As I have bilateral pseudoexfoliation and my left eye pressure is now above 30, and risen on each recent visit my consultant decided today that the way forward is an emergency cataract operation. He explained that due to the pseudoexfoliation there are risks and therefore a senior surgeon would carry out the procedure. He also gave me additional drops Brinzolamide to take twice a day along with timolol twice a day and monoprost last thing. Has anyone else been through this - emergency cataract op? suffers from pseudoexfoliation? or taking Brinzolamide (with preservative) He’s asked me take this even though my other drops are preservative free and to phone immediately if I have a reaction to them. I was diagnosed with Glaucoma 20 years ago however just recently it’s been hard to control pressures, the hospital have tried a number of different drops however as yet nothing seems to reduce pressure. In my letter it said SLT would be discussed however the consultant said the cataract option is the way forward so welcome anyone’s experience 🙏
Emergency cataract operation : As I have... - Glaucoma UK
Emergency cataract operation
I did wonder how you had got on today Sunshine, how are you feeling about it all ?I am on Simbrinza eye drops which is made up of 2 generics one of which is Brinzalomide , initially I was having difficulty obtaining Simbrinza and so it was the generics I was given instead for months. I actually found them quite harsh and initially my eye was very gritty feeling and looked red and agitated. They did however reduce my pressures .
I haven't had emergency cataract surgery but have had cataract ops on both eyes. My operations went smoothly and were over in 5 to 10 minutes, I was aware I was being operated on but felt no pain . Afterwards I was given antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops both of which I took 4 times a day for 4 weeks. I had to be very careful for that time no heavy lifting ,bending over etc. I don't know if emergency op will differ from this.
Do you have a date for surgery ?
All the best x
No date as yet, consultant said it would be within a month and I would need to understand the risks, due to pseudoexfoliation and that is what is making me anxious. However I need to be more proactive and so any advice re pre or post cataract surgery would be really helpful. Like you said about the lifting and bending. I look after grandchildren one day per week and am a carer for mum two days a week. Also I’m I able to drive having the cataract op on just the left eye? Thank you for being there, this is a new experience for me and like you we have to face new challenges x
Sunshine I had to google pseudoexfoliation as I had never heard of it, I know you are anxious especially as your surgery comes with additional risks which your consultant has explained. Being told out of the blue you are requiring eye surgery is a shock to system and I know for me it took a bit of time to get my head round but you do get there in the end, the risks usually are outweighed by the positive outcome you hopefully achieve. I only had the very beginnings of cataracts and their removal was to open up the angles in my eyes to improve drainage, artificial lenses take up less room.
I had to be at clinic a couple of hours before my surgery, they did all my health checks, blood and eye pressure etc. You will be told prior to this if you have to stop any medication you may be on. I didn't have to fast as I was having a local anaesthetic. They give you pupil dilating and anaesthetic drops at this point. For the actual surgery your face is covered in a sterile gauze drape so you are unable to see what it happening, as I said yesterday you can feel your eye is being worked on but there is no pain. My surgeon spoke to me all the way through telling me how well I was doing, that we were half way through etc. His reassurances definitely helped me. Surgery was only 5 to 10 minutes, you do have to lie perfectly still and I was told to focus on a bright light directly above me. After the op your eye is covered with a plastic shield to protect it, you can remove it during day but it has to be worn at night for a week to protect your eye. Your eye is blurry initially and you are not allowed to drive and should have someone with you for the first 24 hours. You will be told when you are able to drive again, it's in most cases pretty soon after. The eye drop routine is pretty rigorous after but you do get used to it and I just fitted everything around times I had to take the drops. It is really important that you adhere to the no heavy lifting or bending over after surgery and that includes housework and gardening. I couldn't even take my dog's lead when out for a walk as she pull if she spots something she's keen to see. I'm not sure how this will impact on watching your grandchildren and caring for your mother. Exercise also isn't allowed apart from walking. It was a month before I was able to resume all these normal activities.
