Problems after Trabulectomy

[buzzbee2]

Hi, I'm new to the forum. I had a Trabulectomy in March in my right eye and have had a lot of pain and blurred vision ever since. I have had loads of follow up appointments and it seems my pressure has gone too low - about 3. I had another procedure a few weeks ago to put 3 more stitches in and the pressure was slightly improved at 5 last week. However the pain and blurriness isn't any better. I am due to see the consultant again in about 4 weeks and she said she will decide then if I need a further operation.

I am wondering if anyone else has had similar experiences and if/how they were resolved?

I am 41 and the constant pain is really debilitating and getting me down. I feel a bit despairing that it's not improving and at the thought of another operation. I am trying to carry on with work and looking after my little boy but if anyone has any tips how to manage the pain I would really appreciate it! Thanks for reading!

[Hidden]

Hi buzzbee2 I'm sorry to hear your trab experience has been so awful. Constant pain and blurriness would get anyone down and trying to look after your son and work too you really have my sympathy . I had my second trab in December and like you my pressure was very low the following day, I couldn't really see anything at all just some blurred shapes so I know how disconcerting it is. My pressure was 2 at that point. My consultant explained to me although it was low he did expect it to rise as my eye started to heal. The following week it was 6 but still very blurred vision and by week 4 it was 14 and the blurriness was pretty much gone. I never really had any pain as such it just ached and I took paracetamol which helped.

My low pressure resolved itself through the healing process .

I'm sorry I can't really offer any tips but just wanted you to know I do empathise .

I know the thought of another operation is awful when you've already been through all this.

Has the consultant offered any explanation as to why you are still in such pain ?

Take care x

[buzzbee2 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks very much for your kind reply, glad your pressure seems to have resolved. The consultant said very low pressure can cause pain and blurriness and she said because it suddenly went from very high pressure to very low pressure the eye may be struggling to adjust. Another doctor said dry eye could also be contributing so I'm trying some drops for that - just started Hycosan Plus drops so I'm hoping that helps, yes also having paracetamol and ibuprofen which takes the edge off the pain a bit.

[Hidden in reply to buzzbee2]

It does seem to be a waiting game unfortunately ,as we do all heal so very differently . I hope it does resolve itself and no further intervention is needed. With luck the dry eye drops will help give you some relief. I've never really suffered with dry eyes but I do drink a lot of water and take flaxseed oil capsules which are a great source of omega 3 which is good for dry eyes. Good luck

[buzzbee2 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you! Yes I have started taking Omega 3 capsules recently, I hope that will help.

[charles555]

I had a similar problem and I asked about the too-low IOP. It will usually creep up to optimum level. I don't know how it works but rarely it stays too low and improves on its own. Blurry vision is a long game. I am still recovering. While you are in pain only you can do is to keep having painkiller and prescribed anti-flamation and anti biotic eye drops and persevere.

[buzzbee2 in reply to charles555]

Thanks very much for your comment, that's helpful to hear. Yes I will need to try and be patient and persevere. I hope your recovery continues smoothly.

[Decorator123]

Hi just a quick text to say hope the pain subsides soon for you. Am waiting for the same operation.

[buzzbee2 in reply to Decorator123]

Thank you very much, hope your operation goes smoothly.

[Stairs10]

Hi buzzbee2 So sorry to hear about the pain.

I had pain after my XEN stent last year. It was worse when I did strenuous activity e.g. ride my bike uphill or run for a bus. Have you noticed that ?

It eventually subsided into discomfort. Annoying but easier to bear. They told me i had dry eye and i used lots of drops and a gel. That helped a bit. I used carbomer gel and theoloz duo.

Interesting the discomfort went after my trab this year. I'm wondering if there's any link with steroid drops. Or with preservative in the drops. After the XEN my pressures went very high so I was taken off steroid quickly. But after trab I was able to stay on steroids for several months.

I really do empathise with you about this. It can take over everything that we do can't it ?

Hope it clears up quickly. The ophthalmologist couldn't explain why I had the discomfort ..

Best wishes

[buzzbee2 in reply to Stairs10]

Thanks very much for your message, glad your discomfort and pain seems to have subsided. I've not really noticed any link with strenuous activity but will keep that in mind. Yes there doesn't always seem to be a clear explanation, I guess there are so many factors in play!

[Longwalks3]

Hi buzzbee2, I’m sorry to hear that you are in pain after your trabeculectomy and that you are still having blurred vision. I too had blurred vision after a trab in early 2018. In my case it was because the bleb formed in the surgery leaked keeping the pressure too low. I had several revision operations to try and fix this but unfortunately they did not work and eventually the bleb scarred over and stopped working. I don’t mean to alarm you - I believe my experience was unusual as I have been told I have very thin and fragile eye tissue which is very difficult to stitch. I have subsequently had other procedures which have worked well and my pressures are now very well controlled at 10 and 11 and I take no glaucoma drops. Dry eye is a very significant problem for a lot of glaucoma patients. I have struggled with it for 4 years. Eventually I went to see a private dry eye specialist and it has been the best thing I ever did. My eyes are now really comfortable and my vision has improved - really dry eye can cause significant blurring of your vision. I use ikervis drops morning and evening and a lipid replacement drop called Hylo Dual 3 times a day - these have been game changers for me. I also do a hot compress on my eyes every morning and clean the lashes and lids using Blephaclean wipes. I also take an omega 3 supplement and Vitamin D. Pain from dry eye is really debilitating and it can be difficult to get help for it as understandably the medical professionals focus on the glaucoma which is the more dangerous condition. Long term though, you do need to sort out dry eye as it can ruin your quality of life so it is worth getting expert advice on your condition. Good luck - things will get better!

[buzzbee2 in reply to Longwalks3]

That's very helpful to read, thanks very much for your reply. Very interesting about dry eye, I didn't realise it could cause such significant problems (or that there were even specialists in the field!) - yes it was mentioned more as an aside by the doctor. I will look into the treatments in more detail. I'm glad yours seems to have settled now after all the problems you had for many years.