Reassurance & information sought please prior to Pre op A/X

[CrisisCa]

I have been advised to remove my soft contact lens that I wear in one eye for 2wks prior to my pre op A/X for progressive cataract surgery . I was advised by an eye professor that it only requires to be out for one week . The NHS are insisting on 2wks but wouldn’t have even informed me if I had nt mentioned it?? I have also been informed via my optician yesterday that I have lost half my sight in the eye that’s being operated on due to glaucoma that I’ve had for almost 20yrs. I’ve been on the same old drops too which he says I’m probably tolerant too. Having thin corneas to boot apparently means I can only tolerate lower eye pressure than average & that we are al different. I always thought as my eye pressure has always been around 19, then I was fine. The glaucoma’s specialist stated same so how come so much damage… I fear the pressure rising during surgery & after too as per apparent risks. I also suffer blepharitis, blocked oil glands etc etc…

What are others advice please? Thankyou in advance. I am

So worried…

[Longwalks3]

Sorry to hear you are having such an anxious time. At the end of the day I think you have to trust the judgement of the consultant treating you. Unfortunately glaucoma can be a very complex condition and difficult to treat but it sounds as if they think you need this op. As far as blepharitis goes, I have found heat pads useful and I ind I need to clean my eyelid margins very thoroughly at least twice a day with boiled water. Do hope your op goes well.

[CrisisCa in reply to Longwalks3]

Thankyou for taking the time to answer.

[Sunshine88888888]

Hi bless you it is a very anxious time for you. I had my first cataract surgery on May 23rd and my second is due on July 26th. I was incredibly anxious the first time round and understood there was a risk of my pressures going up, especially as they were over 30 in my left eye and 24 in the right. The surgery was a breeze, it was over before I knew it! The surgeon said I was to continue with my glaucoma drops as the drops they give you for the cataract surgery can cause pressures to go up. So in total I was taking in my left eye, the 5 glaucoma drops I normally take, 8 of the drops prescribed after surgery and 5 dry eye drops per day. I was seen two weeks after surgery and given an emergency number in case I needed it, which I didn’t. My pressures went down to 10 in each eye however consultant said keep taking drops until I have second cataract done. By replacing the lens in each eye with a smaller lens, it gives more space within the eye therefore helping to reduce pressure. We are all different, my surgeon even said my eyes were very different in size and shape. My experience was very good, however I did research, had questions to hand and made sure I had brand new supplies of my glaucoma drops ready for day 1 after op, plus food in, all gardening and housework done as your not able to a number of tasks! Also made sure the post op drops were preservative free. I definitely had more stress before the op then I did during or after. I am so pleased to have had the cataract surgery and feel quite relaxed about the one, although the situation is slightly different, my right eye is my dominant eye and has the best sight, my left which was operated on first is a lazy eye. Like I said we are all different and glaucoma has so many variations however if I can help more please do ask as many questions as you like! Let’s us know how things go, take care x

[CrisisCa in reply to Sunshine88888888]

Thankyou for this. Very much appreciated x