I hope all this helps and if you want anything else answered I'm here for you. X
Thank you so much! Can’t tell what a great help your reply is! I know I’m having the cataract op to give more space but didn’t know artificial lens takes up less room. Once I have date I can plan ahead re shopping, housework, gardening and care for grandchildren and mum. Think I’ll be more relaxed once I know time scales etc. You have really helped me thank you so much x
It was consultant who told me the artificial lenses take up less space, I had no idea either. You definitely need to know the date so you can plan ahead, plus once you know you need an op I personally just want it over and done with as less time to overthink or worry. X
Yes so agree with you. I’m already having a reaction the new drops Brinzolamide, unfortunately they are not preservative free but he wanted me try them rather than the alternative he offered which was a tablet. He warned me I would experience tingling in my fingers and then numbness, and that I would have to eat a lot of food such as bananas which had high levels of potassium in. I’ll try for a couple of days with drops then I’ll let the hospital know, it looks like I’ve been crying for days! Like you’ve said it’s a learning curve, full of challenges but we get there, that’s the important thing to remember. Thank you again for your tremendous support, you are indeed an Angel x
Yes my eyes didn't look too pretty with Brinzolamide and my eyes are normally quite tolerant, as you are used to preservative free it will be worse for you. My eyes did eventually get more used to drops but always looked very agitated. It's unfortunate everything that's meant to help us does come with side effects . Challenges indeed but you are correct we do get there. Yes definitely give hospital a call if side effects continue. X
Sunshine just had another thought that may affect you caring for your grandchildren and mum. Prior to my trab op which was carried out during this pandemic I had to self isolate for 10 days and then 48hrs beforehand I had a covid test. I'm not sure if this protocol has changed since Feb but another consideration. X
How did you get on today?
Not great I'm feeling a bit deflated but telling myself it could be worse, which it definitely could be. Pressure in operated eye has risen by 2 to 16 which is higher than he would like but he says it does take time to settle. If it goes any higher i will have another op where it's needled to try and revive the drainage bleb and break up any scarring. My better eye which only has mild sight loss has pressure of 20 and if it continues I will be having a trabeculectomy on it too. I had a Dominoes pizza on way home to cheer myself up. It's the look on my partner's face I probably get most upset about. Tomorrow I will be more positive.
A Bless you. Sorry to hear that. 16 is quite good though I thought. Mine has been around 20-22 and I’m on maximum medication. I know it’s deflating but I guess you have to feel that at least they are on it now & they will do everything they can for you. Dominoes good. It’s a shame if your partner isn’t supportive. When do you go back?
Consultant wants mine to be at 14 at the most, he did talk about needling now but thinks that would be overkill . I'm on maximum meds too unfortunately. My consultant is great and I know he will do everything he can for me. Oh no my partner is lovely he took the day off to be with me but I can see how upset and worried he is about me and that makes me feel so sad. He tries to hide it but I know him too well. I go back in 12 weeks so that gives it time to settle down , fingers crossed.
Really hope things get better for you, it’s so hard sometimes to keep positive and have faith that it will be ok. You have given me so much strength so I know you are a fighter too. So pleased you have someone to be there for you, again that can also be so hard as you worry about them so much worrying about you, if you see what I mean. My left eye pressure is 31, I’m praying with the three different drops twice a day my pressure will come down even before the cataract op. Really hope in twelve weeks time you will be letting us know that your pressures have dropped and you are feeling more relaxed. Take care x
Aww thank you Sunshine, I am normally a positive person and tomorrow I will be again for definite. I always need one day to be upset and then I get my act together.
I hope too that your combination of drops do bring your pressures down and that the cataract op does its job for you.
My partner is the calmest person I know until there's something wrong with me or our son and
I hate seeing him upset.
You take care too x
Hi I’m just the same one day of panic and then I have to pull myself together and plan! Eye drop taking is a major regime and definitely requires planning. Take care and be kind to yourself which is also something I find hard to do x
Thank you. My panic day is now over ( mostly) so today onwards and upwards. I realised a long time ago no matter how much I worry I am never going to change the final outcome so I try to just deal with it when it arrives, if it arrives.I do plan things around my eye drops too and more so after an op when you are on so many, the joys of glaucoma 🥴. X
Something for me to look forward to 🤣take 5 in each eye daily plus numerous dry eye drops between meds and during day 😆
You definitely are taking more than your fair share. Fingers crossed after cataract op you will be able to reduce the number of drops, in fact for some people it improves drainage so well they are able to stop drops altogether . How great would that be ?
