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Pain in eye after cataract surgery: When does it get better?
Eye Conditions | Last Active: 5 days ago | Replies (99)Comment receiving replies
I had routine cataract surgery 5 years ago. My vision was perfect but I immediately experienced severe eye pain. The ophthalmologist said it had nothing to do with the eye surgery. A neurological ophthalmologist said it was nerve damage & prescribe gabapetin & Tylenol. After several months of continuing pain, I came across some medical papers by dr. Pedram Hamrah of Tufts Eye Institute. He noted many ophthalmologists are in denial about problems with cataract surgery which can occasionally lead to nerve damage & pain. He recommends the following course of action: confocal microscopy to determine degree of nerve damage; autologous blood serum drops to accelerate nerve healing; steroid eye drops to help with irritation. I gave that information to my ophthalmologist who then reviewed Dr. Hamrah’s papers & approved that course of action. My nerve damage was verified by the confocal microscope test. The autologous eye drops dramatically reduced my pain in 30 days. I went from a hot burning sand sensation in my eye to one of moderate dry eye. I recommend that people google the research papers of Dr. Hamrah to determine if his recommendations are suitable for them if they are having long term post cataract pain.
Replies to "I had routine cataract surgery 5 years ago. My vision was perfect but I immediately experienced..."
Charlief---Hi. I also had cataract surgery 5 months ago that left one eye with constant discomfort and BLURRING...You must be in the Boston area, I have heard of Dr. Hamrah. I actually saw another "neuro" ophthalmologist here in Boston who basically prescribed the same protocol. And to use Gabapentin.... However, I did not have a confocal microscopy --what is that? Did you have constant blurring with eye movement?? I did try the blood serum drops and unfortunately developed lots of BURNING!!! Did you have any of that?? Also using steroid drops ....I believe it is very long wait to see Dr. Hamrah... Was he nice???---How are you doing?? Would like to talk to you more..All the other ophthalmologists just say dry eye, but don't really see my eyes as very dry!!! Don't know really what to do any more. Thanks very much.
Hi Charlie, hope you’re doing well. I suspect I have corneal neuropathic pain following cataract surgery like you. After 7 docs not seeing anything wrong, I found a doc who immediately recognized my issue. I’ve just started Lotemax drops & going to compounding pharmacy next week for serum drops. Haven’t convinced him to refer me to the only confocal microscope in town but I’m working on it. If you have any advice or recommendations for me, I would be most appreciative.
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At least your doctor acknowledged what you found on the “internet.” My doctor wouldn’t listen and tried to proceed as if there wasn’t an issue. I switched doctors before he could do anything more.