Anyone else with lattice degeneration/thin retinas that HAS had cataract surgery?

Eye care
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OK, I've made a few comments and been mainly lurking for the last few weeks, so now it's time for me to expose (ha ha) myself and ask for your experiences. Please accept my apologies in advance if this turns into a novel.

I've worn contacts since I was 16 and I'm 60 now. My eyes have always been crappy, but correctable, but now it's just getting to be too much. When "X" surgery (can't remember what it was called, but it was in the early 80's) first came into vogue, I wanted to have it done. I was rejected because as the doctor explained, I'd have to have too many cuts in the cornea to fix my vision and it was too dangerous. I was lucky because a woman I met a couple of years ago had had it done and they'd made 32 (!) cuts in each eye. She said that her vision was amazing...at first, but now the corneas are "buckling" and that she has to wear hard lenses to try to keep their form. She has an incredible doc, but there is a very real possibility that she's going to lose her sight. So, while I was sad at the time, I'm grateful that my doc wasn't as mercenary as hers must have been.

Then, PRK and Lasik came into play and I went in for a consult. Again, I was denied because too much of the cornea would have had to have been shaved down to achieve any decent result. Again, I was disappointed, but grateful that at least I could wear contacts.

When I retired and moved to Mexico, I found some great eye care specialists and continued using contacts. A few years back, when I went for a lens renewal prescription, the doc seemed like I was taking up too much of his time (I had an appointment!) and just mentioned to me that I had "thin retinas" as I was leaving. He made it sound like he'd just said I was, "Unclean!" "Unclean!" Not once did he mention that this was something I needed to be concerned about or that I needed to take extra care in my daily life. So, I went on with my life, continued to ride my bicycle on the sometimes-rather-hairy roads of Mexico and didn't think twice about it--not even when I was sent flying 20 or so yards when a passenger bus hit me from behind in a 4 vehicle accident.

Had I known about the risks of sudden movement to the retinas, which I think a bus hitting you in the ass on a bike qualifies as being, I would have been in the eye docs office so fast.

So...what has that long, boring life story got to do with anything and why the heck won't I get to the point? Thanks for your patience! Here it is:  my eyes are crappy, but mostly correctable. I have -8.0 w/astigmatism in the left (and some cataracts) and -8.5 in the right. When hubby got his cataract surgery a couple of months ago, it went like he was the poster child for the surgery. I've been having some focusing issues with the contacts, my prescription was about to be renewed, and I'd finally had enough. The doc did the usual exam and I was scheduled to have the surgery last month. Well, before you go in, you have to be cleared by the retina specialist. I wasn't. Turns out that the full extent of my "Unclean!" "Unclean!" thin retinas was actually lattice degeneration and holes, PLUS thin retinas in the left eye but "only" thin retinas in the right. The specialist stopped the pending surgery and I opted to follow his recommendation and  have Argon laser treatment on my eyes (omg that wasn't fun). The laser promotes scar tissue around the holes and lattice degeneration so that the thin retinas will be a bit stronger/attached. It doesn't cure anything, but it gives me a fighting chance not to have further damage or retinal detachment during the surgery.

The reason I'm opting for cataract/lens replacement surgery is that I honestly believe that if I wait until the cataracts are truly vision-impairing, it might be too late. Right now, my eyes are as healthy as they're ever going to be. So, while I'm scared spitless, I know I don't have a choice.

I would love to hear of any experiences of other high myopics w/thin retinas and/or lattice degeneration had during their cataract surgery. If you also had laser treatment, that's a bonus. My biggest fear in life (other than loss of family, of course) has always been the loss of vision. Take away my hearing, sense of smell, taste, etc, but please leave me my vision!

Encouragement would really be appreciated.

 

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I should have mentioned that I was also told that I have large eyeballs...another risky factor in cataract surgery. Evidently, this is something that high myopics are prone to having.

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Dear britkennels, whatever decision you made with the expert guidance of your specialist(s), I will not be standing on the moral high ground to judge or to offer any advice. I am especially sensitive to members who use "crappy" "rubbish" to describe their vision. It isn't about ditching one's crutches for a motorized wheelchair. Both my husband and I have enjoyed better quality of life after our cataract surgeries. I wish many out there will be treated soon and have better vision.

The first time I have mentioned openly to anyone about my LV eye is at this site. I had mentioned it neither to anyone in schools / workplace nor friends / colleagues. When I was 10, laser treatment was not available then. We had to travel to another island to consult a foremost ophthalmologist from Europe, who promised some kind of surgery 10 months or a year later. But before then, he committed suicide. There were a string of other specialists, but nothing transpired.

Thankfully eye-care technology is so advanced today, and hopefully you will be enjoying better vision soon.

