Has anyone had cataract surgery while still on prednisone for GCA? I know I have a steroid induced cataract in one eye (the eye that I had temporary loss of vision several times earlier in my GCA history—2 years ago) My eye specialist says he no longer sees GCA signs and wants to do the surgery. I hesitate because I’m not bothered by my eyesight . In currently taking 3 mg daily.
Thanks for any advice or experiences you might have
I had it done when I was on about 9mg - bit scary in that I only had one good eye to play with!
It was absolutely fine - had it done a bit earlier than than surgeon wanted to to it, but I nagged and said I’d spent a lot of money booking to go to New Zealand - and didn't see the point of going if I couldn’t see the country!
Fortunately he agreed - so replacement cataract in September, flew to NZ December.
Hi DL was it on your good eye you had the cataract op? I think I may have asked you before but can't find reply. I have one on my good eye but optician won't refer me because she said it was too risky. I'm tempted to go private.
Yes - no point in replacing on lost eye - Wouldn’t make any difference - can’t see anything anyway.
Don’t follow your optician’s thinking, if your cataract gets worse, you aren’t going to be able to see with your good eye. So what then?
Surely it’s the surgeon that needs to make the decision.
Good luck with what you decide.
Thank you DorsetLady. I have been calmed by you and this forum. Just had a second opinion, and this doctor explained it’s a simple procedure even with GCA
Yes it is very simple - and non-invasive like an operation - so no reason why steroids should hinder the recovery.
I have pred induce cataracts and saw the eye specialist just before the start of the covid lockdown and if mine had been bad enough they were happy to deal with them whilst I was still on 9mg. I would be more tha happy to under go the surgery if it was me in your position. YBB
Thank you! Things are starting to open up here (USA) for cataract surgeries. I’ll be having it done soon
Good luck. Let us k ow how you get onx YBB
I had both eyes done last year whilst on about 7mg pred. Absolutely no problems vis a vis pred and surgery a lot more pleasant then going to the dentist, even without 'work' being done. Waiting before I could get prescription changed in specs was a bit of a b**** but so glad it is done. Eventually there is no choice if you want sight.
(I have pmr, not GCA)
Thank you. Glad you are doing fine then!
For some reason my left cataract has grown fast and I need surgery but with everything that is going on with me he said he would prefer to wait till I am at least over this diverticulitis. I am at 15 mgs and he also would like that to be a lot lower. The plan is to actemra to cut down the prednisone but because of present conditions the new med is also on hold. Sure like to catch a break soon.
So at your dose I would say go for it.
Yes, thanks I guess it’s a go 🥴no other choices
I had mine done when I was on about 15 to 20mg. Mine were so rapid that I was almost blind after 2 months so there was some urgency. No problems, its like magic one day everything was a fog the next day I could see farther than ever before.
I should have added hosp were more concerned about blood pressure than pred. They probably have a cut off pint but didn't let on what it was. Would highly recommend going to a hosp with large eye dept - they do lots of cataract ops, have dedicated areas and staff and obviously knowledge and skill level higher.
Thanks I got a second opinion from a larger eye group. I do feel more confident in them
Hi, Yes, I had both eyes done in 2019, two weeks after knee replacement surgery. Best thing I ever did (the eyes not the knee!). I developed the cataracts very quickly, like within 6-9 months and I couldn't see anything. Had them done when I was on 15 mg of Pred, no issues at all!
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