Cataract Surgery Meds

[KayakerNC]

I had my cataract surgery pre-op consult today, and it seems I have some choices.
For the Anti-inflammatory; ILEVRO or PROLENSA
For the Antibiotic; BESIVANCE or OFLOXACIN
No other health problems and all seem to be covered by my insurance, BCBS.
Would anyone recommend one over the other, or any preferences due to good/bad outcomes?

[John_W]

I had my right eye done on 8/12 and I go in for my left eye this Thursday. I have no choices, I take what the VA gives me, after reading the other post I can't complain since I only pay $8 a drug.

Three days before the surgery I start using Moxifloxacin 0.5% and Ketorolac Tromethamine 0.5%, one drop each 4 times a day. I started my left eye today since surgery is Thursday.

The morning of the surgery when you wake up put in a couple of drops of Cyclopentolate Hydrochloride, that's to help to start to dilate your eye. I had no problem driving, it had very little effect on me but they said when I got there it had worked.

After surgery you continue with the two drugs you started three days before surgery and add a third drug Prednisolone Acetate, that's for infection, that's also one drop 4 times a day.

Continue those drugs for one week and then see the doctor for your post op. Then you can stop taking the Moxifloxacin, continue the Ketorolac until it runs out, and keep using the Prednisolone but one less drop each week. For example 3 times a day, then 2 times a day and then 1 time a day.

I hope all that isn't too confusing. I had no problem with any of the drugs. I believe it's the Moxifloxacin that stings a little, so I would put it in first so the second drug would dilute the sting. You'll know after you take them all once.

[boomerbaby]

John I am going to have to have this done in both eyes soon. I wear glasses for very nearsightedness. When they correct the one eye how do you see out of the other eye thats not done yet? The corrected eye does not need the glasses but the other does? Thank you in advance for any response.

[pbkmaine]

I was also very nearsighted. After my right eye was corrected for distance, My MD gave me contacts for the other eye. That actually turned out to be very useful. He gave me two different lenses: one corrected my left eye for distance and the other corrected it for computers. So I got to experiment to see whether I wanted both eyes alike or different ( also called monovision). Turned out the contact that corrected me for computers worked great. So I had him put that power lens in my left eye. My brain is able to make the adjustment for the different focal lengths of the two eyes. Now, for the first time in 50 years, I don't need glasses.

[KayakerNC]

John I am going to have to have this done in both eyes soon. I wear glasses for very nearsightedness. When they correct the one eye how do you see out of the other eye thats not done yet? The corrected eye does not need the glasses but the other does? Thank you in advance for any response.

Strange, I asked my ophthalmologist pretty much the same question. He said you could pop out the lens in your eyeglasses for the eye that had the surgery, which may or may not help a lot, but you pretty much have to muddle through the period between surgeries. My pre-op surgical consultant said it would probably be better to only use the un-operated eye for reading, until both eyes were done. Driving would probably not be a problem between surgeries (I'm far-sighted).
Yeah, muddle through sounds about right.:shrug:

[boomerbaby]

Thank you both for the input. At least I have an idea what they may do.

[KayakerNC]

Talked to the pharmacist at my primary medical care center. He says the reason for the selections offered is that insurance companies may cover one drug and not the other.
So..not a good drug vs not so good drug for the patient. A little extra work for the pharmacist to determine best coverage and not a cause for concern.
Nice to know.

[John_W]

John I am going to have to have this done in both eyes soon. I wear glasses for very nearsightedness. When they correct the one eye how do you see out of the other eye thats not done yet? The corrected eye does not need the glasses but the other does? Thank you in advance for any response.

My eyes were only 20/40 before, so they weren't that bad, but I did have problems following my golf ball and sometimes in softball. After the one eye was done, I now know why. By comparing the new eye, all the whites are so much brighter. When I look out with my old eye, everything seems to have an amber tint. They won't do both eyes at the same time because of possible infection, leaving both eyes infected. Last week at the one week post-op, my new eye was already 20/25, so it clearer and as I said, colors are much brighter. I'm getting ready to leave now for Gainesville, getting the other eye done tomorrow. I'll be glad when think is over, no exercise for two weeks and no lifting weights for four weeks.