Can’t even imagine that! I wouldn’t know what to do with all my spare time and space on the bathroom shelf! 🤣like you say there is always hope and can’t believe this very morning Glaucoma U.K. have a new webinar coming up on pseudoexfoliation, signed up immediately thank you Universe 😊
That's definitely fate which I totally believe in, what are the odds . Well done universe indeed 😃
Oh I’m pleased you have someone supporting you but yes I know what you mean and Sunshine8888 is right- you do worry about them worrying about you! 😊. We are strong - all of us. We’ve come so far. Hang in there. Really hope you have some good news at your next appointment. Xx
Thank you. We definitely are all strong and fighters and we will get there, we are all just navigating a few bumps in the road at the moment. X
Yes it’s definitely a Rocky Mountain Way at the moment, hope in a couple of months time we will both looking back and smiling at what we have achieved by being strong and determined to deal with whatever is sent to challenge and today it’s my root canal! x
I agree wholeheartedly, today deal with your root canal, truthfully I hate the dentist more than the eye clinic 😵. I am going to go for a long walk in the forest with my dog and friend and talk absolute rubbish 😁 . X
All the best for your appointment tomorrow. Let us know how you get on. Fingers crossed it is dry eyes and easily remedied x
Thank you. Will do. 😀
How did you get on today ? X
Hi. So sorry I thought I’d replied. This site is weird. I typed it all out but it obviously didn’t post. Not great unfortunately. Pressure has gone up to 40 again. As it wasn’t my consultant he couldn’t really make any decisions but did talk to the secretary about bringing the op forward which she tells me is nigh on impossible. He suggested I upped my meds (tablets) and I have an appointment with my consultant tomorrow to review. TBH I’m resigned to it now. Like you say no amount of worrying will change the outcome. The trouble is that i have a very rare form of glaucoma which makes it tricky to treat. Hope you are feeling more upbeat now xx
Oh I had hoped it would be positive news for you and have been wondering how you got on. No matter what your consultant's secretary says there has to be slots surely for emergency procedures. Fingers crossed tomorrow he is able to pull some strings and operate on you before June, you are already on maximum drops as it is. I totally understand the resigned feeling but it's totally gut wrenching when you get told your pressures are up and though worrying obviously doesn't help it's natural . Thank goodness you did call and get an appointment. With your glaucoma being rare and more difficult to treat you should be a priority . Let me know what your consultant says tomorrow ?
I am fine now thank you.
Sending you hugs x
Thank you and Sunshine8888 I honestly have stopped worrying so much about it for now. The consultants, although their bedside manner sucks, have done everything they can for me. He said that an op is really the best way to go for me. I have mixed mechanism Glaucoma which no-one seems to know anything about! He actually said to me that there was no point in me going on Glaucoma UK website because nothing on there would be relevant to me. Which leaves me with nowhere to turn really. Sunshine8888 you really have been through the mill. I hope your op gets sorted soon. I’m happy to wait for June if the pressure goes down again- it’s only 5 weeks away now & I have put everything in place. Let work know, made sure any plans I’ve made to meet up with friends is before or after June, etc. Just wish the consultants and the secretary were nicer to me. I just want some reassurance and so far the only person who has reassured me is Trish at Glaucoma UK. Hey-ho I’m pretty tough. What does not kill us, etc...... hang in there ladies. Good luck xx
You definitely sound like you have a plan all sorted out and it gives you an element of control too. I have never heard of mixed mechanism but I only do know the basics. Reassurance is so important and it's surely not difficult to give, I don't see why your consultant and his secretary can't be kind and have empathy. Some people in every walk of life are just totally lacking in basic humanity. I do hope they can get your pressures down before your operation. I'm glad you are'nt worrying quite so much as you just end up making yourself ill with it. Think we all end up having to toughen up with all this but a kind word is still nice.
