in agreement that the YAG caused the flare up but the surgeon thinks I may have an underlying problem.  I went to my GP and got blood work to test for autoimmune disorders. The GP put me on Bactrim (antibiotics) as a precaution in case an infection of some sort caused it.   Most of my vision has returned though I still notice a difference (haze) when I enter a darkened room.  I would urge anyone who is considering having the YAG laser capsulotomy to make sure they are 100% healthy before they have it. Make them treat you with Pred Forte before and after. This is not the protocol but if you develop iritis, you will wish you had insisted.  Also, some of the literature I've read states that the longer you can wait after the original implant surgery, the better.  Mine was only 2 months.
The surgeon is forgoing the relaxing limbal incisions for now.  He wants to see me back in 2 mos.  In the meantime, he advised me to get some +1.25 readers for computer. For close work,  I can read without them with my ReStor lens but it is not crisp.  I am happy with this solution for now.  With my difficulties (first PVD, then iritis), I don't feel like having more surgery.  Maybe I'll feel differently down the road.
He said, "Be sure to tell people you can read with your ReStor lens".  While that is true, I don't think most CLE patients would be happy with what I have.  If I'd had cataracts, it might have been a different story entirely. $4000 is a lot of money to pay to be able to read with one eye, only if the lighting is right. My distance vision is good but it was this good with contact lenses also.
My guess is that the technology is just not "there" yet.  I'm sure it will get better and better as time goes by. I do think the mixing of IOL's is a good idea.  If I had 2 Crystalens, I wouldn't be able to read at all without readers and I'd probably have too much glare in flourescent lighting.  If I had 2 ReStor, the nighttime halos would make driving very difficult and the distance vision would not be as good.  Together, they sort of make up for the other's shortcomings.  I guess a lot of us were sold the myth of "perfect vision".

[Ashley52]

Just wanted to let people know that I found a great resource for iritis at www.iritis.org.  I was able to find out there that the most likely cause of the haze I am seeing is protein from the inflammation and that it will resolve when the inflammation is under control.  That took a big load off my mind.

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

2 & 3.  and now 4. You will need to ask your ophthalmologist about the answer to those questions.

There are so many poblems with multifocal IOLs I can't say.

JCH III MD

[Ashley52]

By yesterday evening, my dilation had gone down and vision had improved considerably....I was even able to read with the ReStor eye without readers but this morning, things are hazy again.  Is this a result of going too many sleep hours without using the Pred Forte?  i.e. the inflammation returns?  I also noticed yesterday that my vision was worse after I showered, like a mirror fogging? I know this sounds stupid but these fluctuations are driving me crazy.  In the morning I am convinced I am going blind and by nightfall, equally convinced that everything will be OK.

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

1. Yes it is highly unusual and it seems more likely a primary "iritis"
2 & 3. You will need to ask your ophthalmologist about the answer to those questions.

JCH IIIMD

[Ashley52]

I had YAG laser on my right eye on 1/2/08.  It inflamed my eye and I had unbelievable headache and debilitating light sensitivity.  The doctor has my pupil dilated and put me back on Pred Forte.  I have 2 questions.  
First, I understand it is unusual to have this kind of reaction to the laser.  What could have caused it?
Second, is there any chance this has caused permanent damage to my eye?  Everything is blurry right now, but that could be because of the dilation, correct?

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

Restasis is for dry eyes. If you have a dry cornea they may be trying to get it moist to get a better reading. It your eye, your time and your money. Take in a list of questions and don't leave till they are answered.
JCH III MD