reaction to eye drops

[gwofthenortheast]

i have just had surgery for cataracts and found maxitrol drops contained preservatives. it seems i am sensitive to preservatives in medications. i cannot take lots of medication with some rreactions severe and anaphalatic shock with local anaethestics. is their a test or information that i can ask for to determine the causes so i can avoid the problems and numerous hospital admissions? i might add been back to surgeon who prescribed minims dexamethasone

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

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

You can be checked by an allergist for true allergy to the different types of anesthetics as well as common preservatives. Given what you've written that would be a good idea.

JCH III MD

[gwofthenortheast]

been to gp who prescribed Chloramphenicol drops as he thought it was slightly inflammed, wow did i dance round after one drop, my eye was on fire and i vomited immediately, went back to hospital surgeon in afternoon at my insisitance and this was taken off me again thankfully, and seems i just have sensitivity and nothing i can do even though inflammation was slight? i asked lots of questions and seemed that they also didnt get why i have such a reaction. thanks for your help

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

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[gwofthenortheast]

thank you for your help. im off to see my GP tommorrow

[gwofthenortheast]

i didnt have local anesthesia for my surgery because of previous difficulties. i did return to hospital and drops were changed to single use mimins non preservative ones. this has made a difference, although they do still sting a bit and i ahve had pain in the eye on occasion but i put this down to strain. my main question was can i be tested to find out what it is im having a reaction too?

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

All eye drops that are re-usable that is they store will have preservatives in them. It's what keeps them sterile. While some people are  allergic to some preservatives the newest ones are very well tolerated and even in case of allergy are not prone to cause anaphylaxis. As for local anesthesia you just had cataract surgery and they had to have used some for of anesthesia on you.

Questions about your medications should be directed to your Eye Surgeon.

JCH II MD