Was diagnosed with a cataract, but I think it might be something else.

[giddyup]

I went to Bkk/Pattaya hospital a few weeks back to have my eyes checked and the opthamologist said I had a cataract in one eye and suggested removing it. It wasn't really causing me any real problems, the eye was a little blurry occasionally, that's all. However, today I was experiencing bright flashes in that eye and now I have what I can only describe as a horseshoe shaped "floater" in that eye. I did a little research and they talk about retinal detachment having the same symptoms, which is a bit of a worry. I guess another examination is the only answer, but I would have thought the opthamologist would have picked up on something other than a cataract.

[carlyai]

Second opinion needed mate. I'm no Dr. but wouldn't retinal detachment cause loss of vision in that eye? Did you hit your head hard on something?

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[Swiss1960]

"doing research" instead of rushing back to the hospital... playing with your eyesight...

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[giddyup]

3 minutes ago, Swiss1960 said:

"doing research" instead of rushing back to the hospital... playing with your eyesight...

Sent from my HTC 10 using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app
 

The symptoms only appeared today, making appointment for tomorrow if possible. Hardly "playing with my eyesight".

[ubonjoe]

Flashes of light are a symptom of a cataract along with blurry vision.

When I went to the doctor last year for blurry vision in one eye the doctor found the cataract and showed me a picture of it.

[giddyup]

6 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

Flashes of light are a symptom of a cataract along with blurry vision.

When I went to the doctor last year for blurry vision in one eye the doctor found the cataract and showed me a picture of it.

I read where the flashes are common after cataract surgery, but not before. I have made an appointment for 10.30 tomorrow with a different doctor for a second opinion.

[Flustered]

The bright flash is indicative of a torn retina and you need treatment ASAP.

 

I had the same problem even down to the floater. The floater is only small flecks of a protein called collagen but there is nothing you can do about them. After a while, your brain blocks them out of your vision even though they are there.

 

See an opthalmologist as soon as you can, this is a serious condition. I was admitted for laser surgery immediately and it only took 30 minutes to seal the tear and prevent further damage. Once a retina becomes detached, you are in big trouble.

[giddyup]

30 minutes ago, Flustered said:

The bright flash is indicative of a torn retina and you need treatment ASAP.

 

I had the same problem even down to the floater. The floater is only small flecks of a protein called collagen but there is nothing you can do about them. After a while, your brain blocks them out of your vision even though they are there.

 

See an opthalmologist as soon as you can, this is a serious condition. I was admitted for laser surgery immediately and it only took 30 minutes to seal the tear and prevent further damage. Once a retina becomes detached, you are in big trouble.

Have an appointment at 10.30 tomorrow morning at the hospital.

[Sheryl]

First of all, there is no need to remove a cataract which is not bothering you. Cataracts should be removed only when they impair with your vision to an extent that interefers with your daily life. That the doctor suggested removal now is reason enough to doubt his ethics and avoid him in future (to be blunt).

 

Secondly,  whether or not they would have found a problem such as partial retinal detachment  depends entirely ion how comprehensive the exam was.

 

While flashes of light can occur in retinal detachment they are also not uncommon in people without serious eye pathology especially if infrequent. Floaters ditto. However any sudden occurrence of frequent light flashes and new floaters merits being checked out, as these will sometimes be indications of retinal detachment or other problem.

 

I know you are getting a second opinion at the same hospital, which is fine but if there is any remaining doubt I would urge you to come to Bangkok and be seen at Rutnin Eeye Hospital.

[giddyup]

1 hour ago, Sheryl said:

First of all, there is no need to remove a cataract which is not bothering you. Cataracts should be removed only when they impair with your vision to an extent that interefers with your daily life. That the doctor suggested removal now is reason enough to doubt his ethics and avoid him in future (to be blunt).

 

Secondly,  whether or not they would have found a problem such as partial retinal detachment  depends entirely ion how comprehensive the exam was.

 

While flashes of light can occur in retinal detachment they are also not uncommon in people without serious eye pathology especially if infrequent. Floaters ditto. However any sudden occurrence of frequent light flashes and new floaters merits being checked out, as these will sometimes be indications of retinal detachment or other problem.

 

I know you are getting a second opinion at the same hospital, which is fine but if there is any remaining doubt I would urge you to come to Bangkok and be seen at Rutnin Eeye Hospital.

Thanks Sheryl, I'll see what the doc has to say tomorrow, but maybe a trip to the Eye Hospital might be in order. I take it that it is a private hospital?

[perthperson]

21 minutes ago, giddyup said:

Thanks Sheryl, I'll see what the doc has to say tomorrow, but maybe a trip to the Eye Hospital might be in order. I take it that it is a private hospital?

"Rutnin Hospital has been the leading pioneer in ophthalmology in Thailand for the past 5 decades. It is a private institution where professional ophthalmologists can offer all branches of optic care. We specialize in every vision ailments and we are experienced in providing the highest standards of optical remedies to both domestic and international patients who seek the best services in this region."

