Loose suture 7 months after eye surgery

[muddledme]

Following implantation of a Preserflo micro shunt in my Left eye last March the eye has not been any trouble. Three weeks ago I began having dry eye symptoms and it was a little red. This did not improve despite my flooding the eye with lubricating drops and now it is still aching, sore, watering and photosensitive.

I eventually managed to get an appointment at the hospital this week where I was told that it was a loose or broken suture but that there were no glaucoma specialists in the clinic, so I may have to wait up to 2 weeks.

It was a relief to hear that it was nothing more sinister and I have been given a gel lubricant to use at night.

It would be interesting to hear if anyone had similar problems and their outcomes please. Thank you.

[Hidden]

I've had this a few times following a trabeculectomy. Most recently I had two stitches out this summer, roughly 3 years after the op. The others I had out were all within months of the op.

I have dry eye problems anyway, but this did make it worse . I would have the sensation of something in my eye like an eyelash, but it was my eyelid getting sore rather than the eye, which made me suspect a loose stitch.

I too went to A&E at the eye hospital as I was concerned it could have been something more serious. After a 7 (seven) hour wait I was examined and loose stitches were confirmed, but like with you they would not touch it.

I chased up my outpatient appointment which was already a few months overdue and from memory it was a 3 week wait. Due to the pain and discomfort I paid for a private appointment and got in with my regular consultant 2 days later who removed 2 stitches.

The best advice I can give is keep chasing that appointment and maybe you'll get a cancellation.

[muddledme in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Supafil, it is always so helpful to hear of similar experiences.

Your symptoms were just like mine and I was told that it is probably irritation of the eyelid.

Although I went to eye outpatients , I still have to wait until someone is available to help me out. Luckily some of the time it is not so painful, but I will take your advice if necessary to book in privately...(.although for me this always feels wrong !).

I do hope your stitches have settled down and the eyes are more comfortable now.

[Hidden in reply to muddledme]

I'm doing okay thanks. While all this was happening I obtained a tube of chloramphenicol antibiotic ointment from the pharmacy (no prescription needed), because an irritated eye/lid is at an increased risk of infection. The upside was that the gel-like substance seemed to buffer the stitch and reduced the irritation considerably. However, this may not be suitable in your particular scenario so it might be worth a chat with the pharmacist.

[muddledme in reply to Hidden]

Yes, a good idea to use chloramphenicol ointment from the chemist.

I was given a tube of Hylo Night lubricant at the hospital. It does help, but I must be careful not to instill too much as it took hours to clear this morning.

I did have some chloramphenicol drops( in the individual droppers) left from my eye op, so I used those last week for 3 days and told the Doctor who seemed quite happy.

Glad things are going well for you.