Cataract Eye Drops: Your Questions Answered

Q: Cataract Eye Drops: Your Questions Answered

Hello C34： 1. Since the eye drops are preventive, you can also apply them to the left eye. 2. You can continue to use them until finished. 3. Mild cataracts and astigmatism can both potentially cause blurred vision; whether the astigmatism has worsened can onl

Regarding cataract eye drops?

Hello, Doctor Gao.
I would like to ask a few questions.
I have high myopia, and during my check-up, the doctor mentioned that I have mild cataracts in my right eye and prescribed eye drops called Corning Unis (active ingredient: pirenoxine).
When I got home, I saw on the prescription that I should use the drops twice in each eye for seven days.
I would like to ask:
1.
Since I don't have cataracts in my left eye, do I need to use the drops in that eye?
2.
Should I continue using the drops until my next appointment (for example, one month later), or should I stop after the seven days? If this medication is intended to delay deterioration, is seven days sufficient?
3.
Can mild cataracts already cause slight blurriness in vision (very slight, only noticeable when looking at the computer, where it feels less clear compared to my left eye), or could this be due to worsening astigmatism? (My right eye has more severe myopia and astigmatism than my left eye.)
4.
Although the doctor used instruments to examine the macula, when I asked, "Is there any problem with the macula?" he showed me a grid test for the macula and asked if I had any issues.
Generally speaking, is it more accurate to rely on the instruments or to look directly at the grid?
I apologize for the confusion; I was a bit shocked and only realized after getting home that I forgot to ask the doctor about the eye drops.
Thank you for your time in answering my questions.

c34, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/05/28

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello C34: 1.
Since the eye drops are preventive, you can also apply them to the left eye.
2.
You can continue to use them until finished.
3.
Mild cataracts and astigmatism can both potentially cause blurred vision; whether the astigmatism has worsened can only be determined by comparing it to previous prescriptions.
Cataracts may also contribute to worsening astigmatism.
4.
The instrument is for the physician's assessment, while the grid is for your self-testing.
One is objective, and the other is subjective, both of which have their reference value.
In Taiwan, the Department of Ophthalmology at Puzi Hospital is open: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and Wednesday from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
Online responses can only serve as a reference; it is still necessary to seek medical care at a healthcare facility when needed.
I hope to have the opportunity to serve you.
Gao Pilin

Reply Date: 2018/05/28

More Info

Dear Patient,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding cataract eye drops and your concerns about your eye health. It’s understandable to have questions, especially when it comes to your vision and the medications prescribed to you. Let’s address your questions one by one.

1. Do I need to use the eye drops in my left eye if it has no issues?
Generally, if your left eye is healthy and the doctor has not indicated any issues, you do not need to apply the eye drops to that eye. The medication you were prescribed, which contains pirenoxine, is typically used to manage or slow the progression of cataracts in the affected eye. Therefore, it is usually recommended to apply the drops only to the eye that has been diagnosed with the condition.

2. Should I continue using the drops beyond the initial seven days?
The prescription you received indicates that you should use the drops for seven days. This is likely a short-term treatment aimed at assessing the initial response of your eye to the medication. If the doctor has not specified to continue beyond this period, it is best to follow up with your ophthalmologist after the seven days to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment. If the drops are intended to delay the progression of cataracts, your doctor may recommend a longer course based on your follow-up examination.

3. Can mild cataracts cause slight blurriness in vision?
Yes, even mild cataracts can lead to slight blurriness or a decrease in visual clarity. Cataracts develop when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, which can scatter light and affect how clearly you see. The fact that you notice a difference in clarity between your two eyes, especially when looking at a computer screen, could indeed be attributed to the mild cataract in your right eye. Additionally, if you have significant myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism, these refractive errors can also contribute to visual disturbances, making it feel like your right eye is not as clear as your left.

4. Is it more accurate to assess the macula with instruments or through a grid test?
Both methods have their merits. Instruments used by ophthalmologists can provide a detailed and quantitative assessment of the macula and other retinal structures, often revealing issues that may not be apparent through a simple visual test. The grid test, known as the Amsler grid, is a useful tool for detecting distortions in vision that may indicate macular problems. However, it is generally considered a subjective test. Therefore, while the grid can help you identify potential issues, the results from specialized instruments are typically more reliable for diagnosing conditions affecting the macula.

In conclusion, it’s crucial to maintain open communication with your eye care provider. If you have any lingering concerns or if your symptoms change, do not hesitate to reach out for further evaluation. Regular check-ups are essential, especially with your history of high myopia and the recent diagnosis of cataracts. Your vision is important, and staying proactive about your eye health will help ensure the best possible outcomes.

Thank you for your questions, and I hope this information helps clarify your concerns regarding your eye drops and overall eye health.

Best regards,
Doctor Q&A Teams

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