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Central Macular Edema after cataract surgery I had 1 month ago

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Gmari
Gmari

After 2 weeks from the surgery I developed Central Macular Edema, it manifested itself as a round gray spot on my field of vision and could not read also with the glasses because everything was blurred also because my right eye has still the cataract. The ophthalmologist prescribed me Acular to take together with M       for another 2 months and asked me to go back for check up at the beginning of April. I was forgetting: last year I was found to have a slight macular degeneration, the dry type and she said not to worry. I would like to know from other people who had the same problem as mine. Is it likely that after 2 months I could be clear of it? Also anyone can tell me how long they have to wait before taking a flight abroad? I am asking this because I got some contradictory info from a number of doctors and feel confused.

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • robert93685
    robert93685 Gmari

    Posted

    Modern cataract surgery is less lkely to trigger macular oedema than the old fashioned big incision surgery done years ago. In those days the diagnosis was seldom made because most patients had impaired vison due to astigmatism.

    First-line treatment is indeed Acular (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory) and steroid drops.  If the condition does not respond after a month or so higher dose steroids could be necessary (placed by injection on the orbital floor).

    You can generally fly a few weeks after cataract surgery but what about the hospital follow up in your case?  If you are going abroad it will make monitoring and treatment difficult.  It is not possible to say when the macular oedema will clear - as this is highly variable.

    Remember to avoid swimmimg in the sea or swimming pools, rivers etc when on steroid eyedrops.

    • Gmari
      Gmari robert93685

      Posted

      Thank you very much for your info. So the cause of the oedema if I understand well is subsequent the cataract surgery? Also you say I should not swim before the final check up. The ophthalmologist after my last visit in February 10 She said that I can swim and can continue with exercises (I have a prolapsed vertebral disk And have a light form of osteoporosis) but now I hear from you that I should not swim in the sea, swimming pool or rivers...any reason for that? 

      Also, would you know how long it is advised to take Acular and Dexamethadone before they can create side effects? I have been taking these two kinds of drops since 20 January for Acular and 14 January for Dexamethadone. My next Check up is the 11 of April.

      Also is it normal to develop dryness of eyes after cataract surgery? The dryness was more in the non operated eye than the one with the cataract.

      now the dryness is still there but not so much like before and when towards the end of the day I feel the dryness coming on I take one or two drops of Hipomeliose eye drops but I put the drops only in the non operated eye again because I am unsure of side effects. This is because I am not keen on medicaments in general. Is there natural substitutes for dry eyes drops? Thank you so much for your advice! It is the first time I have a for me serious operation and am a bit confused because communication with a variety of doctors is a bit fragmentary and incomplete of full explanation of what to expect after surgery.

    • robert93685
      robert93685 Gmari

      Posted

      Yes cataract surgery can cause inflammation of the retina. In a minority of patients there is significant macular oedema that dulls central vision. 

      Patients may be on the drops you mention for several months so that seems OK.  If no benefit then there are injections of long acting steroids.

      Dry eyes can be more symptomatic after cataract surgery. Maybe the other eye is dry as you are nor putting in regular drops.

      The advice about swimming is because steroids lower the resistance to infection and public or natural pools are somewhat risky

    • Gmari
      Gmari robert93685

      Posted

      Thank you so much, now I have a clearer idea of the whole situation and feel less worried. I am grateful for your explanations.
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