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cataract operation with pseudoexfoliation syndrome

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Opus
Opus

Has anyone had this operation with pseudoexfoliation in the London area and was it successful. What were any difficulties involved. Am due to have this procedure.

1 like, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • robert93685
    robert93685 Opus

    Posted

    I am an experienced eye surgeon and have done thousands of cases in the UK (but not London).

    Being forewarned is a help.

    The natural lens can be abnormally loose.

    The zonules can stretch or break causing vitreous loss.

    The lens implant might decentre.

    Fortunately most cases proceed without complications.  If the zonules break or are unstable a "capsule tension ring" can help.  These CTRs are kept in the eye theatre for use in this situation. The ring is plastic and permanently supports the lens implant within the eye. The CTR is not visible since it lies behind the iris.

    • Opus
      Opus robert93685

      Posted

      Thank you for responding. I had the first op on Feb 3rd and all went well. My eye has started to water and feels a little strange so am not sure if I should contact the hospital.  I did have my check up 2 weeks ago and the doctor said all was okay. This watering has started after. I am due to have the other eye done in June. Any further advice would be appreciated.
  • robert93685
    robert93685 Opus

    Posted

    It sounds fairly typical and nothing to worry about.

    Surgery entails making at least 2 cuts through the cornea. They self seal but the surface can feel irritable like there is some grit present. The surface epithelium has temporarily impaired wetting. A gel like Viscotears appied a couple of times a day (but at least 10 mins from the other drops) will make the eye more comfortable but the discomfort usually settles down after a couple of weeks anyway if you are patient.

    • Opus
      Opus robert93685

      Posted

      Thank you for your advice. I will do that.
    • Opus
      Opus robert93685

      Posted

      You very kindly responded to my enquiry before and I wondered if I could ask you something else.  Would I be right in saying that the cataract operations will not cure the PseudoExfoliation condition and that I will continue to need check ups as before at the clinic to check the pressure levels because of glaucoma. I didn't think about it before but I understand it is inherited and my father eventually went blind as it was before it was known. Thank you in advance for any information you can give me.
    • robert93685
      robert93685 Opus

      Posted

      Yes you are right. Glaucoma requires lifelong follow up but if all is going well appointments are typically at 6 monthly intervals (perhaps longer if no treatment is required). Assuming your cataract operation goes well it might drop the pressure in that eye by an average of 2 or more mm of mercury.  We don't know why this happens as it seems to occur even when the angle is open.  In the case of PXF it could be there is less debris from abrasion of the iris against the lens which releases PXF material that ends up blocking the trabecular meshwork.

      Early diagnosis is important to minimise lasting damage from glaucoma.

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