Cataract Surgery Questions and Answers

Question:

My cataract operation was April 19, almost 5 months ago, and my eye has been burning ever since. My doctor calls it rosacea stemming from skin around the eye (though I had never had the problem before). He prescribed eye scrub and Noritate applied under the eye once/day. Two weeks ago dermatlogist was very indecisive about whether he was even seeing rosacea, but he prescribed tetracycline. Still have burning eye.Other possible diagnoses?

Answer:

Rosacea, blepharitis, and dry eye (tear dysfunction) could be part or all of the problem. You probably never noticed it. Then you were on anti inflammatory medication after cataract surgery. Now that you are off the medication you feel the difference which you had grown accoustomed to before.

Byron Stratas, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Wilmington, NC

Question:

I have extremely bad near-sighted vision. I've had one of my retna's tear due the the extreme myopia. My vision is about -17.5/-18. I was wondering what type of options I have. I'm 22 years old and I am afraid further complications like another torn retna will seriously harm my vision. I would love an opinion. Thank you very much for you time. Sincerely, Lyra

Answer:

Your myopia is indeed quite high Lyra. Currently the laser (LASIK) could correct about two-thirds of your prescription, but not all of it. A newer technology on the horizon is intra-ocular lens implants, also known as implantable contact lenses. These lenses are similar to the lens implants we use for cataract surgery patients, and they can correct very high degrees of myopia. These lenses are still considered investigational, and long term studies are not complete. One question is whether they may cause cataracts or glaucoma later in life. They will probably be approved in one years time, pending FDA approval. Check with us again next year to review your options. Sincerely, John D. Zdral, M.D.

John D. Zdral, M.D.
Fullerton, CA

Question:

My wife, 30 years of age, has recently been diagnosed with cataract. She is not diabetic and never used steroids. She has been healthy all her life. My question is how effective is Intra occular lens surgery in restoring normal vision. Also how long do these lenses last? thanks for your reply in advance.

Answer:

Small incisiion cataract surgery is very successful at restoring vision. The lens implant that is used is permanent and will never degrade. The healing is very rapid and your wife should expect excellent vision afterwards. For an evaluation in the office please call 714-879-7372. Thank you. Sincerely, John D. Zdral, M.D.

John D. Zdral, M.D.
Fullerton, CA

Question:

I was to have bilateral LASIK last Friday, however, after starting the first eye, the doctor stopped the procedure and said that the flap was irregular and she could not proceed. She did not lift the flap. She said that I would have to wait 3 months before surgery again. I have a very steep cornea and wonder if this could have been part of the problem. I asked the surgeon at an earlier visit what her experiece was and she said that she had performed about 50 LASIKs but several hundred PRKs, but that LASIK was easier since a computer did all the work. When I asked her about the problem at surgery, she said it had to do with the steepness of my cornea. Now I am concerned that I chose the wrong doctor and she is simply not experienced enough. The doctor is with an extremely highly regarded eye center that specializes in cataract surgery. Would you shop for another doctor in my situation? IS the three months waiting time appropriate? By the way, I have healed very well since the procedure. Thank you for any advice that you can give me as I am very upset with this turn of events.

Answer:

Your situation is a complex one, and needs to be reviewed in detail by a qualified physician. Factors that can be important are the steepness of the cornea, the experience of your surgeon and (very importantly) the equipment utilized. I highly recommend the 'Down-Up' LASIK procedure, as flap complications are quite rare, even with steeper corneas. This involved using one of the newest generation micro-keratomes, which we have used for the past two years without a single complication. If you would like a complimentary consultation please call Pam at 1-800-824-1073. Thank you. Sincerely, John Zdral, M.D.

John D. Zdral, M.D.
Fullerton, CA

Question:

Will this be a permanent change to my vision? Will my vision change back or get worse? Typically what will the surgery cost for both eyes with myself being nearsighted and having an astigmatism?

Answer:

Yes, but other factors (cataracts,etc.)can influence your sight in the future. LASIK typically costs around $4500. total for both eyes.

Byron Stratas, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Wilmington, NC

Next Step

• Learn about Cataract Surgery in the Articles Section
• Ready for a consultation? See qualified LASIK - Laser Eye Surgery doctors in your area

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