Dry eyes and cataract operation

[KathleenMary]

I have scleroderma and am suffering with dry eyes for which I use drops and a night ointment.I have been advised to have cataract surgery. Anyone any experience of how it might affect my dry eyes?Any advice?

[Augh]

hi, I have Connective disease/Sjogrens and Scleroderma under the Royal Free team. I also have COPD and Bronchiectasis under Harefield Hospital.

On 11 April I had my left cataract removed, after a bit of a scare with Sats level, they were able to do with light level of anaesthetic and I am so pleased with it I am having the right one done in May 9th.

No complications, keep putting the drops in every 4 hours as they say and put eye shield over eye with low tack tape (Micropore) to sleep at night for first 4 nights.

The only disconcerting thing is the difference in vision now between good eye and one waiting to be done … typing this with old eye and good one shut. This is cos I chose to have short sighted correction and will wear readers for close work in future.

I had to stop Mycophenolate for 2 weeks before the operation to help minimise risk of infection.

Any questions just ask, but definitely have done if you can. Ask any questions and I will help if I can.

[KathleenMary in reply to Augh]

Thanks Augh,very reassuring..

[Driver58]

Yes Kathleen I am facing the exact same issue

[KathleenMary in reply to Driver58]

Poor you,with all you have been through. Sometimes it just seems like "one thing after another"My late mother's favourite phrase!

I'm going to try to contact rheumatology and see if they have any advice

[Driver58]

Good and smart idea Kathleen 👍😘 let me know what you find out. I am currently living in the UK and am nervous about having cataract surgery hear sadly or I certainly would go for it. What eye drops are you using and have they ever suggest Clinitas gel? I use Systane many times during the day and at night I put Clinitas gel in. For me these 2 are the best I have found. Very good luck😘

[KathleenMary in reply to Driver58]

I use Xalin drops and ointment as prescribed.I spoke to the rheumatology nurse and she said she had never heard of any problems with scleroderma sufferers having cataract surgery.,in fact quite the reverse

[Driver58 in reply to KathleenMary]

Great to hear Kathleen and many thanks for sharing this 🤗😘