Catract removal and 'floaters'

[Speedo1968]

Had cataract surgery a week ago ( ultra sound ), and a new lens fitted.   The eye itself is in good condition.

I am very pleased with the care, attention and information discussed by all staff at all stages of my examination and surgery, especially during the operation itself.

The cost of the op was far less than I expected.

Note - I have high and varying blood pressure, treating for some years and even with meds it continues to vary.

I was given an additional medication prior to surgery to reduce my blood pressure.

 

Before surgery I had one floater for a couple of years, it appeared suddenly, brown in colour and noticeable, at least to me.

A few days after surgery the original floater is either still there but smaller or, the old one has gone and in it's place a smaller one.

There were also many tiny bright pink / glittering white floaters, these have now darkened in colour.

Due to blood pressure bleeding was more than normal but in the past 5 days has lessened.

I asked the doctor and she said that this may / can happen with older people especially those with HBP.

 

Has anyone had a similar experience ?

 

 

[transam]

There is a risk of retina detachment after a lens job, I have the T-shirt. I would go and get your retina looked at as you have "bright glittery" things...Just to be sure....

[Smokegreynblues]

I hope you are not taking any advice from people on the internet. However, after a catract surgery, there is indeed a chance of retinal detachment. It can happen in between a few months to 14 years. Older patients might be at risk due to risk associated with blood pressure among many other factors. The chance of detachment is 1.4 percent , it still does indeed happen. If there is no retinal tear indicated by the doctor, you can take it easy for now and get it checked periodically. A retinal tear caught early may be fixed. If there is an increase in floaters,( For example like a flurry or a shower of floaters) instantly in a short span of time , immediately check for retinal tear. My father had to go through this and lost vision in one eye. The best advice someone gave was to seek out medical opinion, and keep up the periodic followup checks.

Edited May 7, 2020 by Smokegreynblues

[transam]

10 minutes ago, Smokegreynblues said:

I hope you are not taking any advice from people on the internet. However, after a catract surgery, there is indeed a chance of retinal detachment. It can happen in between a few months to 14 years. Older patients might be at risk due to risk associated with blood pressure among many other factors. The chance of detachment is 1.4 percent , it still does indeed happen. If there is no retinal tear indicated by the doctor, you can take it easy for now and get it checked periodically. A retinal tear caught early may be fixed. If there is an increase in floaters,( For example like a flurry or a shower of floaters) instantly in a short span of time , immediately check for retinal tear. My father had to go through this and lost vision in one eye. The best advice someone gave was to seek out medical opinion, and keep up the periodic followup checks.

My detachment started about 2 weeks after the lens job..????

[Sheryl]

The " many tiny bright pink / glittering white floaters" is rather worrisome, I would get a second opinion just to be on the safe side. Make sure it includes examination of your retina (using drops to dilate the eye first)

[Speedo1968]

15 hours ago, transam said:

There is a risk of retina detachment after a lens job, I have the T-shirt. I would go and get your retina looked at as you have "bright glittery" things...Just to be sure....

Thanks for that.

I noticed the floaters about 3 days after surgery, had been told that the preexisting floater would probably disappear following surgery.
I had my 7 day checkup yesterday at the hospital, was told that floaters are partially due to age ( ! ? ), and bleeding due to high blood pressure at the time preceding and during the op ( I was given something to rapidly reduce BP to 135 ).

My general eye condition is very good, they had to order a special lens, ultra sound was used so no stitches, cutting depth was only 2mm.

Someone comes to my home to clean my eyes and give drops according to the hospital program.

However, will see how it goes for the next couple of days, if still an issue will go back to hospital.
Unfortunately I have no transport of my own, obviously no buses and the train service which I normally use has been stopped since May 3rd.

 

[Speedo1968]

15 hours ago, Smokegreynblues said:

I hope you are not taking any advice from people on the internet. However, after a catract surgery, there is indeed a chance of retinal detachment. It can happen in between a few months to 14 years. Older patients might be at risk due to risk associated with blood pressure among many other factors. The chance of detachment is 1.4 percent , it still does indeed happen. If there is no retinal tear indicated by the doctor, you can take it easy for now and get it checked periodically. A retinal tear caught early may be fixed. If there is an increase in floaters,( For example like a flurry or a shower of floaters) instantly in a short span of time , immediately check for retinal tear. My father had to go through this and lost vision in one eye. The best advice someone gave was to seek out medical opinion, and keep up the periodic followup checks.

