Cataract procedure coming up

[Katiecatweazel]

Hello and best wishes. I am on 5mg Prednisolone daily and, as my first cataract procedure is scheduled for next week, I am wondering whether to adjust the dose upwards for a few days or stay steady at 5mg? Plus any pre-procedure/post-procedure tips you might have to help things go well? With many thanks.

[Koalajane]

I had both my cataracts done ver a year ago. I didn’t raise my dose of pred but did discuss it with the anaesthetist who had said no need. It is a painless experience and the worst part is having to lie still for 20 mins.

You will be given an eye shield to wear after the procedure and for a couple of weeks at night only. Also drops to put in the eye which are important to do. You will be asked. Not to bend down for a while but you should be handed a list of dos and don’ts after the procedure.

I am sure it will go well for you. I had a small problem with my first eye but that was sorted quickly. Everyone was so kind and caring it helped so much.

[Katiecatweazel in reply to Koalajane]

Thanks a lot for telling me about your experience, it’s been very helpful.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Now you have posted you will see a lot of Related Posts listed about the same thing - do have a look at them.

It isn't our place to choose to raise of lower the dose for such a procedure - ask the anaesthetist and surgeon what their preferances are beforehand.

All the best.

[Katiecatweazel in reply to PMRpro]

Good morning and thanks very much for your comments. I will have a look at related posts.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

I had mine done at 9mg.. never amended Pred dose... to be honest never even considered it...although mine was probably a bit more stressful than some.. as I only have one usable eye to play with.. and obviously it was that one!

But as PMRpro has said, if you are concerned then the anaesthetist is person to consult.

[Katiecatweazel in reply to DorsetLady]

Many thanks for letting me know how you tackled your alarming procedure: I am very glad to hear you had a successful outcome. I shall stick on my current steroid level.

Best wishes.

[proactive]

I had cataract surgeries in both eye last spring. I didn't up my prednisone either time. I followed the instructions regarding pre and post surgery eye drops to the letter and had a wonderful result. No glasses needed now at all and vision is 20/20 in one eye and even better in the other. Don't stress about it, they explain everything well and there was no pain at all.

[Katiecatweazel in reply to proactive]

I’m hoping for the best when both eyes have been fixed and it’s very encouraging to hear your experience. Thanks a lot for your reply.

Regards.

[Guilder in reply to Katiecatweazel]

I’ve had both cataracts removed in the last year, didn’t alter my pred dose from 7mg and had no ill effects. I found the op fascinating because the colours that appear during the various, totally painless, procedures were beautiful pinks and blues, and the overhead light turned into a kaleidoscope. The anaesthetic is delivered via a capsule that looks like a grain of rice, topped up with drops, so no injections, and I couldn’t see anything other than shadows, or feel anything apart from a little pressure when the surgeon inserted a frame to help keep my eye open. Now have the best eyesight of my life, having been very short sighted. I’m sure yours will go well,too.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Guilder]

I well remember the pink clouds … 😊

[Katiecatweazel in reply to Guilder]

Thanks for such a full description! I’m almost looking forward to this new experience and I’m glad you wrote.

Regards

[Missus835]

Hi. Had mine done in thr Spring. Easy procedure both times. Takes about 20 minutes. You'll be amazed at the clarity. Suggest they give you an injection into the eyelid to prevent infection, rather than taking 3 types of eye drops at home, post op. I did not have to change my pred dose. They will probably put a shield over the eye, which you can see through. Sunglasses helped me a lot for the first couple of weeks. They protect the eyes from wind and dust blowing around outdoors. All the best. xx

[Katiecatweazel in reply to Missus835]

Thanks a lot for your best wishes and your valuable advice regarding sunglasses. I will enquire if the injection is something the consultant is prepared to offer.

[Missus835 in reply to Katiecatweazel]

Well, on the first eye I was given 3 kinds of drops to use for a month...on the second eye I requested the injection, which is only to the eyelid. So much easier. Take care. You won't regret having them done. I use cheap readers now. 😊

[Badger1919]

I had my second Cataract op back in June about 15 months into my current bout of PMR, and all the advice was to carry on as normal. Can't remember my exact dosage level, but it must have been about 8mg Predbisolone. All the advice I was given said carry on as planned. I did, and everything was, and still is, OK. Now at 4mg, and looking forward to 3.

[Katiecatweazel in reply to Badger1919]

It was good to hear of your experience and thanks for writing. I had a review meeting with the consultant a week afterwards and, as my improvement was not yet as good as the unoperated eye, he concluded it could be slower because of previous temporal GCA damage affecting the eye he operated on. It’s early days yet however and I am hoping for a good outcome. All the best.