I've recently undergone cataract surgery. The first eye was done with a multifocal Toric lens 12/21/2017. The second eye was done with just a mutlfdocal lens 12/28/2017. So far it has been a rollercoaster ride of recovery. Horrible vision, no clarity at any distance, and when lowering the dose of prednisone drops, eye strain/pain and light sensitivity to the point it woke me up at 5am, only to wear sunglasses in the house to get to my drops and ibuprofen.
Dr finally changed steroid drops to durezol after the third episode, and thankfully I have survived the transition this weekend. To recap: My first follow up on first eye the day after surgery left me confused, and I was asked to return the next business day (Tuesday after xmas) where it was mentioned that the wrong power was installed and a swap might be in the future but dr wanted to "wait and see' and was confident that second procedure would be successful, so I went ahead. Second eye follow up the following day gave me much more clarity at a distance than the first eye, but then again, there was little to correct distance wise prior and I had no astigmatism in that eye. No close up vision was clear. So, here I am a month out from first procedure, and there is little improvement in first eye. dr says, we may not need to replace that IOL after all. But now since the reduction of prednisone has caused a flare up, my vision that was better in second eye has gotten much worse. My next follow up is in two weeks, the new dose of durezol will end the night before this visit.The mention of a lasik enhancement has re-entered the conversation. From what I am understanding, Im a slow healer, this is new for me, and that any further procedure would have to wait at least 90 days. This is frustrating to say the least, everything being out of focus, readers do not help to define either. So this limbo stage is expected?? Anyone else experience this type of recovery? And if so, how did you cope?
When you say multifocal, what brand and type?
Does the doctor know for sure whether wrong power lens was installed?
I fail to understand why surgeons would wait only one week between these operations. In my view that is not enough time to allow the first eye to stabilise and in order to compensate and adjust measurements for the second eye resulting from any deviation in the results of the first.
Recovery does take time, both physical healing and for the brain to adapt. I hope there is a more positive outcome for you over the coming months.
acrysof IQ restor multifocal toric IOL 20.5 D 1.5 cyl +2.5add lens in first eye...acrysof IQ restor multifocal 20.5 D +2.5 add lens in second eye ...and the dr says i might adjust to the wrong power installed...calculations for cataract after lasik are difficult at best, even with medical records.
In my previous reading most surgeons recommend a monofocal iol with patients that have had prior lasik surgery- mainly as lens power is more difficult to determine.
I too find it hard to nderstand why only a week between surgeries. For a lot of people it can take 3 or 4 weeks for eyes to stabilize.
Wow, sure sounds like a bummer. I had lasik in the late 90s. I just had cataract surgery using the Femtosecond laser and standard, monofocal IOLs. I was told because of the prior lasik, I wasn't good candidate for multifocal IOLs. If you keep having problems, I would get a second opinion.
Hi Julielyn
Golly I hear you, sounds like a LOT I've been through and still going through..(7 MONTHS) way to long and sure wasn't what I envisioned cataract surgery was going to be like afterwards. I finally went to a cornea specialist because even my dr and his associate didn't know what to do for me any longer. I have had laser surgery on both afterwards because of scar tissue. Been on 12 different types of eye drops and Costly also. (about 600.00 out of my pocket that isn't covered by insurance). I actually had amniotic membrane (bandaid procedure) on right eye on Nov 29,2017 and no improvement. Then on Dec 13, 2017 did the amniotic membrane done to left eye and within TWO DAYS---improvement and can see distance better and clearly. Back to cornea specialist on Jan 5 2018 and had plugs inserted into tear ducts to see if it will help my extremely dry eyes. They fell out about 7 hours later and called Dr back on Monday the 8th of Jan and was told to come in again. Inserted new plugs (the ones Friday he inserted were too small and why they fell out) since then still have the plugs in.
I go back on Feb 2 to see what next plan is. If I could see as well with my Right eye as my left I would feel more comfortable. I am almost to the point of asking for bifocal glasses again so I can see better and without having to keep flipping off and on glasses.
NEVER thought I would be going through all this.
I am 69 years old -- so I know it could be my age, we tend to be slower in healing. But I know so many that have had cataract surgery with NO ISSUES and everything is well.
I have lots of issues and side effects with medications and also now I know I have it with eye drops too. Been told it takes time--well you would think about 7 months things should have improved by now. My dr even talked about possible cornea transplant; and honestly I don't think I want to go that route. My eyes are too precious. I have had about 4 times of being so FRUSTRATED, but I keep thinking it will get better. I have my Faith and many praying for me!
I don't know why they do cataract surgeries just a week apart. Most people it is usually 3 to 4 weeks later or longer to make sure eye is completely healed and adjusted.
My first was June 14,2017 and second was Aug 16, 2017.
I am almost to the point of getting another opinion, but some dr will not see you until you are released from one or given a referral to another.
So good luck and keep in touch. Praying for you Julielyn
My name is Charlene and I live in St Peters MO
Update: went back to dr for 2 week follow up after switching steroid drug. So far no issues with durezol. ( thank god) my first eye is within .50 diopter so dr says he’s happy ( although it is not clear vision, I’m not happy yet) left eye is still “out of whack” for a lack of better words. Ever since the episode of pain/strain of prednisone drop reduction, sight in left eye has not improved. Dr recommendation: another visit in one week to verify no change after being drug free, then lens exchange for proper power lens in left eye. And possibly PRK to dial me into crisp clear vision.
Had I gone to sighttrust in sawgrass fl, both eyes would have been done on the same day!! I am now in agreement with others that second surgery should wait if possible ( I would have had mono vision and although I attempted to wear mono vision contacts I could only stand it for about 5 hrs—not sure if that would have been better) the dr over compensated the second eye power because the right ( first) eye hadn’t settled yet. My initial readings were 1.5-1.75 off now down to .5 off. Keeping fingers crossed that I’m still able to improve with multifocal toric lens.