 

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I was told by a retina specialist that human retina is like wall paper which could sometimes detach from the wall, a common retina problem. So I'm not sure if it makes sense to describe one's retina "thin" or "thick". By "thin" they probably mean the retina is prone to tear and/or detachment. I was diagnosed to have horseshoe tear on my right eye retina. It didn't stop the scheduled surgery because it was detected two weeks before the surgery and I was immediately treated with laser on the spot. Two weeks later, the surgery was done without problem. Four months later in a follow up visit, the retina specialist again detected another "hole" which was treated again with laser. I guess I have "thin" retina then. I'm happy with the cataract surgery results so far.

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Dear britkennels, whatever decision you made with the expert guidance of your specialist(s), I will not be standing on the moral high ground to judge or to offer any advice. I am especially sensitive to members who use "crappy" "rubbish" to describe their vision. It isn't about ditching one's crutches for a motorized wheelchair. Both my husband and I have enjoyed better quality of life after our cataract surgeries. I wish many out there will be treated soon and have better vision.

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The first time I have mentioned openly to anyone about my LV eye is at this site. I had mentioned it neither to anyone in schools / workplace nor friends / colleagues. When I was 10, laser treatment was not available then. We had to travel to another island to consult a foremost ophthalmologist from Europe, who promised some kind of surgery 10 months or a year later. But before then, ............................... There were a string of other specialists, but nothing transpired.

Thankfully eye-care technology is so advanced today, and hopefully you will be enjoying better vision soon.

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I'm sorry to say I will not be the encouragement that you seek.... But more information can at a minimum possibly lead you in regards to any questions that you might want to ask.

I was 52 when I went to the optometrist to get new glasses. My vision was not able to be corrected and she basically told me I was diabetic... Which I am not. I had early cataracts. During my cataract evaluation latticing was "mentioned"... In so much as he told the tech "latticing at 3 o'clock". But it was never mentioned that it made me at higher risk for retina tears and detachment. I had the first cataract surgery in October 2016, the second in December 2016. I had the best vision I can ever recall until mid march of 2017. Then I had multiple tears in left eye in one week, laser repairs, but one area progressed to detachment. Ended up with vitrectomy. Then an area of detachment in right in early November, then a second area one month later.... Second vitrectomy. Turns out my eyes were the "perfect storm" in terms of risk factors: higher myopic, lattice degeneration, early cataract surgery, and family history of retina detachment (3/5 siblings on father's side had detachments)

I am in a retina detachment support group on FB, there is often mention that laser assisted cataract surgery is less risk to the retina, so that might be a question to ask.

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Actually, I don't think it's a case of it being "thick," but some, especially myopics, have retinas that actually do get thinner. We're also more prone to lattice degeneration, holes and all of the other fun things. For me, the retina specialist spotted too many problems for the surgeon to continue. While it's not a cure, as mentioned, it gives me a better chance. I hope so because the laser treatment was intense. Of course, I'd do it again if they tell me that's what it's going to take.  

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Thanks so much for your very honest reply, Katrynka. I totally sympathize with all that you've been through. With a few exceptions, you're singing my song.

When I seriously began to consider this procedure, due to beginning cataracts and the other vision problems, my surgeon was careful enough to explain exactly what thin retinas meant and what precautions I needed to take. She was the first. After the appointment, and before the scheduled surgery, I went online and looked up everything I could so that I was relatively prepared. When the retina specialist cancelled the surgery because of the lattice degeneration and holes, his recommendation was for the argon laser. Based on his in-depth explanation of what the laser could do (scar tissue that would help provide support), I chose to have it done. I'd do it again, if necessary. What surprises me is that it sounds like nothing similar was recommended to you prior to your surgery. 

I'm lucky that no one in my family has had detachments. Of course, I could be the first, but I can't let that worry me. One other thing the retina specialist emphasized is that I should have my eyes checked a minimum of once a year so that I can receive further treatment, should it be necessary and before it's too late.

Something I forgot to mention in my original post:  about 20 years ago, while shopping for the latest and greatest eye procedure that would free me from contacts and Coke bottle glasses (which I refuse to wear), a doctor had mentioned a procedure called CrystaLens (?). I guess the handwriting was on the wall even back then.

With my own "perfect storm" of eye issues, I don't think things are going to ever improve. I hope this is the right decision, but I don't think I have any real choice. I'll update following the procedure on the 22nd.

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I think there's a lot of hard-earned wisdom in your words. I hate reading the postings of folks who are less-than-satisfied with their results, but understand why they may feel that way. For me, unless something goes seriously wrong, which is always possible in any surgery, it has to be better than what I have now. I'm not going into this skipping and singing, but I need to have it done before it's no longer a viable option.

If I may ask, what's an LV eye?

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"Low Vision". I tried to search it on this site, but could not find it.

I think it is worst than legally blind.

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I just wanted to add one other thing:  regardless of your posting, whether positive or negative, I really appreciate the time and thought that went into it. While hubby went into his surgery pretty much ignorant of the procedures (he didn't want to know), he also had no other issues. For me, the more I know, the more prepared I feel. So, please feel free to vent if you need to, or sing out if you're happy. Either way, it genuinely helps.