Take care x
How did review with your actual consultant go ? Is it too much to hope he was a bit kinder to you this time . What is he doing to help lower your pressure? X
Amazingly he was really nice. It was at a different hospital and just an outpatients clinic so the evil secretary wasn’t there - maybe that’s why he was nice! The pressure has come down quite a lot which is a relief. He said that if I was tolerating the tablets then I could up the dose and that should keep it down until the op. I’m happy with that. The op is only four weeks away after this week so not too long now. Hope you’re doing OK.
That's great he was nice that alone would make a big difference and even better that your pressure has come down. Huge relief for you. Not long at all till op, it will be good to just have it over and done with. Do you have to self isolate and have a covid test 48 hours before or have they stopped that now? I'm happy for you that this was a better appointment. I'm good thanks just back in from long beach walk with my dog and a friend, we picked up a chocolate brownie on the way so I'm about to heat that in microwave and scoff it. X
😊. Yes just being nice makes all the difference. I was talking to a really nice man in the waiting room as well & he said the secretary had been defensive & aggressive with him which made me feel better. Yes fingers crossed the op is a success. Actually I wanted to ask you - a bit random but I’ve been wondering how I will wash my hair after the op? How did you get on with practical stuff like that? I went for a long walk this morning too - I don’t work Tuesdays. No dog though- I have a needy cat! Enjoy your brownie- everything is better with chocolate (and wine!) 😊 xx
The secretary sounds very unpleasant but it's good to know she's horrible to everyone and not just you in particular. Washing your hair is a total pain and I was petrified I would get shampoo or even water in it. I actually used the eye shield they cover operated eye with and used surgical tape to block up the holes and had it taped to my eye. I then washed my hair backwards in shower to stop any water going onto my face. I sent selfies of my eyewear to my friends who all found it hilarious 😱. It looked highly ridiculous but it worked. I carried on doing that for whole first month after op and even now I still wash my hair backwards as I am so aware after trab you are always going to be more susceptible to eye infections.
Cats are lovely too and until the advent of our very badly behaved cockapoo my partner was a complete cat person.
Yeah chocolate does indeed make everything better and copious amounts are necessary after eye surgery 😃 and for me Bailey's not wine . X
Ah that sounds like a good idea. Yes I wondered about using the eye shield they give you - I’ve been told I have to sleep with that on (can’t wait 🙄). Also had thought about washing my hair backwards. I was rather hoping my daughter would come home from Uni to assist but we’ll see! Yes whatever gets you through I think. Take care. 😊
Your daughter washing your hair is probably a better idea especially at beginning as I never felt my hair was properly clean. I probably was overly cautious initially with everything and had my partner running round after me while I dished out orders.I found the 4 weeks did pass pretty quickly and the only thing I really missed was working out. Luckily it was lockdown and there was nothing to do and nowhere to go. X
Yes I’m not sure with exams, etc when she’ll be home. Husband on a short fuse has offered to wash my hair 😮. I think it’s wise to be over-cautious like you say, the last thing you want is an infection. Sorry also should have said that I have to have a Covid test 3 days before the op but they haven’t said anything about isolating. As you said they may have ditched that now as most over 50’s have had the jab - i’ve Had my first one. Not that it makes you immune. I like the idea of my husband running around while I dish out orders - it will make a nice change! We’re you able to read? I’m an avid reader but I’ve read a couple of things where people have said their vision was blurred for a while or they needed a new prescription for glasses & they were unable to read. I’ve downloaded an audio book just in case. Sorry - picking your brains now!
My partner did attempt washing my hair but he was too concerned about getting water in my eye it was actually easier doing it myself, less stressful 😱. If you don't have to self isolate that's so much better and although I was dreading covid test I was surprised how easy it was as I had heard all sorts of horror stories. I've had my first jab now too and I assume that has to be making a difference.
We lived on take aways for the first week as my partner can cook but doesn't and he wouldn't let me. He changed the bed, did all the housework apart from dusting, he doesn't believe in dusting 😀 and generally was my housemaid, it was great. It was a definite perk to having eye surgery
My vision wasn't really blurred at all,in fact they were quite surprised how well I did in the eye test the following day . I am a mad reader too and I could read fine. I haven't had my eyes tested since my op as you are meant to wait 3 months but my prescription shouldn't really change as I have artificial lenses due to cataract op.