[Barefoot]

He said you could pop out the lens in your eyeglasses for the eye that had the surgery, which may or may not help a lot, but you pretty much have to muddle through the period between surgeries.

I am scheduled to have my first eye done next Tuesday. I'll probably have the surgery on my second eye next summer.
I'm thinking now that I'll need two new pairs of glasses, one for this winter, and a second pair after the second surgery.

My required routine seven days prior to surgery:
Use Refresh eye drops four times a day. No eye or face makeup for seven days.
Clean eyelid twice a day with Systane Lid Wipes, then use hot compresses.
Three days prior to surgery, I start using Zymar drops four times per day.
After surgery I use Prednisolone drops.

People have told me not to sorry about the surgery, it's no big deal. But that doesn't help.
My anxiety level is through the roof. :ohdear: :cold: :22yikes:

[KayakerNC]

OK, I now have the answer to my question about what to do between surgeries ... muddle through :)
I am scheduled to have my first eye done in Canada next Tuesday. :faint:
My surgeon won't schedule the second eye until the first eye has completely healed, so I may not have the surgery on the second eye until next summer.
I guess I'll be muddling through for quite a while because I don't want to interfere with our annual six months in The Villages.

My required routine seven days prior to surgery:
Use Refresh eye drops four times a day. No eye or face makeup for seven days.
Clean eyelid twice a day with Systane Lid Wipes, then use hot compresses.
Three days prior to surgery, I start using Zymar drops four times per day.
After surgery I use Prednisolone drops.

People have told me not to sorry about the surgery, it's no big deal. But that doesn't help.
My anxiety level is through the roof. :ohdear: :cold: :22yikes:

My before surgery schedule only starts one day before the surgery.
Durezol (steroid) 4 times a day (breakfast, lunch, supper, and bedtime) and the Besivance or Ofloxacin (antibiotic) twice a day (breakfast & bedtime).
On the surgery day, I'll get some Valium before the Laser, and once at the surgery center, some Versed in the vein. My surgical coordinator says I'll be "on vacation". The Laser Assist and the surgery itself are not done in the same room, or, in my case, even the same building. The Crystalens Trulign IOLs are ordered in the power the ophthalmologist calculates and a range of powers to either side (plus and minus) will be on-hand in case the Verifeye ORA indicates something different.
Still....it's a very sharp blade....and I don't have THAT many eyes to spare.

[boomerbaby]

Thank you John and good luck

[Barefoot]

I'm getting ready to leave now for Gainesville, getting the other eye done tomorrow.
Good luck John, and let us know how it goes.
Kayaker and Boomerbaby, do you have dates scheduled?

[KayakerNC]

Good luck John, and let us know how it goes.
Kayaker and Boomerbaby, do you have dates scheduled?

My right (dominent) eye is scheduled for laser assisted surgery with the Crystalens Trulign (toric) lOL on Monday, Sept 8th. Assuming all goes well, the surgery on the 2nd eye will be on the following Monday, Sept 15th.
My out-of-pocket cost for the "premium" lens, and the laser procedure is $2459 per eye.

[Barefoot]

My right (dominent) eye is scheduled for laser assisted surgery with the Crystalens Trulign (toric) lOL on Monday, Sept 8th. Assuming all goes well, the surgery on the 2nd eye will be on the following Monday, Sept 15th.
My out-of-pocket cost for the "premium" lens, and the laser procedure is $2459 per eye.

Where are you having the surgery done?

[KayakerNC]

Where are you having the surgery done?

In the cooler climes of eastern NC. :cold:
Back to FL in early November for a while, hopefully all will be healed and happy by then.

[John_W]

I've been back a few hours. I was first of six patients this morning, had to be their at 6am. Everything went like I expected, the only change was I apparently was under more anesthesia the first time. Today it seemed to take much longer and I felt more claustrophobic. Once they put the drape, that's what they call it, over your face and you laying flat, almost tilted with your head lower than your body. It gets more uncomfortable. The good part was, that I was only in recovery for only 30 minutes, saw the doctor three hours later and the eye was already 20/40, which he said was great. I feel about 90% normal, whereas my first eye I was in a funk for about 3 days and had to wear shades in the house. I don't even have shades on now.