When I read all of the technical data that some provide, it makes me realize how little I knew about my own eyes. This has definitely been a learning experience! I just wish it'd been for a different reason.

About 30-35 years ago, I asked my eye doc what my vision was (20/100?, 20/200?) and his reply was, "When eyes are as bad as yours, we don't measure." Yeah, that made me feel really good. Meanwhile, about the only positive thing I can think of is that my actual prescription hasn't changed in at least 14(or more, can't remember) years. While it's strong, at least it's stable.

Thanks to all of you for taking the time to post. I guarantee you've helped many others besides me.

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Hi Britk,

My poor vision is similar to yours. Persons with vision equal or worse than -600 are prone to lattice degeneration which may later lead to retina detachment. God forbid. I'm a few years older than you and had both eyes operated on for cataracts last year. The sight was corrected with multifocal IOL's. The left eye's vision was -800. A short while after the cataract surgery, I noticed on rare occasions geometric ribbons of light crossing my vision. On my followup checkup I told the doctor of my visual experience. He looked into the eye and saw lattice degeneration (patchy holes in the retina) at the peripheral back side. He recommended argon laser treatment. I had it done the following week and ouch! It was like a small hammer was knocking the side of your eye resulting in pangs of migraine. Anyway it was for the better. Yes it's likened to welding the periphery of the openings inorder to induce scaring and strengthen the edges. Fortunately I haven't had any issues with the right eye. Argon laser treatment is no guarantee one will not get detached retina. It depends on God's will.

Eye-Still-Kan-Sea

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How is your vision now? I'm surprised your doctor didn't check your retinas prior to surgery since that could have really caused you problems. I do like your description of the argon laser being like welding...with a hammer. Holy crap, it hurt near the end. I told hubby it was like a really sore bruise that someone was poking with a finger. Either way, it wasn't fun, BUT I'd do it again in a New York second if it would help. No, the laser treatment isn't a guarantee, but at least it lessens the chances of a tear. Meanwhile, I'm going to make sure my rear is in the eye doc's chair at least once a year. If it looks like treatment is needed, I'll do it again...and again...and again, if necessary. I'm not scared of too many things, but losing my sight is one. 

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Hi Britk,

My vision is superb now.   Near to distant vision is almost 20/20.  Color contrast is like viewing a Sony 4K Bravia tv.  Haven't worn eyeglasses since my first surgery in August 2017.  I don't reside in North America so I was able to get the German Oculentis Mplus X implanted in both eyes.  North Americans have a limited selection of IOL's which must be approved by the FDA.  The Oculentis isn't made with concentric optical layers as say the Symfony so there's absolutely no glare at night.  Us persons who had poor vision in our previous life have to be extra careful and diligent in annual checkups since we are prone to lattice degeneration and detached retina.  How's your vision?

Cheers,

Eye-Kan-Now-Sea

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Hi EKS, Congrats on your superb vision. It appears you have good choices of lenses in Europe.

@britkennels, I read that the German Oculentis Mplus or Symfony lens is preferred by surgeons to achieve micro-monovision. The same source mentions that 'glare and haloes around bright light' occur less often with the Oculentis Mplus and Symfony lenses. It even recommends that: "If your’re a taxi driver that drives at night for work the Symfony or Mplus lens may be the best option for you with occasional use of reading glasses."  

@Knight-Hawk, a YouTube video entitled "Symfony Lens" published on Oct-1-2017 by Steven Solomon, mentions about the glare and halos starting at 3:15 (of 8:34) point.

If anyone wants links to the above article and video, let me know so I can msg you.

 

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Hi EKS & Jantje:

I'm so happy to read of your outcome, EKS. Since you sound very similar to me, it truly helps lessen the fear factor. I'm actually in Mexico (retiree), so I have options that aren't available in the US. I'm going w/the Zeiss trifocal -- one will be for astigmatism.

While hubby was the poster child for everything going well, I know my recovery will probably be a bit slower. He has the Zeiss and couldn't be happier. The halos/glares may be an issue, but my vision isn't rainbows and unicorns with contacts, so I am willing to accept it probably won't be perfect.

If I am honest, I would admit why I'm having such a hard time with this. When I was seriously considering Crystalens all those years ago, my mom, an RN, asked me why I'd want to have surgery on perfectly healthy eyes. That has haunted me ever since, so the thought of trusting my vision to a surgeon (albeit a very, very good one), is hard.

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Hi britkennels, All the best on your coming procedure on the 22nd. Rest your eye(s) and follow religiously all the post-Op instructions.

I regret now that I turned on the TV and the computer on the same day following my cataract surgery, because I was sooo cocky.

 

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Hi britkennels, All the best on your coming procedure on the 22nd. Rest your eye(s) and follow religiously all the post-Op instructions. [smile]

I regret now that I turned on the TV and the computer on the same day following my cataract surgery, because I was sooo cocky.

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Thanks so much, jantje. That really means a lot! I promise to faithfully follow the doc's instructions...plus not try to do too much too soon ( but I know that's easier said than done).