Be aware your eye might look as if you have been in a horrific accident when they remove the shield the following day. I was shocked how bad I looked as I actually felt ok, my eyes were a bit gritty and I thought I could feel the stitches but that was all. I took a pic everyday for the first week and it was amazing how quickly my eye started to heal.
Feel free to ask any other questions x
Ah thank you. I guess we are all different but it helps to hear about others experiences. My husband does and will cook but housework not so much 🙄 I’m sure we can muddle through. Yes I have read that the eye can be red & sore well I guess that’s logical after any surgery. I’ve heard it’s better after they take the stitches out. I’m hoping he will do a cataract after I’ve recovered from the trab as they’ve said that can improve my vision. Well the priority for me is getting the pressure under control & yes like you, being able to get back to exercising properly.
I didn't have my stitches taken out, mine were dissolvable and the irritation passed within a few days. I actually did find my eyes got tired quite quickly when reading which they never have before, so your audio book is a good back up just in case. Yes your pressures getting down to a good level is definitely the priority and then like you say hopefully he will do your cataract op. X
Sounds like you and I are pretty much in the same boat, I too am waiting for an emergency op, mine is cataract because of the pseudoexfoliation and I also have the pigment syndrome glaucoma (which seemed to delight the consultants when it was diagnosed, three came to have a look! ) really hope you hear very soon like you I’m trying to not to get too stressed about it all however I just want it done and get on with whatever comes next. Take care and do let us know when you hear xx
Yes I had to look pseudoexfoliation up too! Hope you hear about your op soon. 😊
Oh thanks for this I’d completely forgotten that this might the case to, so again thank you! Think I’m moving from panic stage to planning stage! Just need tomorrow out the way as I have to a root canal sorted at the dentist. It never rains but it pours as the saying goes! Just keeping positive and thinking one step at a time and I will get there!
Planning is definitely better than panicking, anything to keep your mind occupied. Oh not the dentist too, you are a glutton for punishment. Good luck 🍀 tomorrow then. You will get there, we are definitely all stronger and braver than we think we are x
How did dentist visit go , did you get your root canal treatment ? X
Certainly did, one hour in the Dentist’s chair. I was terrified however didn’t feel a thing, mouth is sore today and will be for a couple of days but it’s done! Also hopefully sorted my prescription yet again too. Hope you have had a good day, I went for walk to see the bluebells in local woods, absolutely beautiful x
You brave thing I am most impressed 🙂 and like you say it's done now,although you have to put up with sore mouth. That's good your prescription is sorted again hurrah. Your walk sounds lovely, I like seeing all the bluebells too. I had a long walk with my friend and dog this afternoon through some local fields and then we stopped and had a some ice cream as it was so warm. So my afternoon was very pleasant x
Hi Sunshine8888 wow your going through a lot. You’ve been such an inspiration to me your such a strong person. Sending my love to you xx
Bless you, we are all here to support each other! Much love x
Hi How are you today x
Ah bless you for thinking of me, yes much better today, still have some pain from root canal done yesterday however hopefully sorted prescription with doctors and may get drops I urgently need tomorrow! And the weather here is beautiful. Hope you are ok too and have had a good day, take care xx
Ooh root canal not nice. I’m ok getting lots of dry eye at the moment at least I hope that’s what it is. Everything scares me apart from that I’m ok Thankyou x
Well root canal done and then as I recover from Weds at the dentist I’ve now been suffering with an abscess! Couldn’t get an emergency appointment over the weekend so having to wait until tomorrow. My mouth for one reason or another has been in pain for four weeks now, what is the universe trying tell me 🤣more than anything I want to be able to sleep. I’m probably just run down, I won’t know myself once my eyes and mouth are sorted! At least the weather here is brilliant, poor plants need water though x
Bless you I hope you feel better soon xx
Dear Sunshine, I have glaucoma (normal pressure but some visual field defect in one eye) for 18 years. I was on various eye drops and recently on Cospot, Monopost and Alphagan. My consultant advised me to have cataract operation last year as preventive measure even my cataract do not effect on the vision yet. As you are I was worried about the operation on my eye even the routine cataract operation. However, the left eye was done last May 2020 and the right one was done Jan 2021. The nursing staff explained (also provided the leaflet do and don't after the operation. There are some challenging putting the eye drops in the first few weeks and take care of the postoperative eye. Both of my post operation results are sucessful. Now I do not need the glasses for distance which is total freedom. I hope you will be fine.
