Post catarac and yag laser

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Ok so I am a 45 year old male and had catarac surgery in both eyes. Right eye symphony lens and left eye symphony multi focal. Both were done October 2017. Both yag laser done in January due to build up. So after yag was performed I had terrible clumps floating across my vision as I moved my eyes. Dr said they would go away. Well went back to May 5 and he said they haven't gone away which I was thankful that he atleast acknowledged it this time because it is maddening to see these things in my vision all the time.  He suggested to try yag again to see if he could break it up more. So did yag a week ago and it's about 25% better. So my question to all of you is should I keep going and getting yags done or should I see a retina specialist for maybe a vitrectomy? Just curious on anyone's thoughts. These clumps floatin through my vision exhaust me. Thanks in advance for any help.

George 

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Posted

    I personally would not do a Vitrectomy unless absolutely necessary. The risks to me are not worth it. You can have retinal tears or bleeding which can lead to loss of some vision. The floaters are a pain and annoying but eventually most will fall below your line of vision as the gel liquifies. That can take weeks, months or years though. I would thoroughly research before committing to a vitrectomy.
  • Posted

    Your situation is exactly the same as mine. I think because we're relatively young our vitreous is still a bit thick and therefore the clumps are less willing to settle. I've had 3 yags done in that eye and each time it has decreased slightly. I'm seeing a retinal specialist soon but even he has suggested further yag treatment may be the best way to go. A little tip, if you're interested, it is possible to see inside your own eye and actually see the fragments in detail. If you hold a convex glass item like a watch or magnifying glass with a black background close to your eye, then have a torch above and to one side. You'll have to move it about a bit but eventually you'll hit the sweet spot and you'll be able to see your own lens even the individual rings if it's multifocal and the fragments.

  • Posted

    My wife experienced similar issues with floaters in both eyes after cataract surgery.  The left eye developed a huge mass approximately 6 months post op.  It took a year for it to finally drop below her vision.  It was probably a year after surgery when the mass developed in her right eye.  She was seen by her ophthalmologist and a neuro ophthalmologist, both mentioned that the floaters were the largest they've ever seen.  Both doctors prescribed patience and did not recommend vitrectomy and frankly cautioned against it.

    Currently, 2 years post-op, her left eye is fine and the right has improved, but not significantly.  Time is the best option.

  • Posted

    At 45 the cataract surgery creates retina detachment risk for males.  So vitrectomy may be a good idea. 

    Fr those who have not had YAG getting cruciate method YAG helps with the floaters.  Anyone with experience on this?

  • Posted

    Hi George

    Thanks for the heads-up,I am scheduled to have the YAG treatment in two weeks.Now I am second guessing myself whether I should go ahead with it or live with the cloudiness in the eye.I don't have any floaters at the moment ,but it must be annoying to see those all the time besides your eyes being cloudy.I would defiantly seek another opinion before have the YAG treatment a second time after what you have experienced so far.

    Good luck and I hope everything goes well for you.

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