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Painful feels like eyelashes poking eyes after cataract surgery

Posted by kojak5555 @kojak5555, Jun 13, 2023

I had cataract surgery done on my eyes 12 months ago. They inserted expensive premium lens ($8000 cost) and my eyes sight is perfect. However I’m having extreme pain from my eyelashes, they feel like the eyelashes are growing into my eyes but the DR says they are not! But when my wife plucks the eyelashes out the pain goes away. Then within a few days more lashes grow and once again she plucks them and the pain is gone again. Why do the Drs not know what this is and why am I not getting any help with this … what is it? I wish I’d never had the cataract surgery done. I’m wondering if I get the lens removed if this problem will go away. Has anyone else experienced this? Please help.

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Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jun 13, 2023

Hello @kojak5555, Welcome to Connect. I am sorry to hear of the side effect of your cataract surgery. It sounds really awful and your wife has provided a great clue for your eye doctor if they would listen. My eye doctor did go over a list of the possible bad outcomes of cataract surgery but I had not heard of the one you mention. Both of my cataract surgeries were successful and for that I am grateful. I found a description of what may be going on that you could possibly discuss with your eye doctor while we wait for member with experiences to share with you.

"Trichiasis is a common eyelid problem. Eyelashes grow inwards toward the eye. The lashes rub against the cornea, the conjunctiva, and the inner surface of the eyelids. This irritates the eye."
--- What Is Trichiasis?: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-trichiasis

“One way to deal with this is to simply pluck out the offending lashes,” he notes. “Sometimes the lashes will grow back in the correct position, but in most cases they’ll grow back in the incorrect position, so this won’t be sufficient. We prefer to use a radio-frequency tool to remove the lashes permanently. I’d do this before the cataract surgery.”
--- Cataract Surgery: The Oculoplastic Factor - Many conditions affecting the eyelid and orbit can increase the risks associated with cataract surgery. Here’s help managing them.:
https://www.reviewofophthalmology.com/article/cataract-surgery-the-oculoplastic-factor-41654

Have you thought about seeking a second opinion?

REPLY
1 reply
kojak5555 | @kojak5555 | Jun 13, 2023
In reply to @johnbishop "Hello @kojak5555, Welcome to Connect. I am sorry to hear of the side effect of your..." + (show)
@johnbishop

Hello @kojak5555, Welcome to Connect. I am sorry to hear of the side effect of your cataract surgery. It sounds really awful and your wife has provided a great clue for your eye doctor if they would listen. My eye doctor did go over a list of the possible bad outcomes of cataract surgery but I had not heard of the one you mention. Both of my cataract surgeries were successful and for that I am grateful. I found a description of what may be going on that you could possibly discuss with your eye doctor while we wait for member with experiences to share with you.

"Trichiasis is a common eyelid problem. Eyelashes grow inwards toward the eye. The lashes rub against the cornea, the conjunctiva, and the inner surface of the eyelids. This irritates the eye."
--- What Is Trichiasis?: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-trichiasis

“One way to deal with this is to simply pluck out the offending lashes,” he notes. “Sometimes the lashes will grow back in the correct position, but in most cases they’ll grow back in the incorrect position, so this won’t be sufficient. We prefer to use a radio-frequency tool to remove the lashes permanently. I’d do this before the cataract surgery.”
--- Cataract Surgery: The Oculoplastic Factor - Many conditions affecting the eyelid and orbit can increase the risks associated with cataract surgery. Here’s help managing them.:
https://www.reviewofophthalmology.com/article/cataract-surgery-the-oculoplastic-factor-41654

Have you thought about seeking a second opinion?

Jump to this post

Hi John, thankyou for the information, I did go to a specialist today expecting to have the lashes permanently removed however he said they were not rubbing against the eye! Even though I told him after plucking, the eyes felt relief. Such a disappointment. He doesn’t know why I’m having trouble and quickly referred me to a cornea specialist next … After he said he doesn’t know if they will be able to help me either. Once home my wife plucked 7 lashes and now I feel better. Could it be blocked oil glands, should I ask for restasis or lotemax I’m at a loss. Wish I’d never had the cataract surgery done.

REPLY
covidstinks2023 | @covidstinks2023 | Jun 14, 2023

I had cataract surgery done this year as well and have 20/15 vision and I am so grateful. HOWEVER, my eyes are so much drier, feel gritty, inflammation & they hurt & tear. I am on Lotamax for inflammation, Restasis & Systane Eye drops. I just had punctual plugs put in and my eyes have improved greatly and I am using less drops now. I agree in that you you possibly could have trichiasis where the eyelashes grow inward. I would see another opthamalogist and get a 2nd opinion. This has got to be miserable. I am so sorry you are battling this. Prayers & much hope for you to get better.

REPLY
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