Valid reason for Yag laser capsulotomy ?
Posted , 8 users are following.
Hi,
I had IOL transplants a couple of years ago. Now I am having a problem which is a bit difficult to describe. It is something akin to double vision especially when driving. I'm ok (other than depth perception) closing either eye, but with both open, it is like they are not working together, as I said, something like double vision. Not blurred vision .
The ophthalmologist that did the surgery has told me repeatedly I have dry eyes, and today again said that is a possible cause. I accept that - lubricant helps a little. But he also said I need this laser treatment for "dirty" capsules and in both eyes, and very quickly showed me the "dirty" part on the equipment monitor. Now "dirty" could have been a poor translation for "cloudy". English is not his native language but it did not look cloudy or dirty to me in the second or two I looked at it. My bad - I should have spent more time on that but ya'll know what it is like in the office. When pressed how sure he was, he said 80%. I have not come across anything that suggests this procedure for this problem, only for blurred vision, so I am asking here.
I'm a bit suspicious because this is a for-profit hospital in Thailand (where I live) and it is somewhat notorious for let's say, maximizing that profit whenever possible. Informed opinions would be much appreciated. Also of course from anyone else that has experienced this specific problem.
0 likes, 10 replies
tamarinda Expat1000
Posted
Hi there. I've lived in a small country too and my recommendation is to get at least one other opinion. That's often needed even in countries where there are several highly specialized hospitals. My cataract issues had me move back home. It's your vision and you don't want to mess around.
You need another doctor to look in your eye. If two or three agree, then you know you're on the right track.
Dunno your situation, but maybe try to get to a place where you're more confident in the doctors? Singapore, Australia, Korea?
Maybe someone who has already had the PCO (posterior capsular opacity) can comment about whether it caused an inability for the brain to choose between the eyes, which is kind of what you are describing...?
george05887 Expat1000
Posted
Hello, I had both lems replaced done about two years ago. I did one eye for distance and one foe up close. Three months after each i developed clouding if vision. So went to Dr. he said i had pco. So he auggested yag laser. So of course i proceeded ti get it done. Now mine was part of the cost of the surgery. Fast forward after yag both eyes. I then started having weird almost like shards of glass in my eye vision when light was hitting my eyes. Went back to him and he said it was probably debris from the yag but he couldnt see it. Well i aure could and it was maddening. I then went to a retina dr. He looked amd could not see anything. He dis tell me since I was so symptomatic he would do a vitrectomy on each eye. Sure enough when he got in my eye he could see what i had been telling them. His beat analogy was it looked like Christmas tensil in my eye. I cant explain the relief when that was gone. As you stated my eyes are constantly fighting each other too. I know its super frustraung. I have gotten glasses and use them at the times that it is really hard for me. My hardest distance is like a table side conversation. It is like my brain does not know which eye to use.
soks george05887
Posted
so did u get vitrectomy and did it resolve your issues.
george05887 soks
Posted
so, it definitely resolve the issues of the debris in my eyes. But my vision is still doubled sometimes due to what I think is my brain not knowing which item you use to see. If that makes sense. now I will say I have started taking Restasis about three months ago and has helped a decent amount. I am hoping that after further use of Restasis I will get optimal results.
soks Expat1000
Posted
normally get yag done only if your vision is affected.
joan70126 soks
Posted
but his vision was affected - cloudy. so how do you really decide to have Yag? and not run into problems afterwards?
mjcg Expat1000
Posted
I agree that if at all possible you should get a second opinion. Also, have you seen an optometrist to see if your prescription has changed at all? Double vision sometimes occurs when the IOL between the two eyes aren't in sync. I don't know what type of lens you had implanted to replace your cataracts, but it might be a pair of glasses that will help you out. Keep us posted!
Expat1000 mjcg
Posted
Hi, mjcg. I don't wear glasses for driving which is where I really notice this, as the IOLs are for long distance. I did see an optometrist to see if glasses would help. From, the tests, they would not.
Fortunately I now have a recommendation for another hospital - eye hospital, and will definitely get a second opinion from them before I do anything.
Joan, my vision is indeed affected, but not cloudy. The closest adjective I can think of is double vision. The question is, yag going to help or is it simply from dry eyes (or something else). From everything I have read, IOL issue that would be helped by yag is indeed cloudy or blurred vision, not double vision.
george05887 Expat1000
Posted
Just realize after YAG laser a lens exchange becomes much harder
Expat1000 george05887
Posted
Good to know, but I'm 78. I don't think that is something that would be high on my list of priorities even if I should need it. 😃