cataract surgery 2009 now pvd

[jat77]

Fustration - had a cataract removed in 2009 from left eye - following surgery developed cystoid macular edema which took months to resolve.  It has been about a year since swelling was resolved - but now have developed PVD in the left eye - which is the one that had the cataract removed and swelling.   Dr stated can do nothing for PVD - floaters should get fewer - but if more appear (which I have quiet a few now) - need to return.  I feel like I am not being told the whole story - so wondering if this current problem is  related to my cataract surgery.  My doctor was very flip about it - but did add a remark such as "aren't you glad the swelling went away" - why even bring that up if my current problem was not related.  Anyway - fustrated - considering seeing another opathamologist.  Any advice will be much appreciated.

[pumpkin15]

I am 65 and just had cataract surgery, paid extra out of pocket for the special lenses in order to see without wearing glasses. I also developed PVD after surgery in both eyes. I have a cloudiness or drape effect on the sides of both eyes. My doctor was not supportive at all and didn't want to even tell me what it was. He said "You won't be happy until I find something else wrong with your eyes" He even said "Maybe you have had a stroke in your brain". He dilated my eyes and then left the room. More tests were ran and yes, I have the PVD in both eyes. Surgery to repair is very dangerous and they don't recommend it at all. Could get a serious infection in your eye or lose the eye entirely. Not good odds at all. I have been terribly depressed due to poor eye sight and having trouble focusing, along with balance problems. I do wear sunglasses while driving and can see fine. I wasn't $1,600 on getting the better lenses implanted so I would not have to wear glasses. I still need glasses for reading also. Don't waste your money on the better lenses, they didn't work for me. I wish I had waited a few more years before having the cataracts removed. I feel I have had very little improvement since the cataract surgery and now have to deal with the PVD the rest of my life.

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

A pvd is part of aging.  Trauma can also precipitate it.

Dr. O.