Cataract Surgery and Dry Eye
Posted , 6 users are following.
I am 49 years old and was diagnosed with cataracts in November last year. At the time, I was having some vision problems and my eyes were burning and very light sensitive. The dr. said I had cataracts and very bad dry eye. He said my cataracts were not ready for surgery but that could change quickly but to treat the dry eyes. He gave me OTC Refresh drops to use as many times daily as needed. It seemed I constantly needed them. I had no improvement and the sight problems were getting much worse. I want back in June and he said my cataracts were worse and I needed surgery, but the dry eye was so bad he couldn’t do the surgery because dry eyes can hinder recovery from the surgery. He started me on Restasis prescription drops and told me to continue to use the Refresh drops. The vision got worse and worse and I fell several times breaking a rib once and spraining my ankle twice. I went back a little early two weeks ago because I was desperate. I can barely see to drive, work, cook or even open my eyes is painful. He took me off the Restasis which wasn’t working at all and my eyes had even gotten much worse in two months. He did a procedure in the office where he plugged the ducts in my eyes to prevent the good tears from going out. He said to still use the Refresh as needed even if it was every five minutes like I have to use it and that I should see a difference from the plus in four to five days. I asked what could be done fi they don’t work and he said really there was nothing else. I am worried sick. The plugs have not helped at all. My eyes are getting worse and worse. I am starting to wonder if a majority of the dry eyes and sight is being caused by the cataracts themselves, but what if they can’t get my eyes over the dryness enough to fix the cataracts? I’m so worried. I have n appointment this Friday with the doctor but am actually going to another doctor because he can only do surgery on Wednesdays and that’s the only day I can’t have it done due to work. So, I thought it may be good to get a second opinion too. It is getting impossible to drive, live or even work or care for my child.
I wanted to see if anyone else has had a similar situation and what ya'll thought. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.
0 likes, 3 replies
RonAKA kjebs
Posted
I can't see how cataracts could cause dry eye, but I am not a doctor. It seems like a very good idea to get a second opinion from a doctor on what is going on.
kaye56675 kjebs
Posted
i am a 45 yr old with severe myopia and cataracts and is about to have surgery on both eyes. I was diagnosed with dry eye disease with meibomian gland dysfunction. Eyes felt gritty and sore especially since I work all day in front of a PC. I was told not to use Refresh and was told to use an eye drop with no preservatives... Hylo or i-drop gel. To prep for cataract surgery, I have had 2 rounds of IPL plus one treatment of Lipiflow. i also use a Bruder heat mask, plus wear a dry eye sleep mask at night. its been a few weeks and dryness is still there, but am in better shape than before, Lipiflow takes a few weeks to take effect so hopefully by my surgery date the dryness will be minimal enough to proceed. My cataracts progressed from 'okay' to complete fog in 6 months. My Dr said the dry eyes have not made the cataracts worse but will cause additional blurriness to my vision.
lucy_73160 kjebs
Edited
I have had dry eyes for years and would get corneal abrasions when I would wake up and take that first blink. It was like rubbing sand paper over my eye and I could not go to work that day. I tried the plugs but could not tolerate them, although they worked.
I use Restasis. I use Systane Balance eye drops. The reason I use those is because they have mineral oil in them and I believe that helps to prevent my eyes from drying out. You may want to try the Systane Balance eye drops.
I also use Bausch and Lomb Erythromycin Ophthalmic Ointment at night. This is a precription ointment. It is basically vaseline in a tube with a small amount of antibiotic. My doctor, who has dry eye himself, prescribed it for the vaseline, not for the antibiotic, but he said that the antibiotic is such a small amount that it doesn't matter. At night, I use the Systane Balance eye drops and then put in the Bausch and Lomb Erythromycin Ophthalmic Ointment. It prevents my eyes from drying out. You may want to ask your doctor about this ointment.