Cataract surgery : Hi everyone I hope this post... - CLL Support

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Cataract surgery

josephinef profile image
25 Replies

Hi everyone I hope this post finds you all well.

Has anyone had a cataract surgery without stopping their ibrutinib medication?

Apparently I need this surgery and I’m worried about not taking my ibrutinib. I’ve been on it for 3 years and 3 months and going well.

Thanking you all in advance.

Kind regards from Josephine from Australia.

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25 Replies
GMa27 profile image
GMa27

I am not on Ibrutinib but from all the posts about it, you are supposed to stop for short time for any procedures. It can cause issues with bleeding. Discuss with your hematologist. Not sure about eye surgery.

josephinef profile image
josephinef in reply to GMa27

Thanks very much for your reply GMa27.

I’ve got a telelink appointment next week.

AussieNeil profile image
AussieNeilAdministrator in reply to josephinef

We've had members who have temporarily halted Ibrutinib for cataract surgery who can reassuringly share their experiences. I can't see if you've posted previously about your blood counts and node and spleen sizes, but after over 3 years on Ibrutinib, your tumour burden should be quite low and your platelet count much healthier than it has been for many years. You should be fine!

Neil

josephinef profile image
josephinef in reply to AussieNeil

Thanks very much for your advice Neil.

retired46 profile image
retired46 in reply to GMa27

Hope this will reassure you, Ive been on Ibruvika for 2 years and temporarily came off it for 3 months without issue - then restarted it on a lower dose - all bloods were good - (not through cataracts) - if bloods are stable throughout it seems a break is fine - best of luck.

josephinef profile image
josephinef in reply to retired46

Thanks for your reassurance re stopping ibrutinib retired46. That was my main concern.

It’s really great for all of us to be able to get advice from people who are experiencing the same problems what we’re going through.

Stay well.

Josephine

retired46 profile image
retired46 in reply to josephinef

Stay safe and well and hope your surgery goes well 🙂

annmcgowan profile image
annmcgowan

Hi I have had cataract surgery but had to stop ibrutinib. The eye surgeon thought it unnecessary but my haemotologist didn’t agree.

Good luck

Ann

josephinef profile image
josephinef in reply to annmcgowan

Thanks annmcgowan.

Josephine

Newdawn profile image
NewdawnAdministrator

I’d already stopped Ibrutinib for other reasons for a couple of months before having my cataract surgery 7 months ago (both eyes). I’ve heard it said that there’s never any bleeding during cataract surgery but that wasn’t the case with me. I was quite surprised to find a small amount of blood on the eye pad when I removed it. My platelet levels were normal. I think in my case it was because I required numbing injections as well as drops and it was quite superficial. Don’t worry you can’t feel these injections because the eye is already numb by then. It’s more unusual to need them but I was having multifocal lens fitted and the op time seems to be doubled.

It’s recommended that ibrutinib is ceased for a short period before and after surgery complicated more if you’re having both eyes done. As Neil says, you’re probably at a very good stage in treatment for there to be no ill effects.

I hope the cataract surgery goes well. The thought of it is much worse than the reality and it’s really worth it! 😊

Newdawn

josephinef profile image
josephinef in reply to Newdawn

Thanks very much Newdawn.

Your feedback was very informative and reassuring.

I hope you’re doing well.

lankisterguy profile image
lankisterguyVolunteer

Hi josephinef,-

My CLL expert and the opthamologist had me stop Ibrutinib a few days before the surgery-

-

While the area where the incision is made in the cornea does not have blood vessels, the procedure to remove the old lens uses an ultrasonic device to liquify the old lens.

-

The concern is that the ultrasound can cause bleeding in the retina which could cause some permanent vision problems. So pausing the ibrutinib lowers that risk, and after several years on Ibrutinib, it is rare for the CLL to respond quickly to a short pause.

-

Len

josephinef profile image
josephinef in reply to lankisterguy

Thanks very much on giving me your experience Iankisterguy.

Josephine

PaulaS profile image
PaulaSVolunteer

Hi Josephine, I stopped Ibrutinib for three days before and after cataract surgery. Some doctors advise stopping a full week before, but I was told 3 days would be OK.

I got a lot of bruising after the op. And a bloodshot eye. I looked like I'd been in a fight. The eye medic said it was not dangerous and would clear up in time, which it did. There was no effect on my CLL - well not that I was aware of.

Probably the bleeding risk would be greater for those whose platelet levels are already low, but mine were fine.

It was wonderful to have had the surgery. Colours became brighter, I could see every blade of grass on the lawn instead of a green blur, driving became safer..

Best wishes,

Paula

josephinef profile image
josephinef in reply to PaulaS

Thanks very much PaulaS.

Great advice.

Josephine

lindalou5 profile image
lindalou5

I was wondering about Calquence..I have to have a membrane peel in one eye and then cataract surgery, and my eye doctors have not mentioned anything about the fact that there may be any bleeding issues. I have had shots in the eyes and iridotomy in both. So far there has been no issues while on Calquence. I do know that Ib was much more dangerous for my eyes as it caused the bleeding issues to begin with. I will find out at my next appt. what my hemo doc has to say. A while back the cancer nurse told me that I should be able to have surgery as my platelets were OK. They are still low, so I do not know what to believe..just hope someone makes a good decision for me. Good luck to you!

josephinef profile image
josephinef in reply to lindalou5

Thanks lindalou5.

I hope you you get good advice with your upcoming procedure as I am.

Wishing you well.

Josephine

LinnyPooh profile image
LinnyPooh

Hello. I had cataract surgery on both eyes (different days) and stopped my Imbruvicaa few days before and after. I have had no problems as a result.

josephinef profile image
josephinef in reply to LinnyPooh

Thanks LinnyPooh.

Josephine

SJH13 profile image
SJH13

Hi. I am providing comment to this very good question as an Optometrist that works in the Ophthalmology field, including cataract surgery.

Stopping for 3 to at most 7 days either side of the cataract procedure can be considered normal. There are some thoughts also that no stoppage is required, though a short stoppage either side of the cataract procedure may be of benefit.

An important factor to consider and discuss is the post-operative care that you will have. It may be recommended that you see your Optometrist or Ophthalmologist the day following surgery and a few days thereafter to ensure you are healing normally.

josephinef profile image
josephinef in reply to SJH13

Thanks for your great advice SJH13.

Josephine

PThomas profile image
PThomas

Yes. I had both eyes done 2018. My Dr. Did not have me to stop med.

josephinef profile image
josephinef in reply to PThomas

Thanks PThomas.

Josephine

DelrayDave profile image
DelrayDave

I had both eyes done a month apart while on ibrutinib and also Eliquis. I did not stop either drug and had no problems. The new laser surgery seems likely to be bloodless or nearly so. My eyes are now the only part of my 80 year old body better than when I was 50.

David

josephinef profile image
josephinef in reply to DelrayDave

Thanks for your response DelrayDave.

I’m happy to hear that your surgery was a success.

Josephine

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