 

http://www.rutnin.com/en/about/

 

 

[geriatrickid]

Short Answer: Know what  your  vision quality is first. If a serious impairment, i.e. astigmatism, or with an underlying condition, pre-existing optic nerve damage , an advanced medical facility outside of Thailand is recommended. Thailand is fine for basic non complex lens replacement.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Keep in mind that the removal of a cataract  comes with a physical cost: You lose your ability to focus. If there is no  significant deterioration of vision, especially night vision, it is best to leave it alone for as long as possible.  

 

Replacement of the lens  has a significant benefit for those who have a serious visual impairment previously as it now allows for the correction of astigmatism. This is a development that has only become available in  the west in the past 3 years and it works brilliantly. However, it requires multiple calculations and a battery of tests.  Even at the most advanced eye care facilities, it can require a  second surgery to rotate the lens .  I followed one case closely and despite the need to redo the work, the results were fantastic. The patient  has near perfect  distance vision in one eye. The drawback is that the calculations are so sensitive that if one is off by a degree or so, one does not have the intended result. This then brings me to the point that you had best know what your visual condition is and what you wish to achieve.

 

Not all lens replacement is the same. If you had decent vision  prior to the cataract, then the  need to use a state of the art facility is unimportant  as a standard off the shelf lens will suffice. It corrects the surface geometry of the eye but not the astigmatism. However, if you have a more complex defect then I would counsel against using a Thai hospital.

 

A specialty lens has to be manufactured to specifications and when it comes to precision, Thai facilities are not in the top tier. This isn't a swipe against Thailand as  there are only a small number of manufacturers in the world who can  manufacture the specialty lenses with a high reliability and one  goes where there is a market.  If you have a need for an advanced lens, especially for astigmatism, please consider a facility in the EU , Australia, Japan, Canada or USA.  Even in those locales, there are not many doctors who are able to do the calculations, despite the software now available. This was explained to me as the eye characteristics are not identified with 100% accuracy by the testing equipment, especially if it is a thick cataract. One needs the experience and advanced training to have the ability to  sense and anticipate what to expect.  everything will depend upon the correction you need.

 

 

 

[lopburi3]

My single vision lens from Vejthani Hospital in Thailand two year ago were made in USA by Abbott so suspect most lens used here are imported.  

[perthperson]

I think the list includes all intra-occular lens manufactures with the exception of those based in India.

 

http://www.opticuk.org/normal.asp?pageid=62

[Sheryl]

Please let us stay on topic as from what OP says his cataracts are earlt and not in need of removal anytime soon. The issue is flashes of light and new emergence of floaters.

OP: Rutnin is private but less ecpensive than places like Bumrungrad etc. Pricing on par withid range private Thai hospital. Specializing in eye only.

Your check up today shpuld include eye drops to dilate the pupils to allow visualization of retina (the kind where you need sunglasses for several hours after and can't drive).

[giddyup]

1 minute ago, Sheryl said:

Please let us stay on topic as from what OP says his cataracts are earlt and not in need of removal anytime soon. The issue is flashes of light and new emergence of floaters.

OP: Rutnin is private but less ecpensive than places like Bumrungrad etc. Pricing on par withid range private Thai hospital. Specializing in eye only.

Your check up today shpuld include eye drops to dilate the pupils to allow visualization of retina (the kind where you need sunglasses for several hours after and can't drive).

I had the eye drops for the first examination, but there was no mention of any other problem than the cataracts. I'm seeing a different doctor today, see what he has to say.

[giddyup]

Just got back from Bkk/Pattaya hospital after eye checkup. which I have to say was much more thorough than the first one. A doctor Attaporn Suwannik performed the examination and she said there is some degeneration of the retina, consistent with my age, but otherwise everything was normal. No mention of any cataract, so it makes me wonder if the previous doctor was just drumming up business. Pretty sad if that's the case, performing and charging for unnecessary procedures. The doctor asked me to come back in a couple of weeks to check that there are no changes.

[Sheryl]

Glad to hear it.

She may not have mentiobed the cataracts because they are early, and don't explain the symptoms.

Past a certain age most of us have cataracts. But as explained they only need treatment until they seriously interfere with vision...which never occurs quickly.

[i claudius]

Try queen Sirikit i Satahip its the navy hospital far cheaper and you get the same docs as in private hospital just not seen as quickly .been going for years.
Ps
I to was told i needed a cataract operation here in Pattaya straight away .that was 3 years ago still dont need it

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[giddyup]

1 hour ago, Sheryl said:

Glad to hear it.

She may not have mentiobed the cataracts because they are early, and don't explain the symptoms.

Past a certain age most of us have cataracts. But as explained they only need treatment until they seriously interfere with vision...which never occurs quickly.
 

Only one thing I forgot to ask, which I can do next time, is why that eye gets watery quite often. I used to think it was the fan blowing on my face at night, but I make sure that doesn't happen now, but I still get problem with that eye getting "weepy".

