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Panic attacks after cataract surgery, lots of problems, I am in US

Posted , 7 users are following.

lisaTX
lisaTX

First eye came out very near sighted, I asked for far vision, lived very uneven for 2 weeks. 2nd surgery on other eye came out far sighted but with arch in side vision. 1st surgery gets redone last monday and appears farsighted to match other eye but is extremely blurry. I can see but I can not see, I have been in severe panic for over a month now, PC put me on xanax but not helping. What to do.

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • trilemma
    trilemma lisaTX

    Edited

    You expect to get the first lens explanted by the original surgeon , and replaced with a different IOL?

    I suggest that you get the prescription for where your eyes are at. $60 at an unrelated optometrist to do a refraction would be money well spent, and with the numbers people could offer better advice.

    A prescription has 3 numbers per eye, and the sph and cyl numbers are the important ones to discuss your situation.

    .

    I understand your stress. It seems quite warranted.

  • RonAKA
    RonAKA lisaTX

    Edited

    I would suggest getting a second opinion from another ophthalmologist. Unless you are prepared to have the first lenses removed and replaced there may not be much that can be done, other than wearing glasses to correct your vision.

    .

    It appears to be too late now, but patients should wait a minimum of 5-6 weeks after the first eye is done to determine what the outcome is, and decide what should be done with the second eye, and whether or not to use the same surgeon again.

    • trilemma
      trilemma RonAKA

      Posted

      I would suggest getting a second opinion from another ophthalmologist. Unless you are prepared to have the first lenses removed and replaced there may not be much that can be done, other than wearing glasses to correct your vision.

      I feared the proposed fix was laser.

  • judith93585
    judith93585 lisaTX

    Edited

    Hi Lisa, To confirm, have you already had the first lens explanted? And the replacement lens is set to far but seems blurry? What does your surgeon have to say? If you're not satisfied by the explanation, you might want to go to another well regarded cataract surgeon for a second opinion.

  • Lynda111
    Lynda111 lisaTX

    Posted

    I hope you get better, Lisa. You've been through a long ordeal. Follow the advice you were given about seeing another ophthalmologist and seeing an optometrist for a pair of glasses. Your anxiety should lessen once your vision improves. I wish you well.

  • Trix317
    Trix317 lisaTX

    Edited

    Hi LisaTX --- I'm so sorry what you're going through. Sadly, I can totally relate -- especially about the added stress and inability to see clearly. If you check out my posting you'll know what I'm referring to.

    I would say try to keep in mind that things will get better one way or the other. I'm sorry your surgeon has been barrelling through these eye surgeries at warped speed. He definitely should have waited until the first eye was healed but how are you supposed to know that. I feel like these doctors have monthly quotas of cataract surgeries and god help us if we delay their schedule.

    I would definitely take a pause from your doctor. I literally went to another state just to get an objective diagnosis because even when I went to doctors at different clinics (besides my surgeon's) they all said everything was fine and if you don't like it then get glasses or Lasik. I couldn't get a straight answer out of anyone. Not to mention I didn't even know what to ask specifically. These doctors need to set expectations. It's really disgusting that they can get away with this type of patient treatment. There are good ones and bad ones.

    I went to a mayo clinic doctor in florida -- mainly because my mother had had her surgery there years ago and I knew they were good. I also knew they'd be forthright with me and give me answers. And the doctor I saw last week did.

    On that note, you are going to be fine but I know it is a very stressful situation -- so good you have some xanax. I could use one right about now. I've had blurry vision in my left eye for 5 MONTHS. Not trying to out do you or anything but just to say I can relate to your pain and anxiety. Tell everyone to slow down. I think it's time to find another doctor. You might end up having to get glasses but you will be ok. I finally had to accept my pathetic visual outcome but I couldn't do that until I was give an explanation by an honest, ethical doctor. Not a used car salesman.

    Ok, I'll stop now -- I've got PTSD from this whole nightmare in case you haven't noticed. 😉 Hang in there --- Let us know what's happening.

    • judith93585
      judith93585 Trix317

      Edited

      Thanks so much for sharing your experiences with cataract surgery. It can certainly be a scary and disappointing time. You should be proud of yourself for doing your best, managing these challenges, and using what you've learned to help others.

  • Guest
    Guest lisaTX

    Edited

    These are big changes and can lead to a lot of anxiety but I think you will be ok in time. It's still early. Try to relax. Maybe add preservative free artificial tears to your drop routine. Give things more time to heal. There may be some lingering inflammation. And see an optometrist to see if glasses solve any of your issues. Also if what you see is more of a distortion than a blur you could have CME. I went through that. The good news is that is very quick and easy to diagnose (via OCT) and treat (via Steroids). Let us know how you make out.

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