He told me to just take it easy for a week, don't bend over for that time, don't lift weights for a month, and it was OK to play softball a week from Saturday on the 9/6. I'll see him again next week before then anyway, one week post-op.

[KayakerNC]

Glad all went well, John.
You realize that you will have to get a new picture for your profile.

[Barefoot]

I've been back a few hours. I was first of six patients this morning, had to be their at 6am. Everything went like I expected, the only change was I apparently was under more anesthesia the first time. Today it seemed to take much longer and I felt more claustrophobic. Once they put the drape, that's what they call it, over your face and you laying flat, almost tilted with your head lower than your body. It gets more uncomfortable. The good part was, that I was only in recovery for only 30 minutes, saw the doctor three hours later and the eye was already 20/40, which he said was great. I feel about 90% normal, whereas my first eye I was in a funk for about 3 days and had to wear shades in the house. I don't even have shades on now.

He told me to just take it easy for a week, don't bend over for that time, don't lift weights for a month, and it was OK to play softball a week from Saturday on the 9/6. I'll see him again next week before then anyway, one week post-op.

Congrats, you have it behind you now. Playing ball on 9/06, outstanding!

[John_W]

Glad all went well, John.
You realize that you will have to get a new picture for your profile.

Actually, I'll still need the glasses for reading and computer. I didn't get those fancy multi-lenses. But now I can buy sunglasses off the rack.

[boomerbaby]

Great to hear John. Hope everyone else lets us know how they make out I will admit this scares me but it has to be done.

[Barefoot]

I had cataract surgery Tuesday on one eye, and I'm waiting for a date for surgery on my second eye.

Question:

My glasses are necessary for my "old" eye, but not for my "new" eye which is much improved. In the interim, between surgeries, what have others done re glasses?

[KayakerNC]

I had cataract surgery Tuesday on one eye, and I'm waiting for a date for surgery on my second eye.
Question:
My glasses are necessary for my "old" eye, but not for my "new" eye which is much improved. In the interim, between surgeries, what have others done re glasses?

Congratulations on your new bionic eye. :coolsmiley: Hope all went well and you are doing OK. What lens did you and your surgeon decide to implant?

[boomerbaby]

I just asked that question yesterday when I saw my dr. He said you can try to just go without glasses and see how you do, or pop the lens out of the eye that was done so you can still see from the one that has not been done yet. Either way the Dr. said it is a little uncomfortable for a couple of weeks but worth it.

[KayakerNC]

I had my right(dominant) eye cataract surgery today. One Valium and some dilation and numbing drops and YES written over the right eye, and then walked (with help) into the Laser room for the laser portion of the surgery. No pain, just some pressure on the eye, lots of brightly colored lights, and finished in a very short time.
Then DW drives us to the surgery center where I go through a ton of questions and remove shoes and shirt and get a nice warm blanket. More eye drops and a sedation line inserted into a vein on the back of my hand. Didn't even feel the needle going in. Nice. Rolled into the surgery room, more bright lights and some pressure. Was awake the full time, followed all the look up, look down, look at the light, directions. After about 5 - 6 minutes everything was done, surgeon said all went well, and I'm wheeled back to the waiting area to recover a little and change back into my street clothes. Eye patch over the eye to stay on till we get back home and while sleeping or napping for a week.
Vision was very bright but blurry, and now before going to bed, the vision is getting much clearer. Back to the ophthalmologist tomorrow morning. So far so good.

[Barefoot]

I just asked that question yesterday when I saw my dr. He said you can try to just go without glasses and see how you do, or pop the lens out of the eye that was done so you can still see from the one that has not been done yet.

Boomerbaby, that would work, except my surgeon said that for a couple of weeks, it is very important that I keep something over my operated eye for protection .
That I need to protect it in case I rub it or poke myself in my operated eye.
He suggested that I continue wearing my old prescription glasses, that they wouldn't damage my "new" vision.
It's not a great solution, but I feel more comfortable with my operated eye protected.

