Cataract Surgery now I am told I have Posterior Vitreous Detachment
Posted , 5 users are following.
I have had cataract surgery in both my eyes . 2 months ago I had a Zeiss Lisa in my left eye and 2 weeks later Zeiss Lara. I do have the halos with the multi focal but do like that I can see close up . For reading and close up I will be using +1 . My problem is I kept having a film or jelly cross my vision on my left eye which is very distracting. My Dr. kept telling me I was just adapting to the lenses well went for my check up the other day and when she checked my eye she said she could see what I was talking about and it was PVD and it could be a more serious operation if I can't stand it with a specialist. I asked her why I didn't notice it before and she said the symptoms of my cataracts covered it. Could the surgery cause this. Thanks
0 likes, 7 replies
mjcg glenda65196
Posted
I'm not a doctor, but as I understand it a PVD can be a side effect of cataract surgery - or just a simple side effect of aging. As we age, the vitreous fluid in our eyes eventually detaches from the retina and it can cause floaters and/or that film/jelly blob you're seeing. I sympathize with you. I currently have this symptom in my right eye - it can be quite annoying at times - other times, like when I'm watching television or reading, I hardly notice it. However, note I also developed a retinal tear in that eye as a result of the vitreous fluid detaching and it was recently "repaired" with lasers. This procedure did not fix the "glob" and floater though. My symptom was a crescent shaped flashing light I could see in the corner of my eye whenever I closed my eyes. I hope your doctor has told you to be especially alert for flashes of light, new and a sudden onset of floaters, and any small piece of vision loss. If you experience this it is a considered a medical emergency and you should have an eye exam as soon as possible. Last year I had a retinal detachment in the other eye. Symptoms were a sudden mass of floaters (like pepper floating in my vision) and a black blob of vision loss in the corner of my eye. The surgery was successful, but as a result I developed a cataract and that was successfully done just about ten days ago. It's amazing how well I see out of this eye now and how much I notice the "film/jelly blob" in my other eye. What we can be grateful for is that today's medical technology has been able to save our sight. Don't hesitate to get a second opinion if you remain concerned. See a retinal specialist.
ed72320 mjcg
Posted
Good post. Thank you.
Perhaps it might be prudent for MJCG to see a retinal specialist who can give an opinion about her PVD.
mjcg ed72320
Posted
Thanks, ed72320! My eyes are being monitored regularly. I have a follow-up appointment on the eye that developed a tear to make sure laser repaired has healed and that the retina remains attached. The retinal specialist I'm seeing said that often times the brain will adjust and the "glob/floater" I see will "disappear" from my vision (which it does at times). The only way to fix it would be to have another vitrectomy done (removing the vitreous fluid) and I sure as heck don't want to have that surgery again (aack!).I'm trying to deal with this being my new normal (sigh).
ed72320 mjcg
Posted
Good.
I'm glad that you see a retinal specialist regularly.
And I hope that the glob/floaters will disappear completely as your brain adjusts.
All the best!
glenda65196
Posted
Thanks that was very informative . I will get another opinion before I leave.
What concerns me is that I live on a sailboat and am in Malaysia now but in a few months will be sailing to Indonesia and then across the Indian Ocean to Madagascar then South Africa so not close to medical help for months at a time.
Is it common to have a retinal tear?
My Dr. didn't really seem concerned and told me to come back for a checkup in a year. She is not in the same city where I am but very good about writing so will ask her more questions now that I have read more about PVD
I really appreciate your letter
mjcg glenda65196
Posted
Oh my gosh, you are living an adventurous life! I, alas, live a truly boring life in comparison (but I suppose it works for me otherwise I'd be on that boat with you ha ha). If you trust your doctor, don't worry. Be sure to eat eye healthy foods, avoid strenuous exercise (might not be easy on a sailboat, eh?), and remain alert to any sudden changes with your vision. Even a retinal surgeon will recommend a wait and see plan with a PVD. I'm guessing that on your planned travels you've mapped out where nearest hospitals might be in case of emergencies or illness, so maybe map out places where you could reach an ophthalmologist if needed. Take care and happy sailing!
Sue.An glenda65196
Posted
wow quite the life. wish i were more adventurous! have a great time wherever your boat takes you. I am reminded of that quote: the world is a book and those that do not travel read only one page.
On matters if health - especially eyesight which is so vital to all and to live our dreams - if anything concerns you check in with a specialist. these forums are so great for support, opinions, questions we don't think to ask but never a substitute for a professional opinion.
wishing you all the best!