What Causes Blurred Vision Of One Eye With History Of Cataract Surgery?

Posted on Sat, 7 Jun 2014

Question: I was having blurry vision in an eye I had previously had cataract surgery on. The 1st appointment is still 2 months away, but in the mean time I started having a pain in the same eye where it is watery & hurts. Yesterday I noticed a white dot on the iris. The eye still hurts & is runny. I have been putting gel drops in it, hoping to stop the scratchy feeling. Should I go to my internist since I can't get in to see the eye doctor?

Answered by Dr. Ashok Kumar Dash (40 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Give details of operation method.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.

You have informed about cataract surgery, but not given detail of surgery. Whether it was extra capsular or iintracapsular and phako emulsification was adopted? If you can provide more details, I will be better able to help.

Now though you are to report after 2 months you have to get reviewed immediately. Post operatively you must have been advised to apply antibiotic and steroid eye drop. You should continue to apply the drops till you visit the doctor. Preferably you should visit the doctor who has operated upon you. Since steroid is problematic can be discussed with doctor for steroid substitute.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Ashok Kumar Dash (42 minutes later)

The cataract was the results of taking a steroid for Asthma. Within a month I was nearly blind in my eye. I do have a lens.
The Doctor who performed the surgery (10/05), moved to another State.
The soonest I can get in to see the Doctor who bought his practice is/was 3 months, though I have been going to him yearly since. I told his secretary that my eye is blurry but that didn't seem to matter.
I tried another eye doctor, but earliest will be a month.
That was why I asked if I should call my Internist to get an antibiotic?

Answered by Dr. Ashok Kumar Dash (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Visit the doctor at the earliest...

Detailed Answer:
Symptoms of watering and blurring after a cataract surgery is concerning me. I would want you to be examined by an expert at the earliest. If you are unable to push for an early appointment with the ophthalmologist, you can visit your local GP or the internist for initial evaluation. I do not recommend you start antibiotic without a physical check up.

On the other hand if the doctors at the ER can refer you to an ophthalmologist faster, I will recommend you take that option.

I wish you good luck and speedy recovery. I will be available to support you online through this forum. Please feel to contact me for clarifications.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Ashok Kumar Dash (23 hours later)

Just to let you know, I went to an Urgent care location. The ophthalmologist on duty diagnosed a "Corneal Ulcer". I am definitely changing physicians, though Urgent Care's doctor can not continue as my ophthalmologist.
I will NOT be using my doctor of 7years again. I told his nurse my previous symptoms in Late March and the earliest appointment was XXXXXXX 30th.

Answered by Dr. Ashok Kumar Dash (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
ofloxacin eye drop 6hourlybe started.

Detailed Answer:
Start treatment for corneal ulcer. apply ofloxacin eye drop .3% 6hourly. you should continue it for ten days.In the mean time you will definitely improve.you may need a mydritic for dilatation of pupil this will require review till ulcer is completely healed.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj