Intraocular Lens Shifting After Cataract Surgery

I had cataract surgery on extremely nearsighted eyes. I'd worn glasses since I was three. I was warned by the surgeon that since my eyeballs were so elongated that the results of cataract surgery would be unpredictable.

Sure enough, the implanted left lens has been slipping. "Which is not supposed to happen".

I do not have double vision. On my bad mornings sight in that eye is very blurry for five minutes or so. I've been told this "is due to a lack of moisture". I have had two upgrades of my glasses in that eye in four years.

I'm very interested in your eye--please publicize what your specialist said--and Hold Your Dominion.

Noddy24- Before my surgery, about two years ago, the doctor told me that I had epiretinal membranes, in both eyes. They were not causing me any problems, except that lights in the midst of darkness (like street lights) would looks like there were starbursts coming from them.

In July, the doctor said that the intraocular implants were "perfect", even though I was complaining about slight double vision that I noticed when I was working on the computer. Right before I went on my three week trip, in August, the vision got appreciably worse.The doctor took an angiogram of my eyes. He mentioned NOTHING about the implants.

In the middle of my trip, I called him for the results, and he said that there was no bleeding or fluid behind the eyes, and that he would see me when I returned. Because my vision was worsening, I did not want to drive on unfamiliar roads, so my poor husband had to do the 5500+ miles himself.

By the time I got back, the vision in the left eye was much worse. I could not read anything from the left eye, the images were distorted, and I was seeing double, sometimes triple, in spots. I found that I was driving with one eye closed.

I went back to the opthalmologist, and told him that I wated to see a retinal specialist. He suggested someone. I had done some research, and had two other docs in mind, and said so. He did not look like a happy camper, but did get an appointment for me with one of the doctors that I had researched.

He THEN told me that he had noticed a "slight" shift in the left lens in August (of which he had said nothing at the time). He said that on this visit in October, the lens had shifted even more. I found it interesting that this fact was not mentioned to me until AFTER I had an appointment with a retinal specialist not of his choosing. (Hmmm.......) He mumbled something that the retinal specialist could change the lens while he was working on the retina.

Also, I asked for the records of my visits, the angiogram, and the angiogram report. According to the report, because of poor illumination, there could not be a definitive finding. I also find that strange. It seems to me that if the testing was not up to par, he should have repeated it, at his expense.

Anyhow, I hope that this afternoon will "tell the tale"!

Phoenix, I agree with your feelings on both the doctor and the test standards. Sadly, it seems that doctors don't work on a contingency basis and there is no warranty. If they make a mistake, you pay to correct it and hope the correction doesn't make anything worse.

Pheonix
I'm sorry that I don't have anything to add, but wanted you to know I'm thinking about you and hoping that all turns out ok.

I can understand completely why you don't trust the man!

Mr. Noddy, a long-time diabetic--is having eye problems. We've learned that there are many more solutions to eye problems than there were twenty years ago.

At this point you do not have to research stylish eye patches--which now come in black and many other colors.

All the same "A One-Eyed Get Away" is an oxymoron, not a pleasant vacation.

I hope the specialist can help--and that your distrustworthy doctor will have to eat a great deal of crow.

Noddy24- Well, I met the retinal specialist, and was VERY impressed. He put me through the mill with testing........extremely thorough.

He said that although I did have a slight epiretinal membrane, he did not think that was my problem. He told me that my lens had shifted quite a bit.

He is going to do the redo operation next Thursday. He said that it will be a bit more involved than the original one. He does not want to simply reposition the lens that is there, but put in a slightly larger one. He described two different procedures, one simpler, and the other a bit more complicated. He will allow for all contingencies, and attempt to do the simpler procedure. If that is not feasable, he will do the more complicated one.

As far as the retina is concerned, the doctor wants to fix the lens first, and then see how my vision is. He does not think that I would have to have the vitrectomy.

I got the distinct impression that he did not think too much of my original MD.

I will keep you posted as to the outcome!

That is good news Phoenix :-)

Montana- Yeah, this whole thing had me going for awhile. But I feel very good about it now!

I'm sure it did. Just the sound of it would have had me worried as well.

Phoenix--

Wonderful! You knew "something" was wrong--and now you know what "something" is and you've met the man who will fix it.

Since it must be done 'twere well 'twere done quickly by a surgeon whom you trust and respect. Knowing that he has a fall-back plan for surprises on the operating table is particularly soothing.

I'll keep my fingers crossed all day, Thursday. Hold your dominion.

Best of luck to ya Phoenix. Sounds very encouraging.

Well, I was supposed to have the procedure today, but something got screwed up, and the company sent the wrong lens............so I have to wait 'til next Thursday!

Oh! Hmph. Good luck NEXT Thursday, then. Sorry you have to wait.

good luck from me too

Phoenix
Phoenix, you placed yourself in a good position because you had educated yourself, were insistent and persistent in your pursuit of the truth. Congratulations on handling things so well.

If I were you, I would file a complaint about your first less than competent physician to your State's Board of Medical Quality Assurance and your County's local Medical Society so they can investigate whether or not this doctor is competent. It might protect other patients and it also will put the fear of discipline in this doctor so that he will strive to provide better care in the future.

I'm looking forward to good news from you. Best Wishes.

BBB

BBB- As we "speak" there is a letter that has been sent off to the appropriate department in my state, which deals with medical malpractice. Last year, my ophthalmologist was charged a tidy sum in a malpractice suit. I am inquiring about the details of the claim. If it turns out to be something similar to what I am going through....................

Phoenix
Phoenix, good for you. You will not only help yourself, but other patients, too.

BBB

How very exasperating! Your courage was at the sticking point--and the game was called on account of rain. Maddening!

I'll keep you in mind next Thursday! Hold your dominion.

BBB- I believe that my doctor is competent, but he runs a "mill", so there are bound to be slipups at a atatistically more significant rate than a doctor who does not do surgery at breakneck speed.