Thanks for your comments.

Sorry to hear about your fathers loss of vision.
I am in my 70's and have HBP normally controlled but spiked before and during the op.  Medication was given to bring it down to 135.

This probably caused some extra bleeding but this is clearing slowly.

I have had a very low heart rate for years which has never caused a problem and remains low even when stressed.
Yes there was a flurry of floaters from day 3/4 after the op, returned for the 7 day check and discussed with doctor.     No retinal tear.

 

[Speedo1968]

15 hours ago, Sheryl said:

The " many tiny bright pink / glittering white floaters" is rather worrisome, I would get a second opinion just to be on the safe side. Make sure it includes examination of your retina (using drops to dilate the eye first)

Thanks Sheryl.
Yes it was / is worrisome to me.    I had the 7 day check and eye dilation, pressure check, picture.

Perhaps the medication to reduce my blood pressure quickly ( it had been slowly reducing during prep ) should have been given before and not during the op ?
I had ultra sound treatment therefore no stitches, cut was only 2mm deep.

Had hoped that floaters were being caused by blood in the eye and that they would disappear, they seem less but colour changed from pink to brownish.
A friend is coming many times a day to clean my eye and give drops etc.

My next check is after one month, If it's still bad over the next couple of days I will try and cadge a lift ( again ) to Khon Kaen.
 

[transam]

2 hours ago, Speedo1968 said:

Thanks Sheryl.
Yes it was / is worrisome to me.    I had the 7 day check and eye dilation, pressure check, picture.

Perhaps the medication to reduce my blood pressure quickly ( it had been slowly reducing during prep ) should have been given before and not during the op ?
I had ultra sound treatment therefore no stitches, cut was only 2mm deep.

Had hoped that floaters were being caused by blood in the eye and that they would disappear, they seem less but colour changed from pink to brownish.
A friend is coming many times a day to clean my eye and give drops etc.

My next check is after one month, If it's still bad over the next couple of days I will try and cadge a lift ( again ) to Khon Kaen.
 

I had a retina detach back in 2001, they said sorry we couldn't do anything about your floaters, and you will need new lens's when you get older. How true, Dec 2018 had one done on my good eye, then Feb 2019 had the other done. 

 

I went back a few times about a dark spot in the eye from the first good eye op, they said old age. Hmmmm, it got worse, went back, no nothing wrong, got worse, went back, can't see Doc for a month. Hmmmm.

 

Went to a local place (Ubon shop) where the lady had all the gear for an in depth examination.

She said, wait for it.....

 

"You have an eye fluid leak that is working its way behind your retina, that is why the spot has got bigger, you will have to go to BKK, it is the only place I know of that can have a go at that, the hospital that did the cataracts do not have the expertise."....????

 

Jumped on a plane to BKK, went to this hozzy...http://www.siphhospital.com/th/home

 

Was seen by a very nice lady, a professor in her field, perfect English, she confirmed what I had been told, but when she told me what it would probably cost I...........????

 

Anyhooo, she said there were 2 government hospitals up north that did have an expert that would have a go at it at government hospitals, and would cost a lot less, you must go and register at the hospital before they will see you. I thanked her for the info...

 

Back to Ubon, looked on the PC to find out the hozzy locations, Khon Kaen seemed the best option. 

 

So, five hour drive to a KK hotel, up early to queue up at the hozzy, long story, saw the professor 9 hours later that day.....???? (hope you're enjoying my tale).

 

Again, a very nice chap that spoke perfect English...He said.....

 

"Looks like you have two leaks, do you want me to fix it tonight, about 10pm"....????

 

"Yes please"..

 

"I have booked you a room in our posh wing for four days, and a parking space, go get your gear, they are waiting for you"......I am one happy bunny.....

 

Had the op, with local anesthetic,  he recommended it as no recovery time, but might be painful if freezing was used, he used laser and freezing, painful..

 

He had to remove most of the fluid from my eye and replace with gas, which meant that I had to lay, sleep, face down for near 2 weeks.......????

 

BUT, it was all worth it, he did a good job, one year on and am still OK, fingers crossed.

