Pain After Cataract Op.

[jourdain2]

Mon. 24/5/21 I had my 2nd cataract op.. 1st eye was done 9/4/21 and the result was so wonderful, discomfort negligible, that I was overjoyed to be offered a sudden cancellation on Thurs. last. I went in all Wodehousian with a smile and a song on my lips; if I'd had a whangee I would have sported it etc.. In other words I was extremely relaxed and positive and I encouraged all the anxious first-timers.

Well, my experience has not been quite the same as the first time. Same hosp. (Scarborough) but different surgeon. I understand that all have their individual ways. Last time I had loads of drops for dilation and anaesthesia, this time the drops were mainly for dilation & the surgeon preferred an injection.

Result is again great regarding vision, which has now settled down, but I am in some discomfort and taking paracetamol. This is not the problem.

What is a problem is that some of the drops I have to use 4 times a day are - to be blunt - agonizing. They stung a bit before, but now I am curled-up & almost crying with the horrible, stabbing pain that seems to go into my skull. It really is dreadful. OH feels awful administering them even though 10 mins. later I'm OK.

Anyone know if this sort of pain is normal? I've given it 24 hours and no improvement. Advice, please?

[jourdain2]

^^^ This should be in 'Body & Soul' sorry. Ab Editor. can you move it please? Apologies.

[Sqad]

Discomfort after applying drops is quite common, but agonising pain is unusual.
Providing that your eye is not red and swollen, then take a good dose of analgesic tonight e.g Ibuprofen 400mgms or Paracetamol 1,000mgms and if in the morning there is no relief, then contact the Eye Dept at the hospital.
Did Mr Bacon do the operation?

[jourdain2]

No, it was a young lady - I didn't get her name. I really am quite scared of the drops now - but I know I need to take them.
Thanks so much, Sqad. I'll do that - I wondered if I'd just been lucky first time.

[Jackdaw33]

I don't think you were unlucky first time. If anything, you were unlucky second time. I had no problems whatsoever and cannot praise the surgeon highly enough. Mind, I was fortunate in getting both eyes done at the same time as they were both so bad.

[jno]

cataracts are the most successful operation in the entire NHS and the pain doesn't sound normal at all.

Are you sure you haven't been given the wrong drops?

[Milo2]

My husband has also recently had two cataract operations. Like you, he sailed through the first one but the second one was done by a different surgeon. His eye was bloodshot and sore but the doctor wasn’t concerned with this. He didn’t have any problems with the drops but he was told to ring the clinic if he had any problems so that is what I would suggest.

[jourdain2]

Thank you all. I now have the confidence to ring in the morning and say 'there's something wrong'. It's all medical this week, physio tomorrow, dentist Thursday. :(

[jourdain2]

I'm sorry this is still in News - AB ED - are you out there?
Right, some feedback for all you caring people. I rang this morning and eventually got through. I had to admit that the drops this a.m. hadn't been quite as agonising. After a Q & A session (yes, my vision is improved, yes, I understand that the blood and 'bruised' feeling is due to the injection and will pass) I've been asked to ring again tomorrow morning and if I need an emergency appt. I can have one on Friday (dentists tomorrow p.m.).

Yes, the pain has improved in that it is now localised in short, very sharp jabs rather in one whole consuming pain and so is more bearable. Anyway, they are alerted and I have a path to follow - so thank you very much for giving me the confidence to ring. :)

[anneasquith]

J, when you describe pain as agonising, time to get medical advice .

[jourdain2]

Thank you anneasquith - I have done and they are alerted.