[giddyup]

2 minutes ago, i claudius said:

Try queen Sirikit i Satahip its the navy hospital far cheaper and you get the same docs as in private hospital just not seen as quickly .been going for years.
Ps
I to was told i needed a cataract operation here in Pattaya straight away .that was 3 years ago still dont need it

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All the tests and examination cost me 1600 baht today. By the time I drive to Queen Sirikit both ways, sit in a waiting room all day, I think it's probably worth spending the extra. If I needed a serious operation I'd certainly consider it though.

[transam]

I had the flashing light thing and was rushed to St.Thomas's hospital in London where they repaired the detachment...Retina when starts detaching can just carry on acting like stripping wallpaper, you go blind...Time is the essence to fix it early..

But I did have a small black spot in the corner of my eye, that was the detachment..So, move your eye as far as possible slowly  in all directions looking for a spot that light isn't providing vision...

[giddyup]

1 hour ago, transam said:

I had the flashing light thing and was rushed to St.Thomas's hospital in London where they repaired the detachment...Retina when starts detaching can just carry on acting like stripping wallpaper, you go blind...Time is the essence to fix it early..

But I did have a small black spot in the corner of my eye, that was the detachment..So, move your eye as far as possible slowly  in all directions looking for a spot that light isn't providing vision...

The specialist at Bkk/Pattaya hospital spent quite a while examining and testing the problem eye. No mention of retinal detachment. She had me rotate that eye 360 degrees, up and down and sideways, all under magnification, and couldn't find anything serious. As I said, I go back for a follow-up in 2 weeks just to monitor any changes.

[Flustered]

Eyes are a very worrying thing. It is very easy to ignore problems in the hope they will go away.

 

Your floater will never go away, it may sink down to the bottom of the eye but your brain will learn to ignore it and you will not notice you have one (or two).

 

The flashing light is another issue. When I had my flash, it was when I turned my head quickly and my GP could not see anything wrong. I went to an "old school" optometrist who took over one hour examining my eye and immediately sent me to the Hull Eye Hospital where they spent another hour doing tests and then actually placing a magnifying lens on my eye and examining it in depth. It turned out that I had a tear in the upper left corner of the retina that was almost impossible to see. They then used laser surgery to seal the tear. They were amazed that the optometrist spotted it and said I was very lucky as (per Transam) it could have begun to tear like stripping wall paper.

 

If your flashing lights continue you must see an opthalmologist and not an optometrist. These are doctors who specialise in eye surgery.

 

Good luck.

[lopburi3]

22 minutes ago, Flustered said:

If your flashing lights continue you must see an opthalmologist and not an optometrist. These are doctors who specialise in eye surgery.

 

Am sure he has been consulting ophthalmologists as in hospital (they do most eye exams here) - there are very few optometrists in Thailand (as it is a new profession) and they would more likely be found at outside eye clinics.

[giddyup]

11 minutes ago, lopburi3 said:

Am sure he has been consulting ophthalmologists as in hospital (they do most eye exams here) - there are very few optometrists in Thailand (as it is a new profession) and they would more likely be found at outside eye clinics.

Correct, specialist at Bkk/Pattaya hospital.

[giddyup]

Your floater will never go away, it may sink down to the bottom of the eye but your brain will learn to ignore it and you will not notice you have one (or two).

 

How long does it take for your brain to learn to ignore it? The large horseshoe shaped floater that appeared a couple of days ago is still annoyingly obvious.

[transam]

9 minutes ago, giddyup said:

Your floater will never go away, it may sink down to the bottom of the eye but your brain will learn to ignore it and you will not notice you have one (or two).

 

How long does it take for your brain to learn to ignore it? The large horseshoe shaped floater that appeared a couple of days ago is still annoyingly obvious.

Both my eyes are full of them, been there for 20 years and still pisses me off...

[Sheryl]

I had this (large floater) and it took maybe 2-3 weeks after I saw opthalmologist and was told it was nothing (before that one is naturally hyper aware). Mine was large but indeed my brain did learn to ignore it. I can still see it if I try but 95% of the time am completely unaware.

 

 

[transam]

2 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

I had this (large floater) and it took maybe 2-3 werks after I saw opthalmologist and was tolf it was nothing (before that one is naturally hyper aware). Mine was large but indeed my brain did learn to ignore it. I can still see it if I try but 95% of the time am completely unaware.

 

 

I have some floaters that are clear and some that are a coffee colour, the latter I have to flick my eye to move them out the way. I had the Ret op in 2001, they said sorry could do nothing with the floaters, you have a plastic clip attached to the back of your eye which we can take  off at a later date if you want. We did stuff to your other eye too (don't know what cos there were no stitches on that eye), and you will have cataracts as you get older. They were right there. Oh, the plastic clip is still in place, l don't know it's there so thought leave well alone, plus it might affect my singing voice if it was removed....