[Yvonne Burns]

Hi everyone, I posted a message about cataracts in the wrong place. Now I am starting a new thread. Does anyone out there have any experience with cataract surgery. I am having the surgery in my left eye on May 26th. I was told that being a long term (39 years) diabetic that things may happen. There could be macular swelling or fluid leakage. I had retinopathy with laser treatments over 10 years ago and have been stable ever since. However, there is a chance that the retinopathy could reappear. It is scary. My vision is still O.K. but there is a sort of haze (as if I could not totally clean the window) that never leaves. Fortunately, I have heard many success stories with this but still feel scared. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[Stumpkins]

HI -- I have had it done in both of my eyes, when I was 16 actually!! Ask away

[Yvonne Burns]

Dear S, thanks for responding. How is your eyesight now? Did the cataract surgery itself correct your vision? (i.e. did you return to 20/20?) I know that this is possible but I don't know of any diabetic cases. Did you experience any swelling, leakage of blood vessels or retinopathy after the surgery. I appreciate your time. Thanks!

[faf]

Hi Yvonne,

I am not a doctor but have had a fair amount of dealings with retinopathy. It does have the tendancy to come back as it is usually created by the fact that blood glucose is not under control (which does happen to a few diabetics no?). The good news is that your vision seems ok. Laser treatments can stop or slow down the progression of retinopathy but do not repair lost vision. With regards to your cataracts, they do seem to happen a little more often to diabetics. But it usually is an easy surgery for an ophthalmologist, so I would not be too concerned. The good news is that you are taken care of.

Let us know how it went!

good luck

[Cinnabon]

Yvonne...
Thank you so much for making this post. I was told today I have cataracts in both my eyes. I have Retinopathy and have been under laser treatments & Kenalog shots since last year. My vision has improved greatly, but recently is has not been good. It is not my blood sugar. I went to an Opthamologist the initial one that discovered my Retinopathy and he confirmed that I have cataracts on both. I know that the Kenelog shots do have that side effect as well as Glaucoma, but there really is no choice in this. I will DEFINITELY benefit from this post. I am learning as well. I was not mentioned surgery just yet, but I have only heard there is a high risk of infection. I was given NEVANAC.

[Stumpkins]

Well, I had the surgery when I was young...so it was a 2 parter:

Fist - they removed the cataract from my left eye, and did not replace the lense, so I had to wear this coke-bottle contact lense. When it was out, I was blind. A year later, they did the right, same thing. When I turned 18. tjhey replaced both of the lenses, and I was seeing great! Since that time, I've had a bit of cloudy vision in my left, and they shot it with a laser (2 minutes) and it was fine. I see about 20/30!!! My ordeal was a bit harder..because of the lag and the 2part surgery. Overall -- it was easy as pie --and I see great!

[Yvonne Burns]

Thanks all of you repliers!!!! I am comforted by the fact that others are in the same boat with me. If I were alone it would be much more difficult. I am so grateful that we have these message boards to connect with each other. Can anyone explain what the Kenelog shot is for? What are the side effects? I wish all of you much good health!!!
--Yvonne

[Cinnabon]

Originally Posted by Yvonne Burns

Can anyone explain what the Kenelog shot is for? What are the side effects? I wish all of you much good health!!!
--Yvonne

The Kenelog shot is for the Macular Edema, it is a cortisone shot into the eye. Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory medication.It is supposed to make your BS rise, as all cortisone, but it did not affect me at all.

You can suffer from cataract/glaucoma and all that, but its just a chance. I think, well if I have retinopathy, do I take the chance and deal with having to take medications for the rest of my life OR go bling fast w/ out the shot?

[KickStart101]

Hello Yvonne:
Well, I almost had the experience last September but I panicked just
before the procedure and the rest is history. I will be trying it again this
summer, I guess. I told him not until after my Son's wedding, so I have
to go in June to answer all the questions again, etc., etc. I don't know if
it works the same in other Countries with the 2 types of drops you put in
your eyes 2 days before the surgery and afterward until they are gone plus
another bottle of drops after also. It will be my left eye first. I sure hope
that it doesn't cause any of us to have retinopathy to appear or macular
swelling. That wouldn't be nice at all.
My Dad had his done but he wasn't a Diabetic. His left one turned out
good but the right one stayed a bit blurry, he said. Maybe his being 77 yrs.
had something to do with that. He was also on Prednisone for RA which did
raise his sugars some. He was tested and the Doc said he wasn't Diabetic.
Mick, Belinda and Erica(and probably many more)from this Forum had their
cataracts removed and they said it was easy and it went well. I'm a CHICKEN
when it comes to my eyes, I guess. I thought it was frightening. I'm not
complaining much about my vision, it's my Doctors who want me to get it done
and over with.
Prayers and best wishes for you on your BIG DAY soon. Try not to be
TOO scared. You will do fine.

My Mom is getting hers done in September so she's hoping I'll be going first
to see how it goes for me. How weird is that?? She has a different Eye Doctor.
She is not a Diabetic either. I'm getting knocked out this time. I'm so brave. She's
having a local. Gee, there are sure alot of people getting cataracts removed and yes,
most are successful, thankfully.

[Georgia]

I was told today that I have a cataract in my right eye which will require surgery after my laser treatment for retinopathy. The 1st & 2nd Opthlmologists both missed it!!

[Yvonne Burns]

Greetings Everyone!
Carlie, thanks for the info. I really understand the fear. For some (strange) reason I am not afraid of the surgery itself. However, I can become VERY afraid of the possible after effects. However, I am feeling encouraged. After the surgery, I will tell you all about it. Lots of good health to you and congratulations on your son's wedding!--Yvonne

[BriOnH]

Yvonne I hope this goes smoothly for you! People I have known that have gotten it done say they see colors a lot better. That would be great if you get some benifit you can actually see from all this! Let us know what time you are going in on May 26th so we can send good thoughts and prayers your way before and especially during that time.

[Yvonne Burns]

Dear BriOn, Many thanks for your post! It makes me feel cared about. How are YOU doing? I have read your messages and learned from them. How about an update??--YvOnne(lol)

[Angelique]

I had cataract surgery when I was 14 in both eyes. First my left eye was done and then my right eye. My doctor would not give me glasses and so I wore extended vision contacts 24 hours a day. I hated it and wished I had a pair of glasses when I wasn't wearing my contacts. When I was 16 I had a secondary membrane grow back and laser treatment took care of it. I didn't get full lens implants in until I was 21 and I got one lens for distance and one lens for reading so I do not need glasses to see at all. At first the Dr didn't want to do it that way but he went ahead since it made sense to him. I wore my contacts that way too so I was used to it already. So far 14 years later I have not had any problems with my eyes.


I am sure your surgery will be fine and you will be happy with your eyes. Sending t's and p's your way.

[BriOnH]

Yvonne,
Good luck tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have confidence everything is going to go well. Please let us know! (and I have been great thanks for asking )