You're right no standard instructions for eye drops but to me makes sense to start them prior to surgery - even if 9x out of 10 everything goes right. Some people ate more prone to infection anyways but I were err on side of caution every time. My after surgery drop regime was same as yours. Antibiotic drops for a week and steriod for a month (tapering off).
Must have bee hard not to move if you felt pain! Wonder if there are nerves in that area that if nicked cause the pain.
Are you in America or the UK ? Have not heard of anti-inflammatory use in the UK. They also never want to prescribe preservative free eye drop because they are more expensive.
i get the NHS may not want to prescribe and cover those drops but as a patient wouldn't you rather use them even if paying out of pocket yourself? I think they should at least advise patient of them. I just recall James being very upset with them as he would gladly have paid for them than go through what he went through. He had no prior knowledge about the drops.
Catch 22. If it is a prescription only item you cannot buy it without seeing a doctor privately.
MJCG, I completely understand your anxiety about the operation. I felt the same way when I had mine. All I can say is put your faith in the doctors who do thousands of these procedures throughout their careers and in all the technology that goes into everything from the equipment to the lenses themselves. Be grateful that we live in a time when vision can be restored such that you can see better than ever. My procedure went exceedingly well and I've had no need to wear glasses since I had my left eye done (my right eye is nearsighted and not affected by cataracts). I have monovision with around a 1.5 diopter difference and my vision is leaps and bounds of where I had been previously. Best of luck to you.
True but couldn't NHS doc write prescription? In James' case they had to after he experienced problems (although he still had to pay for the drops) so they are able to write prescriptions.
Hello. I had both my eyes done and I ask a lot of questions. The eye drops I was told is if you have wrinkles in your eyes. Go figure that we have them there too. But yes they did say that and I DID have wrinkles. The procedure is pretty quick. No need to worry cause it just makes you nervous and it will be over in just a few minutes. Your doctor should talk to you and tell you everything he or she is doing during the procedure. At least mine did. You shouldn't feel a thing. don't expect miracles when you take the patch off at first. It will be what it is until the next day or two. Some things might but you but patience is the key and following the doctors instructions. I had a couple of issues but in a month they got resolved. I chose the opposite. I wanted to see distance for driving and all the fine things in the day. Can see better now than even with prescription I had before. Did not pay for a special lens, just the norm. I wore contacts for 45 years and was used to wearing reading glasses and now I use the same RX reading glasses I did before. :) good luck and keep us posted. Ruby
Great to hear you are doing well!
Su.An - I just followed the instructions regarding eye drops provided by my surgeon's office. He's been doing eye surgery for over 25 years, so I didn't question any of his instructions. I didn't have any issues, but I agree with you that it's best to err on the side of caution. Regarding the painful moment I had during the surgery, it was at the end of the procedure and felt like an instrument pressing hard against my eye. In that brief moment, I had a quick concern that it might pierce my eye. I didn't move, but said immediately to the surgeon that it was painful and he apologized.
derek76 - I'm in the U.S. Both of my eye drop prescriptions were covered by insurance. I trusted my doctor as to the need for them as well as when and how long to use them.
I had surgeries in October (left eye) and in November (right eye). I was prescribed to put eye drops (2 kinds) every hour the day before surgery and on the morning of surgery. At the clinic, for two hours before surgery, they put different eye drops, like 5 or 6 times, gave intravenous injection of antibiotic, put the numbing solution and wheeled me in the operating room. For me surgery was absolutely painless (both times). After surgery I did not have to wear any patches, just sunglasses. I did not have to wear patches at night. So, I did not wear patches at all. Was instructed to sleep on the side, opposite of the operated eye the first night only. And, after that, I could sleep any way I wanted. I had to put 4 different kinds of eye drops. Three for two weeks and one for the month.
Thank you, indygeo! I keep reminding myself about how lucky I am to have access to one of the top eye clinics in the country, with outstanding (and egotistical haha) retinal specialists and surgeons. I also can't help but wonder if 25-50 years from now the new surgeons will be amazed at the "antique" way they performed eye surgery back in 2019 haha.I used to wear contacts and wasn't able to adjust to monovision, otherwise I'd give it a go. I'd love not to wear glasses, but I'm ok with doing so since I've had them all my life. The surgeon also said I'd have no problems wearing contacts. I'm looking forward to getting a new eyeglass prescription, new glasses, and being able to see clearly again. Your input and the sharing of your successful story leaves me feeling positive for a good outcome!
Thanks, Ruby! I will definitely let everyone know how my surgery goes. I completed the pre-op yesterday and I'm scheduled for 1/17. If not for the power difference between my two eyes, I'd definitely go for distance. I'd even pay for the multifocal if it was advisable. Remaining conservative seems the way to go though. My goal is to be able to see clearly again with progressive glasses. Interestingly enough, one surgeon I spoke too talked about how they insert the necessary prescription drops into the eye BEFORE surgery and that no further drops are needed. The surgeon I'm going with will have me use eye drops after the surgery. I suppose it won't be too long before all the surgeons are using the new eye drop method (a one-time before surgery system). My heartfelt thanks to you for responding to my question!!
Hi adele! Sounds like your surgery went well, as did others. All this feedback is leaving me optimistic outlook - and I'll remember to be patient during the healing process. As I mentioned in another post, one of the surgeons I consulted with explained that they had a new process of placing the necessary drops into the eye before surgery and that no further drops were needed afterward. They explained that it made more sense to inject the medication directly into the eye and that research had shown no further eye drop care is needed. The surgeon I've chosen will prescribe drops for me to insert after surgery. She is affiliated with one of the top eye institutes in the country and either they've not moved on to the new technique, or they are not convinced it's the way to go yet. You never know what goes on when new technological advances come along.
Hi mjcj! It will be such a relief not to put those eye drops after the surgery. It was so annoying! Don't worry about surgery. It's a piece of cake! When is your surgery?
Amazing to hear of new advances to make procedures like these better. Drops are hard - especially seniors. Often they need assistance from a family member. Great that will be eliminated one day. Likely us Canadians will wait linger for it though!
Hi Sue.An! Yes, all well! Quite satisfied with my outcome. I'll be dropping in to say Hi from time to time and also to give back to the community as I can. I have been given so much support here and you are a key reason why this forum is so great. Best wishes.
My surgery is scheduled for Jan 17th (2019). I'm feeling more positive about the surgery, it's just a tad more difficult on an eye that has had a vitrectomy which is why I'm more nervous than usual. Hopefully all will go well and I will report back (and thank you all again!)
Try not to worry too much! I know, it's easier said than done. I also was nervous wreck before the first surgery. But it is really quick and painless. And I couldn't wait for the second eye to be done with. You have faith in your surgeon .And it is very important. Everything will go well. Good luck with your surgery! Adele
Update: First of all, thank you all who responded (or read) my post. My cataract surgery on the eye that had a vitrectomy last year was successful (and definitely not as traumatic as a vitrectomy!). I'm currently in the early post-op phase (no lifting, wearing a patch at night, etc.), but so far so good. I found a pair of old glasses that allow me to see fairly well and I will be provided with a new eyeglass prescription in just four weeks! Hopefully this is the end of retinal tears and detachments and that I'll move forward in life with decent eyesight again.
how is the vision? congrats on a successful surgery.