To sum up, patience is the key for my recovery. And I now know that prednisone causes a negative reaction in me. Grateful to have a plan, praying that it pans out.
Thank you for all the responses
Sorry to hear you're having so many problems. I had Lasik 15 years ago and cataract surgery recently with non-toric monofocals set for distance. I can see great at all distances without glasses, except for reading tiny print or for extended periods of time reading up close (like an entire book). I only have a small amount of astigmatism in one eye, but personally I would have refused toric lenses if I was told I needed them due to things that can go wrong with them. I'll send you a private message.
Julielyn, After 7 1/2 months my right eye still does not see distance clearly like I thought I would by now. Left eye has improved after I had Amniotic membrane done---2 days later I was able to see distance CLEAR! My right eye there was no change doing the Amniotic membrane. I go back to my Dr this Friday Feb 2. Not sure what next plan is at this moment. Jan 5, 2018 I had plugs inserted into my eyes to help with the halo's and bursting. I still have the halos and I think they have improved somewhat. Plugs were inserted because of my extreme dry eyes to see if this helps. If so I will have permanent plugs inserted. So waiting to see what happens on Friday. I have to use readers to read, because even my closeness is not what I was expecting. It does get frustrating, just wanting answers and to see CLEARLY!
Charlene
Many people who didn't have LASIK and got multifocals have problems and need to have them removed. That might be your best bet to have them removed.
Same goes for toric IOLs since they can rotate in the eye. So you have multifocals that are toric and both things can be problematic.
I got standard non-toric monofocals set for distance after LASIK with no records from my LASIK procedure that was done 15 years ago and my cataract surgery turned out great. I only need glasses for teeny tiny print or for extended reading of close-up print. I never need glasses for intermediate distances like seeing my speedometer, watching TV, eating my food, putting on makeup, etc. and never for far distances either.
I have mild irregular astigmatism in one eye due to the LASIK procedure (a minor complication, but some people get worse complications than that), but I personally would not have gotten toric IOLs if I had worse astigmatism or let them do limbal relaxing incisions on me either due to the possibility of complications that may or may not be able to be corrected easily or at all.
It’s been a weekly check up since surgery. And I see a lot of fluctuations. One day the right eye is clearer and the left eye goes blurry and then the next day or a few days later it reverses. Seems like a battle of dominate eye is really heating up.
I had another follow up with dr yesterday. Vision is returning from left eye flare up from last week. My flare ups consist of redness light sensitivity and pain. The reintroduction of steroid drops remedied this. One drop for three days. I was fortunate that the flare up started about 1pm after doing computer work for @15mins and my dr appointment was at 3:30 so by the time I arrived I was in full force of the flare up. Once I returned home ( hour+ drive) I started the drops. The next day things were back to normal and the third day I didn’t think drops were necessary but I followed instructions. So yesterday was my follow up for that.
We have decided to postpone exchange surgery until after my vacation and dr vacation. So I won’t be going back in for 6 weeks and hopefully during that time no flare ups or complications will arise. I have been prescribed glasses for the time being. This by no means an acceptable outcome—only a temporary solution. I chose only to accept reading glasses at this time. If a flare up occurs. I follow the procedure used in the past one drop of steroid for three days.
I’m taking it one day at a time. Some days are good visual days others are not. We are also trying “natural tears” to see if dry eye is a problem. I live in an environmentally controlled home ( ac set at 72 degrees) and I work outdoors all day in a humid environment.( south Florida) so I can see where the use of over the counter preservative free eye drops could help.
Doing my best to be patient and wait out the healing process.
My reading glasses will be +1.75 in left and +2.0 in right.
90 day follow up completed Wednesday. We will be scheduling an iol exchange in right eye. The specifics are not solid yet, ORA will be used and also I will not be charged $$ for the exchange. What’s interesting is, the right eye was the first operation, it was underpowered. The left eye was done one week later and is now 1.00 over powered. No wonder I’ve been having problems with depth perception!! The dr is suggesting PRK following exchange to clear everything up, not lasik as PRK is less risky. Glad to be moving on
Well it’s certainly welcome news to know you won’t be out of pocket. Sounds like the doctor really erred on the calculation. Does he know what went wrong so as not to make same mistake? Sure hope so and you soon experience relief with better vision. Best of luck to you.
When I went for my second opinion, the dr stated that original dr did the best he could. Remember I am a previous lasik patient. Even with all measurements and former medical paperwork, us lasik patients have a challenge ahead of us. That last measurement needed for ideal vision is basically a crap shoot. Lasik enhancement or PRK will be the follow up since I have shadowing/double vision per eye. And yes yag is also on the agenda. That second cataract formed almost instantly.
My best advice for those following this thread...please start using dry eye remedy ASAP!!!
Thanks for posting your experience and valuable advice. Hope your vision is on the mend soon.
I had my 2nd cataract surgery 6 months ago, and my husband had both his eyes done in 2016. We both are very pleased with our results, which bring us to the question if all the ophthalmologists not using the same measuring & calculation equipment? We paid out-of-pocket a "specific measurement and calculation fee" ($200/per eye for me and $950/per eye for him), and the operation is covered by MSP (BC, Canada). My husband mentioned that he is more than willing to pay for that fee, knowing that our eye/laser surgeon employs competent ophthalmic technologists and has advanced hi-tech machines.
I may be wrong but I thought if you could provide your pre-lasik measurements the surgeon could do a much better job of calculating the lens power. Thought I had read that someplace.
Clearly not sue. Especially in my case. The dr said even with the measurements it still was not 100% accurate.