cataract surgery and iixdra

Hi @mtpeony, After both of my cataract surgeries I had 3 different eye drops that my surgeon sent me home with to control the inflammation and healing. My eyes were a little uncomfortable but I don't remember any burning sensation except when I put in one of the Rx eyedrops. While we wait for other to also share their experience, you might want to read through this article and discussion on Xiidra.

"Signs of dry eyes after cataract surgery​​ Symptoms of dry eyes after cataract surgery may present as: irritation. stinging or burning."
--- Why do I have dry eyes after cataract surgery?: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dry-eyes-after-cataract-surgery

--- Xiidra (Lifitegrast ophthalmic solution) for dry eyes: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/xiidralifitegrast-ophthalmic-solution-for-dry-eyes/.

When did you have the cataract surgery?

thank you John for your input...I had the surgery in JANUARY--- none of the drs. are convinced my blurring is about dry eye...but they have no other ideas........!!!!! Not sure what to do anymore, since none of the suggestions is helping the blurring when my eye moves...tried all kinds of drops and getting concerned about all this stuff going into my eyes....

MTPEONY, I have had dry eyes for years. Used Restasis twice a day and Systane complete. I recently had cataract surgery and my eyes got much drier. I was switched to Xiidra and 1) It didn't work as well as Restasis 2) It burned like the dickens 3) It caused blurred vision for about 20 minutes. Doctor switched me back to Restasis. Eyes continued staying inflamed, painful & dry. I was put on Lotamax (prescription eye drop and not cheap!) that has helped greatly. My eyes became more sensitive to sunlight and I was still having to put Systane drops in up to 6 times a day. Doctor recommended punctual plugs and they have been a lifesaver for my dry painful eyes. It's nothing to the procedure. It keeps moisture in your eyes. I am using less Systane and hope to eventually come off the Restasis. I hope this helps!

Thanks so much for your story....not even sure what is happening with me...after the cataract surgery, had lots of discomfort and blurring, but none of the drs. thought my eyes were particularly dry!! But lots of constant blurring and discomfort...(didn't have ANY problems before surgery!!) But have tried lots of dry eye treatments--drops, blood serum drops, lotomex (how long did you use the lotomex???)---warm compresses, etc....---and recently tried the Xiidra---and made all WORSE!---What kind of plugs did you have...there are different kinds...ones that dissolve????----Where are you located??I'm in the Boston area....and seen many drs....
Thanks again

mtpeony, An optometrist can actually insert the punctual plugs. There is nothing too it. The first pair is made out of collagen and they dissolve in 2-3 weeks. This is to see if you tolerate them well before going to the permanent silicone plugs. They numb your eyes and insert the plugs. Takes about 10 min. My eyes are so much better from the dryness/inflammation. I'm using less Systane drops and hope to get off even more drops. Still on Lotamax (almost finished), Restasis & Systane Complete. I may be able to get off the Restatsis as well. I'm sure there is a doctor in your area that can do this procedure. You drive home from the procedure with no pain. No more tearing & eye pain for me. I do still have some dryness...but nothing like it was. So grateful. I wish you the very best on this.

My eyes got drier after cataract surgery and I had inflammation. I had already been on Restasis for 9 years for dry eyes and I used Systane Complete. I could not tolerate the Xiidra as it burned like the dickens and made my eyes blurry for about 30 minutes, so I went back on the Restasis. My eyes hurt, teared, felt gritty and I had so much inflammation. Yes, dry eyes can cause blurriness. I was put on prescription Lotamax for inflammation and my eye doctor inserted Punctum Plugs and it has been an answer to pray. You try the temporary punctum plugs for 3 weeks and then once they dissolve, they will insert the permanent plugs. I have cut way back on my eye drops usage and hope to be able to come off the Restasis. I am not using Systane complete 6-8 times a day anymore, only 1-2 times a day. I hope the helps. Praying you get relief.

Thanks very much for sharing..helps to know some else was struggling!!
How long did you use the Lotamax?? I have been using it for 3 weeks...but still have lots of pain issue in one eye. (since the surgery) Did you have the dissolvable plugs? They were inserted a few days ago ( 4 in each eye) and I am very uncomfortable. Did they help right away or was there a time of adjustment?
It has been 6 months. How long did it take you to have relief???
Thanks again

I had the right eye done in March and the left eye done in April. I was put on Lotamax for about 6 weeks beginning in May when all the issues started and now I am on Fluoromethiolone twice a day until I get my permanent plugs. Why did they put 4 in each eye? I only have 1 in each eye. I can see how that would be uncomfortable and I am sure you feel the plugs. They helped me right away and yes I am on the dissolvable collagen plugs and then the permanent silicone plugs will be inserted after the collagen plugs dissolve. Did you by chance have the multifocal intraocular lens inserted? I had the monovision for nearsightedness in one eye and the toric for astigmatism and nearsighteness in the other eye. I did not go with the multifocal lens as I was warned it could make dry eye worse and cause halos. I did well for about 6 weeks and then in May the dryness got worse and the inflammation. The present drops Fluoromethiolone twice a day and Restasis (I hope to be able to get off the Restasis when I get the permanent plugs) and I only use Systane drops twice a day versus 6-8 times a day are what I am using. My eyes no longer hurt. I wonder if your Opthamologist needs to do another type lens in your eye? I'm so sorry you are going through this. Praying for you.

Thank you again for your story. I just have the IOL lenses in both eyes...5 drs. have looked and said the lenses look fine! (not sure if they would say anything else)-----Also using Lotomex and heat and wetting drops--no one seems to know if this is dry eye or a neuro problem. I do have the dissolvable plugs... not sure why 4--he didn't discuss with me.Neuro opthomologist has me taking gabapentin for possible nerve involvement---again, not sure if this is a good idea.---Wondering if these plugs might feel better with some time???? and sure how easy to take out.
I AM WORN OUT!!! --where are you located. We are in the Boston area.

I even had to use Systane eye ointment at night at the onset of my eyes being so dry and inflamed. I forgot about that and it helped. How many weeks did you say you had the plugs inserted? Bless you.