Cataract surgery and map dot dystrophy

Hi @bobr1040, I just had cataract surgery on my right eye and have the surgery scheduled for my left eye in a few weeks. I have no medical background or training but I think I would feel the same way as you about wanting a specialist. There is another discussion that talks about Fuchs Dystrophy and members have discussed cataract surgery -- Anyone here have Fuch's Dystrophy?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/anyone-here-have-fuchs-dystrophy/

@rwinney may have some thoughts on cataract surgery and map dot dystrophy. I'm not sure if you have seen the information on the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center site. It might be helpful as it lists links for finding a specialist and other resources. Map-dot-fingerprint dystrophy of cornea is listed under other names for the disease below.

Epithelial basement membrane corneal dystrophy: https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/9732/epithelial-basement-membrane-corneal-dystrophy

Are you thinking about getting a second opinion before having the cataract surgery?

Hi @bobr1040. As @johnbishop mentioned, I may have some thoughts...I have had both cataract surgeries and corneal transplants on both of my eyes. My Cornea Specialist performed my cataract surgery prior to my transplants. He is a highly regarded specialist and without a doubt was qualified for cataract surgery. I'd keep investigating if I were you. Verify your ophthalmologists credentials. How many years have they been performing cataract surgeries? Look for a good cornea specialist in your area and seek a 2nd opinion. Good luck to you!
Rachel

Thanks #rwinney. I plan to check with a corneal specialist and ask how many cataract surgeries they have done. My opthomologists and his group are very experienced
With cataract surgery

I have corneal dystrophy in both eyes and cataracts as well. Four years ago I was told I needed to have the dystrophy taken care of before cataract surgery. He kindly told me how painful a process it was so I declined. Well my vision has gotten worse from the cataracts so I went back to him this year. To my surprise, he told me the dystrophy had improved and I don't need the surgery! Tomorrow I am having cataract surgery on my worst eye and am looking forward to being able to read normal size print. My surgeon does both surgeries . He also told me if the dystrophy gets worse after the cataract surgery he can still take care of it. Is it possible for you to find a surgeon who does both?

@barbbie Congratulations on having improvement and not needing your cornea dystrophy fixed at this time! That is a great break. I'm really excited for you to have cataract surgery and a whole new world of vision. There's the cherry on top! 😃 Best of luck to you.
Rachel

Glad your dystrophy improved. My dystrophy manifested itself on my right eye after I had an ocular lens put on my cornea for a laser ablation procedure a year ago. My surgeon removed the epithelial cells, and as your surgeon said it was very painful. He did my first cataract on the same yet. He no longer does cataract surgery but his partners do, so yes they can do both surgeries. I just finished an annual checkup and the dystrophy in my right eye has healed and is no longer a problem. The left eye still has some dystrophy and I am choosing to wait as you did. I will get a second opinion from a corneal specialist before I have any future surgery.

Thanks for the information. My current ophthalmologist and his partners have excellent credentials. They have been doing cataract surgeries for over 30 years. I will be getting a second opinion from a corneal specialist before having cataract surgery on my left eye. That seems to be the recommendation from everyone that has similar medical issues.

I had my cataract removed from my right eye, then a few weeks later the Map Dot cells were removed, it's now been 3 months and my eyelid is still so swollen it's hard to see since it droops, I have swelling under my eye too and it's always tearing. I had the Map Dot cells removed from my left eye about 6 wks. ago and have the same problem with eyelid swelling, I am scheduled for cataract surgery on my left eye in 3.5 wks. How long does it take to heal and have normal sized eyes?

Good questions about swelling, Datd2. I'm hoping @bobr1040 @rckj @rwinney or @jdeloia422 might be able to offer their experiences.

Datd2, did you talk to your surgeon about the swelling and what you might expect?

yes, he said it may take months before my eye is normal, nothing about the tearing