Hi your reply is so timely! Literally heard this morning that my cataract op is on May 26th, I have been given no information apart from pre op phone call and COVID test date. Did you go privately or NHS? Just got off the phone talking to one of the Glaucoma U.K. advisors, can’t sing her praises high enough. Feel so much more relaxed now. And so thankful to read your reply too! What happened to your pressures as result of ops? Think I will need the right eye done too as I have bilateral pseudoexfoliation glaucoma. So grateful that help is at hand. Take care and thank you 🙏 x
My story is complex.... My left eye (with field vision defect) was arranged to be done first because it is better to do cataract operation first out of the way if I need the operation for glaucoma in future. While I was waiting for the cataract operation the Covid problem started and my cataract routine operation was postponed. The hospital was catching up the routine operation when the covid situation was settling down I was offered to have the operation at the private hospital as NHS patient within the few weeks or wait for some more months at the usual NHS hospital when the hospital is fully function. I took the first option and was done at the private hospital. My left eye does not need any more glasses but my right eye still needed glasses for the distance , this means my two eye were unbalance. My cataract operation was classified as routine (non-urgent) so I had to wait. I decided to do my right eye as private because of (1) waiting list (2) unbalance two eyes (3) good right eye should be taken care properly. All the best wishes for your operation.
Hi Sunshine so glad to see you actually have a date for your cataract operation. You can now make proper plans and arrangements for care of your mother and grandchildren. Is your mouth all healed now and abscess gone ?
That's good you've talked to one of advisors and it's made you feel more relaxed about things.
Take care x
Thank you for asking, I now feel human again, root canal followed by abscess was a nightmare I wouldn’t want to go through again. Yesterday and today I’ve actually felt well! So guess the universe stepped in again and has given me a couple of weeks respite before the eye surgery. Now I have a date I feel more in control and can plan ahead. Again I didn’t get copy of letter from hospital so chased that up this morning and then phoned doctor’s receptionist to say I needed more eye drops urgently. So things are falling into place. Thank you for asking, just lovely to have such caring folk on this site. Hope all is well with you, take care x
Yay! 😀 you got your op date. Brilliant. I think you & I were twins in a previous life or something 😂. I now have a problem with my tooth. No root canal for me hopefully. I wonder whether I could have a head transplant? That would solve so many problems 🤔. Take care & keep us posted re the op.
Ha ha sorry don’t mean to laugh at your tooth pain! Just know what you mean by a head transplant that’s how I felt last week, nine eye drops per day, antibiotics three times a day, pain killers every two hours and numbing mouth gel! There were moments when I thought this is just too much! However I got through it and I know you will too! Life has its ups and downs just got to keep laughing never mind the pain 🤣😂🤣
Ha ha! Not at all. You have to see the funny side of all this. It’s finding the humour in it that keeps me going. Good luck with the op. Keep us posted. X
You certainly deserve a couple of weeks with nothing else to be concerned about, your cataract op is more than enough. Having a date will be a relief and you know there is light at the end of the tunnel. It's not great that you have to be chasing up an important letter, I wonder why you aren't receiving your copy Fingers crossed the Dr gets your eye drops sorted out quickly.All is good here with me, although this afternoon whilst out walking I encountered rain, sleet, hailstones all interspersed with lovely sunshine, I was of course only dressed for sunshine 😏 x
The weather is a bit like our glaucoma changeable and sometimes very unpredictable! I’m hoping the rain will have brought the bluebells out to their full glory, going again Friday morning, just love this time of year! Take care and enjoy your walks 😘x
Advice please - post cataract surgery
Cosopt eye drops
Preservative free v preservative drops
Preservative free eye drops 