 

PS. The best thing about removing the fluid from my eye was it also removed all the floaters, I still have none in that eye......

 

Oh, the total cost was about a third of the BKK hozzy......

 

 

 

 

 

[Speedo1968]

1 hour ago, transam said:

I had a retina detach back in 2001, they said sorry we couldn't do anything about your floaters, and you will need new lens's when you get older. How true, Dec 2018 had one done on my good eye, then Feb 2019 had the other done. 

 

I went back a few times about a dark spot in the eye from the first good eye op, they said old age. Hmmmm, it got worse, went back, no nothing wrong, got worse, went back, can't see Doc for a month. Hmmmm.

 

Went to a local place (Ubon shop) where the lady had all the gear for an in depth examination.

She said, wait for it.....

 

"You have an eye fluid leak that is working its way behind your retina, that is why the spot has got bigger, you will have to go to BKK, it is the only place I know of that can have a go at that, the hospital that did the cataracts do not have the expertise."....????

 

Jumped on a plane to BKK, went to this hozzy...http://www.siphhospital.com/th/home

 

Was seen by a very nice lady, a professor in her field, perfect English, she confirmed what I had been told, but when she told me what it would probably cost I...........????

 

Anyhooo, she said there were 2 government hospitals up north that did have an expert that would have a go at it at government hospitals, and would cost a lot less, you must go and register at the hospital before they will see you. I thanked her for the info...

 

Back to Ubon, looked on the PC to find out the hozzy locations, Khon Kaen seemed the best option. 

 

So, five hour drive to a KK hotel, up early to queue up at the hozzy, long story, saw the professor 9 hours later that day.....???? (hope you're enjoying my tale).

 

Again, a very nice chap that spoke perfect English...He said.....

 

"Looks like you have two leaks, do you want me to fix it tonight, about 10pm"....????

 

"Yes please"..

 

"I have booked you a room in our posh wing for four days, and a parking space, go get your gear, they are waiting for you"......I am one happy bunny.....

 

Had the op, with local anesthetic,  he recommended it as no recovery time, but might be painful if freezing was used, he used laser and freezing, painful..

 

He had to remove most of the fluid from my eye and replace with gas, which meant that I had to lay, sleep, face down for near 2 weeks.......????

 

BUT, it was all worth it, he did a good job, one year on and am still OK, fingers crossed.

 

PS. The best thing about removing the fluid from my eye was it also removed all the floaters, I still have none in that eye......

 

Oh, the total cost was about a third of the BKK hozzy......

 

 

 

 

 

I have to sleep on my back for around a month, depending on surgery position of sleeping will obviously be different.      The hardest part is trying not to move eye position when doing practical things like sweeping the floor etc.

The hospital I went to was in KK, newish and excellent facilities and spoken English.
The price I paid was around half of that of a local specialist hospital.

Part is my fault for not returning following a check some three years earlier.

[Sheryl]

5 hours ago, Speedo1968 said:

Thanks Sheryl.
Yes it was / is worrisome to me.    I had the 7 day check and eye dilation, pressure check, picture.

Perhaps the medication to reduce my blood pressure quickly ( it had been slowly reducing during prep ) should have been given before and not during the op ?
I had ultra sound treatment therefore no stitches, cut was only 2mm deep.

Had hoped that floaters were being caused by blood in the eye and that they would disappear, they seem less but colour changed from pink to brownish.
A friend is coming many times a day to clean my eye and give drops etc.

My next check is after one month, If it's still bad over the next couple of days I will try and cadge a lift ( again ) to Khon Kaen.
 

 

Please note  Transom's post and do not delay.

[Speedo1968]

1 minute ago, Sheryl said:

 

Please note  Transom's post and do not delay.

Thanks Sheryl, will see how it is tomorrow then try to get someone to take me to KK now all trains are cancelled too.

 

[transam]

50 minutes ago, Speedo1968 said:

Thanks Sheryl, will see how it is tomorrow then try to get someone to take me to KK now all trains are cancelled too.

 

The hozzy I went to in KK was........................SRINAGARIND HOSPITAL............Be warned it is very crowded, but when you get to see the last two specialists, a breath of fresh air.

Mind you, with this Corvid thing I don't know how you would get on.

The professor guy does have a small private clinic nearby, might be worth paying for a private consultation. Can't remember the guys name though. Am sure the eye clinic at the hospital will give you his clinic phone number...

