Pain in eye after cataract surgery: When does it get better?

Yes, I had cataract surgery about 1 1/2 years ago. I still have pain in and around the eye ball. The surgeon says it looks perfect and nothing is wrong, (actually 2 surgeons). My optometrist says there is edema and put me on Muro128 ointment. It's otc. It helped the feeling like something is in my eye all the time but still have discomfort. I thought it was temporary but after 1 1/2 years I guess not! Don't know what to do about it. It seems like the Dr's all stick together.

It’s been about nine months since my cataract surgery, and I am having a similar issue. I have quite severe eye pain, which is triggered by light. My ophthalmologist says that everything looks fine and that my eyes are not dry. I am currently on Restasis, prolensa and other assorted over the counter drops and gels. But neither really alleviates the pain and it is really interfering with the quality of my life I have an appointment in another month for a second opinion. I’m not sure if the type of lenses makes a difference, as I had multifocal lenses implanted. What type of lenses do you have?

Hi @bluekittymom, I appreciated your posts in the discussions about map dystrophy and dry eyes. Most helpful. I wanted to get you connected with others about this ongoing pain issue you're having 9 months after cataract surgery. That's why I moved your post to this existing discussion on the same topic where members like @rnlorena @rwinney @ausmansk @dutchmanmichiel @gocy and more have shared potential solutions:
- Pain in eye after cataract surgery: When does it get better? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pain-in-eye-after-cataract-surgery-1-year/

It must be so frustrating to have total success in one eye and such painful complications in the other.

Thanks for moving my post about eye pain after cataract surgery. I have found this forum to be very helpful.

Hello @bluekittymom, welcome! Sorry to learn you're still having pain 9 months after cataract surgery. Looking at your posts I see that you had eye surgeries prior to cataract. Given the fact that your doctor says everything looks good, have you considered seeking a second opinion?

About 10 years ago, I was diagnosed with Fuchs dystrophy and needed cataract surgeries and corneal transplants. I was 43 at the time and my glasses couldn't get much stronger than they were. Blur, fogginess and poor vision impaired life and at that age I had no time for that. Life was super busy with a full- time job in management, 1 kid entering college, 1 wrapping up middle school and both played sports. Lots of need for good, active eyes! Anyhow, I chose to cram all of my surgeries into 4 months. I wanted to be back in action with work and being "Super Mom". Long story short, I ended up being left with extreme photophobia and pains that after the 1-year healing mark never resolved. Second opinions all proved my surgeries were a success and there was no evidence why I had these issues.

Having been through the eye procedures you describe it seems you understand the strain and trauma eyes go through during the process of healing and vision coming around. I'm wondering if your lingering pain has turned chronic based on the central nervous system upregulating from trauma or stress, or both? Are you familiar with Central Sensitization Syndrome? I discovered that CSS caused my eyes symptoms. It may be food for thought for you...

Here's a video from Mayo Clinic's Dr. Sletten that explain CSS as a whole:

Wow, this video is fantastic. Great to know that the medical world is acknowledging that there can be lingering pain after some event. I am going back to the cataract surgeon in 2 weeks and had another optometrist exam my eyes and said all was well. Will keep you posted.

Hi @bluekittymom I'm so happy to know you found the PRC video to be fantastic! I agree whole heartedly. I stumbled upon it while researching my conditions and it was a major light bulb moment that pieced together my confusing health puzzle. Anyhow, best of luck with your return visit to the cataract surgeon in 2 weeks. I will look forward to your update as I am curious now as well!

Eye surgeon says that the IOLs look great. He sees no reason for the eye pain except maybe dry eye. He suggested using eye drops more frequently during the day. I have had dry eye for years and never had this pain until after the cataract surgery. As a former I.T. systems analyst, you look at the one variable that has changed as the root of the problem. During the exam, a blood spot on the optic nerve in one eye ( not the eye that gets pain) was observed, although pressure in both eyes was normal.
Now I'm off to a glaucoma specialist in 2 months.
Stayed tuned!

Staying tuned...

I am also experiencing pain, swelling, headaches after cataract surgery 16 months ago. I also had an expensive lens implant. I am now seeing a neurologist who has done two mri's of the eye orbit and the brain. I recently had a lumbar puncture. A "thing" was found in the lining of the brain in the general area of my pain. I have had extensive texting and have tried several pain relievers- to no avail. I think it is too much of a coincidence that the pain and loss of vision( have most of the vision back) happened at the exact time of my surgery. Mechanical error or trama from the surgery have not been ruled out but I sure would like to know what is wrong and get it fixed . Would love to hear from anyone who might have a similar experience. Thanks.