Update on cataract's

[marigolds]

Had first cataract done 20th February went well for first 3 weeks then got an infection in eye that spread to both eyes despite being very careful and was on antibiotics for about 6 weeks. I am currently on 3mg pred and having just read a post about adrenaline dysfunction wondering what is the best way forward. Am waiting for next one to be done. Also got ptosis (hooded eyes) ie droopy eyelids.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Have you any specific reason for wondering about the best way forward? Not every post/comment on the forum applies to everyone else.

[marigolds in reply to PMRpro]

Would it be safer to try and stop on 3mg for a time.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to marigolds]

The slower you reduce at this stage the better - for all sorts of reasons. And you have another op coming up.

[marigolds in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you I am hoping to get an appointment with the Opthalmic Consultant as I have a black floater in my new lens eye like a small pupil sometimes like a ring and sometimes split in two goes up and down also the droopy eyes make it hard to see

[Blearyeyed in reply to marigolds]

With the infections and the floaters , and another operation on the way, you shouldn't just hope for an appointment with the Opthamologist , you should definitely call and ask to be seen by the Consultant or fitted in to the book for the Emergency Eye Clinic in the next few days.

Don't let the word , Emergency scare you , the clinic is there to double check that nothing too serious is occurring and give you peace of mind and advice , especially for Post Op patients , it's not just for eye injuries or sudden trauma . Going there is a positive thing.

Getting some advice from your Rheumatologist about what is happening with your eyes and your dose of Pred , by phoning your named consultant via their Secretary and getting a Call back would be beneficial too. They will be able to assess if you should increase or reduce the Pred or may be able to suggest some other medication for you that will help with the specific problems you are going through now .

Never be scared to ask for their Specialist input on these occasions , they prefer to help to prevent further problems , rather than have to try to deal with them later.

It's never worth delays with your eyesight.

Take care and I hope things get better soon , Bee .

[Marilyn1959]

Hi Marigolds. My hubby had infection after first cataract op. He was also diagnosed with ptosis. He was initially told he could have corrective surgery for ptosis once cataracts were sorted.

However the next consultant he saw told him he couldn't since he didn't think it would work and the ptosis might return. Never mind that one eye is almost completely closed!

Hubby had the other cataract done recently. At the follow up optician appointment with optician his ptosis was so bad the optician couldn't complete the tests as she couldn't see the back of his eye!

She has written to the consultant stating that he has the worst case of ptosis she has seen and questioning why other patients have had the corrective op and he hasn't.

I will let you know what happens in case surgery for the ptosis might be an option for you.

I mentioned the black floater to hubby and he said he was asked about that at one of his appointments. He doesn't, but you do. Do chase that Opthalmist appointment.

I know that failing sight is really getting my hubby down, so empathise with you.

I can't comment on adrenal function since I haven't experience on that front yet but I am sure those that can will be along soon.

Wish you well.

[marigolds in reply to Marilyn1959]

Thank you so much Marilyn I found that very helpful. Beryl. PS will let you know how I get on.

[Maryis80 in reply to marigolds]

Recently had both cataracts done, 16 days apart (privately) Did not experience any pain during operations, though surgeon said he had to put extra anaesethetic in second one and that one took longer to settle down after the op. Now waiting to see optician as I think I shall still need specs for close up and maybe middle distance, tv a bit blurry. Am currently on 11mg Pred and 10mg Leflumonide and did not change this before the ops. At present I have nasty "bags"under my eyes which the surgeon says is nothing to do with the ops. Has anyone else experienced this as a result of Pred or other drugs.

[Telian in reply to Maryis80]

I got the bags under my eyes following my first cataract op in January, not with pred which I've been on for 5 years. Coincidence or what?

[marigolds in reply to Maryis80]

Re TV being blurry have you changed your dose at all? Just a thought. I am on 3mg and TV is fine.

[Coriander000 in reply to Maryis80]

I got bags under my eyes about three months after starting Pred .

[marigolds in reply to Coriander000]

Wear your sunglasses. With my cataract problem I wear mine all the time. Takes years pff

[Hellyowl]

I am seeing Endo about adrenal disfunction 16 th May. Will report outcome. I am on 4 mg and staying on it until I have seen Endo. I should have cataract's done but I am scared

[Maryis80 in reply to Hellyowl]

Dont be scared. I thought they would have to tie me down to the table when I had mine done, but it really was ok. Felt no pain at all and the surgeon explained what he was doing. About half an hour recovery time with tea and biscuits then home with a pirates patch on the eye overnight. Took it quiet the next day but was driving within 2 days of the first and four days of the second. Eyes felt a bit "prickly" for a few days but no pain.

[Hellyowl]

Thank you. That is reassuring

[yewtree]

Have you had a blood test for Myasthenia Gravis? I had droopy eyelids then left eye closed completely and had to be taped open followed by double vision and the blood test revealed MG which responds very well to a drug called pyridostigmine every 4 hours? Also on 5mg steroids for polymyalgia. Tried to get off but stiffness returned sadly.

[marigolds in reply to yewtree]

Thank you for reply. I thought I might have it but have not got the symptoms. The eye consultant said it is ptosis I looked at the video for eylelids and have chickened out. What did you tape yours with? I am on 3mg pred.

[yewtree in reply to marigolds]

I taped up my eye with micropore tape which worked very well although you have to be careful not to tape up too high as you must be able to blink properly! I found that the symptoms of closed eye got worse as I reduced the steroids and I actually came off for a while but the polymyalgia stiffness came back. I went back onto 5 mg and the eye opened which is common as the steroids also help the MG. However the double vision got steadily worse.

[marigolds in reply to yewtree]

What a shame. Since my cataract op after about 3 weeks I got a black floater which won't go away. Have you any knowledge of this. I will pt it in search.

[yewtree]

Hi Marigolds - I think if the floater doesn't go away you should return to the clinic. They should disappear in a few days. All the best and let me know how you get on.

[marigolds in reply to yewtree]

Hi yewtree still got floater but seems to be going slowly. Quite a job managing to cope with another antibiotic course 1 in each eye 6 times a day and and another drop in each eye 4 times a day. Have had appointment for pre-op for left eye.

[Rimmy]

Yes don't ignore any issues you have following the surgery Marigolds or it could make things even more problematic down the track - best of luck with it all.

[marigolds]

Thanks for all the advice went to eye clinic and my daughter of picking up more meds for me at this moment.

[yewtree]

I had some advice from an ex nurse about all the meds and remembering - she said you could set the alarm on the mobile phone - I believe there are about 4 settings which may be a help in remembering.