 

 

[Sheryl]

2 hours ago, transam said:

The hozzy I went to in KK was........................SRINAGARIND HOSPITAL............Be warned it is very crowded, but when you get to see the last two specialists, a breath of fresh air.

Mind you, with this Corvid thing I don't know how you would get on.

The professor guy does have a small private clinic nearby, might be worth paying for a private consultation. Can't remember the guys name though. Am sure the eye clinic at the hospital will give you his clinic phone number...

 

 

They have an after hours clinic which is less crowded plus you can directly see rhe senior docs

[Speedo1968]

2 hours ago, transam said:

The hozzy I went to in KK was........................SRINAGARIND HOSPITAL............Be warned it is very crowded, but when you get to see the last two specialists, a breath of fresh air.

Mind you, with this Corvid thing I don't know how you would get on.

The professor guy does have a small private clinic nearby, might be worth paying for a private consultation. Can't remember the guys name though. Am sure the eye clinic at the hospital will give you his clinic phone number...

 

 

Mine was Bangkok Hospital.
Very quiet.   The eye department is separate, and specialist doctor and nurses.
Covid, I liked the train anyday over the bus, but trains now not running.   When I used train took TukTuk from station not a taxi with aircon.

Checking before entering hospital is good, as it should be.
There are places to eat / snack so no need to eat out.

I worked in farming most of my life so used to wearing protective gear but, its still uncomfortable.
Stopped using local hospital for BP checks and meds, have an Omron at home and bought med locally, more expensive than hospital but at this time it beats overcrowded waiting areas.   Will see in the next 3 months what the situation is.

[transam]

11 hours ago, Speedo1968 said:

Mine was Bangkok Hospital.
Very quiet.   The eye department is separate, and specialist doctor and nurses.
Covid, I liked the train anyday over the bus, but trains now not running.   When I used train took TukTuk from station not a taxi with aircon.

Checking before entering hospital is good, as it should be.
There are places to eat / snack so no need to eat out.

I worked in farming most of my life so used to wearing protective gear but, its still uncomfortable.
Stopped using local hospital for BP checks and meds, have an Omron at home and bought med locally, more expensive than hospital but at this time it beats overcrowded waiting areas.   Will see in the next 3 months what the situation is.

Remember this, a retina prob is not a waiting game, it can be a no going back prob.

 

For instance, in 2001 I had stuff going on in one eye, my friend had a chemists nearby, he said go to A&E, now, so I did, a hozzy in Sidcup, Kent.

After the exam, the consultant said... "You have a detached retina, it needs surgery NOW." 

 

"OK"....

 

He came back and Said "... Go home, pack a bag and go to St.Thomas's Hospital in London, opposite the Houses of Parliament, they are expecting you"..........????

 

At about midnight that same day I was operated on.......Near 20 years on the eye is still perfect, though I do still have a plastic buckle attached to the back of it, which I don't know is there....???? 

[Speedo1968]

FROM OP TO ALL who replied to my post.
Thank you so much to everyone who commented, shared own experiences and offered advice re my cataract operation.

 

I finally managed to get transport to the hospital yesterday Monday, no one available over weekend.

Had a full check up again with eye pressure check etc. no damage to eye or lens, no tearing of retina.

Discussed again with doctor who said that floaters happen especially with ageing.

I was given tablets of B1,6,12 probably because I am vegan.

 

I have HBP ( under treatment ), whilst at the hospital before the op I read that the op should not be carried out if BP was more than 165, mine was 185 pre op even after waiting, during initial stages of op it rang the alarm a few times at 185 I was given medication that rapidly brought it down to 135 and the op continued.

I consider starting the op when having HBP may have been a cause of excessive bleeding and can I say the 'ensuing' floaters ?     I still consider myself very lucky in having sight restored.

 

My eyesight is much much better than before when the eye could only see blurred images.

I have a smaller cataract in the left eye and may consider treatment in a few months time.

 

The most difficult thing is to stop doing things, like sweeping the floor etc.   

Perhaps the hardest is stopping yoga floor exercises ( especially body stretching ) which I took up a year or so ago to ease night cramps, these occurred following a stroke 4 years ago complicated by rhabdomyolysis which caused almost total body muscle loss.

 

Again, thank you to all.