Resuming cycling after trab surgery?

[Derfahrer]

I'm interested in hearing from others who have resumed their bicycling after trab surgery. My doctor seems to be ok with it, but he did pause and say to "make sure to wear protective glasses". Which I've always done anyway. I have worn contact lenses, which I will not be able to do with the surgical eye, but not a huge problem.

I'm a little concerned with irritation from wind, as I've noticed that just being out in the cold hiking. I am 1 month post-surgery. Also just wondering if there are any other contra-indications.

I have been riding seriously for 30+ years, amateur racer for 25 of those (though likely stopping that now, last year was totally lost to Covid anyway). I'm hoping I don't need to give it up, as it's one of those outlets that keeps me sane.

[JanD236]

I’m a keen cyclist and had a trabeculectomy 8 years ago and haven’t been aware of any particular problems that would mean giving up cycling.

My eyes sometimes feel dry and irritated so I keep them well moisturised. I’m currently using Thealoz Duo but I quite like celluvisc too especially as this comes in single use sachets that I can take out with me. You can buy these over the counter, indeed I have to as my GP ignores requests for a prescription even though the consultant has asked him to prescribe.

I’ve always suffered from itchy eyes due to allergy so when it’s the pollen season I use antihistamine eye drops and these really help.

I have some sight loss (I’m still legal to drive though) and my eyes dislike glare. On a very dull day I use yellow lenses which help me pick out the potholes from other dark patches on the road. Bright sunlight is more of an issue as very dark sunglasses are a problem if I go into a shaded area, especially with dappled sunlight. That’s usually on a fast-ish descent on a country road! The best solution I’ve found are Oakley photochromic lenses as the lens can change from quite dark to nearly clear.

So no need to worry that you might need to give up cycling!

[Derfahrer in reply to JanD236]

Thank you, good to know! A few years ago I started noticing the exact same issue with sunny days and dappled sunlight. In part that was due to cataracts, which I had removed (7 yrs now). That helped a lot initially, but in recent years I'm noticing it again. I am just very careful now on descents. I will have to check out the Oakleys. Thanks again.