Within the last 18 months I have had cataracts removed in both eyes, all of a sudden my sight deteriorated! I went back to the hospital who then told me I needed Laser treatment in both eyes! My problem is I have now been on Hydroxychloroquine 400mg for 7 years and I feel worried 😟 that the drug is now starting to damage my eyes body. Has anyone else had this problem please?
Wakeham
It can be just a bit of crazing on the new lens, I had it and they did a quick lazer on it straight away and I drove home. It was a bit like driving in the clouds. Next day everything was back to normal. It was about 18 months after I had my new lens too.
Hi yes I've had the same and am waiting for laser apparently over fifty percent of people need this to clear the new lense. I'm on methotrexate only. Yes mine deteriorated super quickly ,it was explained to me that the lense can turn cloudy like clear plastic that has been bent and I was assured it's a common procedure. Scary when it happens isn't it x I hope you get sorted quickly xx.
hi, it’s post capsular thickening and it’s very common. The YAG laser will sort it out in no time and you’ll be back to how you were before.
If you’re worried about the effects of hydroxychloroquine on your eyes go to the optometrist and ask to have an OCT scan if you’ve not had one already - you’ll probably have to pay for it - to check the retina. Hospitals tend not to do them now - eye dept too busy with their own patients to take on rheumatology patients. You can also do a quick check for yourself at home using an Amsler chart which you can download from the internet
Don’t have an OCT scan done until after your laser treatment though
I have just had mine done at our main hospital, I have it done on NHS every year x
Through the rheumy dept? Then that’s amazing you’re very lucky,, unless you have another condition that merits it in which case poor you. . Where we live the eye dept is rushed off its feet, people even struggle to have cataracts done there which is probably why they don’t want to pick up rheumy patients.
While I’m typing this I’m wondering why rheumatology doesn’t have an Oct scanner of their own and train someone to use it.
I asked that question at Leicester infirmary, about maybe having one nearer to me, and they said it is very specialised and expensive equipment and the.only one in Leicestershire is there. My rheumy in Bath would love one there x
what are the lenses like? Can you feel them? Don’t understand are they like contact lens only permanent. I’ve got consultant appointment on Friday and am a bit apprehensive about my sight - am in the last year or so of a post retirement art degree
Sorry - so rude - I should have said I hope this can be resolved painlessly and quickly. The other replies sound quite reassuring. XX
I know that it isn’t at all uncommon, post-cataract surgery, for scarring to occur, which then requires laser treatment to resolve the problem. This has happened with me, though fortunately my vision hasn’t deteriorated further so no need for surgery yet. It may be, therefore, that your reduction in vision has nothing to do with the hydroxy. I would ask for specific information from your Opthalmologist. Best wishes.
I would stop worrying, the hospital know what is wrong and will sort it for you, as others have said it’s quite common. I’ve got hydroxy retinopathy and there is no treatment for it so you can stop worrying that it’s that 😊 I hope it’s sorted soon.
I had laser surgery for cataracts on one eye and still have to do the other. I would not use a lazer again with the second eye. I googled it later after I came out of first surgery with completly dry Cornea caused by laser. Now I only have fifty percent vision in that eye and have to use drops daily, probably until the end of my life. What I read later on the internet is that there are about 30 percent of people who used laser and got bad results but they do not tell you that here in Germany, where I live. I am English and have lived here many years. The thing is you pay 700 Euro per eye extra - not covered by health care. I was told the newest safest and most precise eye surgery but nothing about the risks especially if your cornea is curved or has scars. The scars they say, are from some illness in childhood but cannot think what that was supposed to be. I have also read of this happening to many people that are younger than I am. The photo is an old one so I am older.
As to seeing well and then not seeing well, that happened to me too within five days after the operation. But maybe you are talking about something else - called posterior capsular opacification. It often happens after surgery and even as late as 2 years after, that PCO occurs and causes blurry or distorted vision. This is fairly common after receiving cataract surgery. About twenty percent of patients experience it within two to five years after the operation.
However, a quick surgery known as posterior capsulotomy can help restore your vision. So if it is that, nothing to worry about.
Please excuse my english. Although my language I do not speak it that much anymore but use German and Dutch on a daily basis as live on the border of both countries and have done for fifty years.
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