Cataract Surgery: What to expect after surgery

You were contributor to Floaters Only Vitrectomy, as was I. As I explained in that group, my cataract surgery AND retinal tear/repair of 17 months ago caused considerably more floaters and a veil-like flag that worsened my struggles driving. I, then, had a Vitrectomy and PCO surgery this past December and the result of those has been, moderately, successful. Today, I still have a few prominent floaters and the light streaks.

You mention 2 surgeries proposed and 6 month recoveries. What are those specific surgeries? I ask because my first cataract surgery was proposed as only a couple weeks of recovery. Unfortunately, I got the torn retina and had the repair surgery and other surgeries explained. Thanks much.

@marjou Gee, 12 months is a long time to recuperate with no assurance the your vision will return to normal and allow you to drive. Have you discussed the problem of needing to drive with your doctor?
Have you checked all ride-share options in your area? Even Uber and Lyft. You might also try the Area Agency on Aging in a town near you. Explain your problem and they maybe able to help. Let us know if you have any success. Becky

If you read the floaters only vitrectomy discussion, you are probably already aware that vitrectomy is an invasive surgery. You should think carefully about it. Once, an ophthalmologist told me that he could do surgery to remove a large floater that I had not even complained about. (I no longer see him.) My point is that just because it is recommended by one MD, does not necessarily mean it's a good idea. You need to carefully weigh the risks and benefits. If at all possible, find an outstanding surgeon, even if you need to travel. I realize you are already giving careful thought, or you would not have posted here.

I had my right eye cataract done 1-5-21, later I had MDFD done, my eye lid [and under] was swollen, like excess fluid, no amount of drops or ointments has helped, at times it is swollen to my nose and I look like I have been crying for days. I had the MDFD done in my left eye and the cataract done about 3 weeks ago, I do not have the same type of swelling in that eye, I am starting to wonder if my sinus is infected, or something on the right and that is why the swelling will not go away, anyone one else with this problem?

@bobbyo The first surgery would be for floaters and gel substance removal. The second surgery for cataracts which actually I don't notice at all but I guess the first surgery would make that more noticeable.

No Uber or Lyft in this area up in the mountains, but good suggestion Area Agency on Aging. Problem is no secondary insurance to cover out of pocket expenses like this and eye surgery. Surgery would need to be done in city 3 hours away.

Here are some points I’ve picked up, mostly, in online research:
-risks appear to be less than years ago for vitrectomies. Some doctors have compared risk to that of cataract surgery. I’ve mentioned doctors Randall Wong and Jerry Sebag in previous FOV posts. Listen to there presentations/workshops, if you can.
- certain surgeons do cataract surgery and vitrectomy simultaneously. This can lower surgery cost.
Eye surgeries, like retinal repair, cataract surgery, PCO surgery, CAN CAUSE more floaters. The disruption in the caused an eye surgery can causes various “debris” to break off and show up in vitreous. As I’ve related to Mayo discussion groups, my FOV surgeon was adamant the I’d have -0- floaters after FOV. I am 6 months post surgery and have 5 or so spec floaters that are often prominent. HOWEVER, I would say I’m MUCH better than prior to the surgery.

I repeat myself a lot (from similar comments I’ve made in discussion groups) but hope it is understandable.

NO surgery is without risk and, any, is scary when involving your eyes. I don’t understand the 6-month recovery times, unless you have other eye problems that would protract the healing period.

Thank you for your post. I’m supposed to have cataract surgery this summer and I’m nervous. Your post was actually calming. Thank you

That is just so difficult for you. The Area Agency on Aging May also know of some transportation help.
Do you have any friends nearer to the hospital?
Also check with the hospital about lodging. Surely, you’re not the 1st person who lives at a great distance. They may have some solutions.
Will you try and let me know what you learn?

At 60, I developed an early cataract in my left eye and had cataract surgery with a square-edged, acrylic IOL implanted in December 2019 to correct my distance vision. Since then, in controlled settings, my distance vision is good (almost 20-20).

However, I have had peripheral “lights streaks” since the time of the surgery that are disconcerting and disappointing. Examples: Sunlight coming in window to my left causes considerable light streaks to my left. 2. Viewing approaching cars’ headlights in rearview mirror when night-driving results in splay of lights streaks. 3. Driving through Pittsburgh tunnels results in dizzying feeling caused by the streaks of the tunnel perimeter lights. In sum, if I see any leftward appearance of light it is accompanied by the light streaks.

By post-surgery reading I did, I self-diagnosed this as a positive dysphotopsia (yes, fun name) that means an unwanted image patients see after cataracr surgery. Some on-line articles by ophthalmologists have said that the use of square-edged IOLs can be the cause in and appreciable number of patients. Apparently, light reflects off the square edges and causes the lights streaks. I’ve brought this up to my top ophthalmologists and they either blow it off or posit other theories. They shrug their shoulders and tell me “I’m lucky” that it’s as good as it is and “the IOL is well-positioned.”

My questions: Has anyone in the group had a similar symptom of light streaks after cataract surgery? Has anyone had discussion of the risks/benefits of different TYPES of IOLS to be implanted (square vs round edge) with their surgeon? NOTE: I’m well past 20 months since my surgery, so I’m not figuring the symptoms will “settle down” at this late date.

I ask, even more, because my right eye cataract is advancing and I will need surgery within next year, I would think. I want to be informed as I can be and get a better result on it, if possible.

Thank you so much