Same as KayakerNC, I had cataract surgery on my right eye. I had my surgery Tuesday, Sept. 2.
I chose the lens my Surgeon recommended, Alcon IQ lens, $134. The Surgeon said I may need glasses for reading, but the day after the surgery, I could read without glasses.
When I arrived for the surgery, I was given a valium which really helped to calm my fears.
Just before the surgery, I received some dilation and numbing drops. I didn't have laser surgery so didn't have to do a two-part procedure.
Prior to surgery, I got two nice warm blankets.
I received enough sedation during the surgery that although I was awake, I remember nothing about the actual surgery.
Fireboy said it was very fast.
The Surgeon said all went well, and after a short time we left.
Eye patch over the eye to stay on till we get back home and while sleeping or napping for a week.
Eye to be covered for protection at all times so I wear my old prescription glasses.

I had a follow-up appointment the day after surgery. I was amazed at how well I could see and read the eye chart.
The Surgeon said it was excellent, and would get even better.
My eye has been a tad sensitive and scratchy, but no pain. And I have drops to use four times a day.

I was absolutely terrified prior to the surgery. As other have said, it really is no big deal. But the results are fabulous.

[KayakerNC]

He suggested that I continue wearing my old prescription glasses, that they wouldn't damage my "new" vision.
It's not a great solution, but I feel more comfortable with my operated eye protected.
Eye to be covered for protection at all times so I wear my old prescription glasses.

I have 2 pair of prescription glasses. One pair has the right lens removed and I use the clear safety glasses inside, and outside the Smoke safety glasses are great! (That sun is REALLY bright now without the cataract.)
Inside I also just use the older prescription glasses when I get tired of the extra weight of the safties.
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51c3UlVhjnL.jpg

[John_W]

Congrats to both you guys for getting your first eye done. I had those big dark glasses and wore them over my regular glasses for about the first three days while inside, especially when looking at TV. I didn't feel up to going out or driving during that time. It seemed about that long before the eye wasn't dialated any longer. By about the fourth day it wasn't as big a deal. I wore the eye patch at night also for the first 3 nights, after that it felt claustrophobic and I stopped.

It's now been 4 weeks since my right eye and 2 weeks since my left eye were done. Today I worked out at the gym with weights for the first time and went to the driving range to hit some balls in the afternoon. I'm playing golf Thursday and softball on Saturday. I'm pretty much back to normal, except putting drops in my eyes until the end of this week. I'm wearing regular off the rack sunglasses, actually they're Oakleys I bought online.

[KayakerNC]

Hated the shield and the tape.
Got a pair of post lasik goggles, a little more pricey than the plastic shields and tape, but a lot more secure and comfortable. Foam lined for comfort and vented for air circulation.
http://cdn.nexternal.com/tdec/images/18a-Post-Lasik-Goggle.jpg

[Barefoot]

Hated the shield and the tape.
Got a pair of post lasik goggles, a little more pricey than the plastic shields and tape, but a lot more secure and comfortable. Foam lined for comfort and vented for air circulation.
http://cdn.nexternal.com/tdec/images/18a-Post-Lasik-Goggle.jpg

I never thought I'd envy a pair of post lasik goggles, :shocked:
but after wearing that stupid piece of plastic and tape to bed for a week, I want a pair.

John W .. Your results have been amazing. Congrats on having it behind you. :clap2:

[boomerbaby]

Thanks everybody for the updates and glad your doing so well. Do you have to see your regular Md. and have a checkup before the surgery?

[KayakerNC]

Thanks everybody for the updates and glad your doing so well. Do you have to see your regular Md. and have a checkup before the surgery?

No, not in my case.
I'm not sure when the surgery would require approval from your primary physician, but my medical history is not complicated, even though I'm in my mid 70s. Certainly not required by Medicare or my BCBS insurance.
Maybe a state regulated thing?

[KayakerNC]

I never thought I'd envy a pair of post lasik goggles, :shocked:
but after wearing that stupid piece of plastic and tape to bed for a week, I want a pair.

When the tape came loose and the shield dropped between the laser room and the surgery center, I knew there HAD to be a better way. :1rotfl: