What Type of Eye Surgery Did I Undergo? My Experience

Q: What Type of Eye Surgery Did I Undergo? My Experience

Hello John： The more complex procedure is likely cataract surgery. <br>The success of the surgery may depend on the postoperative results. <br>It is normal for the sclera to appear red after surgery, and it should recover after some time.

What type of surgery did I undergo?

Hello, doctor.
Two months ago, I was referred to an emergency department at a teaching hospital in Shihpai due to extremely high intraocular pressure (65 mmHg).
Around 6 PM, I was admitted, and while in the emergency room, I vomited.
The resident physician administered IV fluids to lower my pressure.
The next morning, the resident physician had me seen by another doctor before the outpatient clinic opened.
He used a lot of medical jargon that I didn’t understand and prescribed me eye drops, instructing me to go home.
However, that afternoon, I felt something was wrong again and realized I was about to have another episode, so I rushed to the emergency department at another hospital.
A different resident measured my eye pressure at 35 mmHg, gave me IV fluids again, and prescribed different eye drops, telling me to go home.
Later that evening, I received a phone call from a doctor who said that my condition was serious.
Since I had already experienced a nosebleed, and it was the third day, he instructed me to come in for surgery to replace the lens, so I wouldn’t have to go through it again.
The next day, during the surgery, the attending physician sighed and said, “Oh no, it has fallen.” The assistant physician exclaimed, “Oh my god!” while the third assistant remained silent throughout the procedure.
The attending physician called for a camera, and I saw a needle trying to suction what looked like a floating plastic bag.
The needle kept suctioning while the plastic bag moved around.
After a bit of a chase, the doctor called for heavy oil, and a black liquid was introduced, allowing the needle to successfully suction the floating plastic bag and the heavy oil.
I then felt as if the doctor was stitching my lower and upper eyelids while scolding the assistant for not being a good helper, saying it was dangerous and that I could have been scared to death.
At my follow-up appointment the next day, the doctor said that the ligaments had completely torn, so they had to stitch them back together without using a ring.
When I asked the assisting physician about the surgery, she only mentioned that it was a new type of surgery, performed on no more than ten people in Taiwan, and very seriously warned me that if I didn’t wear the iron eye mask at night, I could go blind, and that I needed to use sterile cotton to wipe away any eye discharge, or my eyelids could become infected.
As of now, the white part of my eye is still somewhat red and swollen, and during my follow-up, the doctor had the assistant remove the suture ends that were left in my eyelid.
The redness and swelling have improved somewhat, but my eye hasn’t completely returned to white.
Can you tell me if my surgery was successful? Is the redness in the white part of my eye a concern? What kind of surgery did I undergo (approximately)? (I apologize, but I’m a bit afraid of the attending physician, and his assistants don’t communicate with me.)

john, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/06/26

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello John: The more complex procedure is likely cataract surgery.
The success of the surgery may depend on the postoperative results.
It is normal for the sclera to appear red after surgery, and it should recover after some time.

Reply Date: 2022/06/26

More Info

Based on your detailed account, it appears that you underwent a complex eye surgery, likely related to the management of a severe eye condition, possibly involving cataract surgery or a similar procedure, given the mention of a "floating plastic bag" and the need to replace the lens. The urgency of your situation, with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) and the need for immediate intervention, suggests that your condition was critical, potentially involving acute glaucoma or a similar emergency.

Understanding Your Surgery
1. Type of Surgery: From your description, it seems you had a procedure to address a significant issue with your eye, possibly involving the removal of a cataract or addressing a lens dislocation. The reference to a "floating plastic bag" likely indicates that the surgeon was dealing with a dislocated intraocular lens or some form of debris in the eye that needed to be removed. The use of heavy oil during the procedure is common in complex surgeries to maintain the shape of the eye and protect the retina.

2. Surgical Success: Determining whether your surgery was successful involves evaluating several factors, including your current vision, the resolution of symptoms, and the absence of complications. The redness and swelling in the sclera (the white part of your eye) can be a normal postoperative reaction, especially if there was significant manipulation of the tissues during surgery. However, persistent redness and swelling should be monitored, as they could indicate inflammation or other complications.

3. Postoperative Care: It’s crucial to follow your surgeon's postoperative instructions closely. The use of an eye shield at night is essential to protect your eye during the healing process. The advice to clean your eyelids with sterile cotton is also important to prevent infection. If you notice any worsening symptoms, such as increased pain, vision changes, or discharge, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately.

4. Long-term Outlook: Recovery from eye surgery can vary significantly among individuals. While some redness and swelling may take time to resolve, your vision should gradually improve. If you continue to experience significant discomfort or visual disturbances, further evaluation may be necessary.
5. Communication with Your Surgeon: It’s understandable to feel anxious about your surgery and recovery, especially if communication with your healthcare team has been unclear. If you have concerns about your recovery or the specifics of your surgery, consider requesting a follow-up appointment where you can ask questions directly. A clear understanding of your condition and treatment plan is vital for your peace of mind and recovery.

Conclusion
In summary, while your surgery seems to have been necessary and urgent, the success of the procedure will depend on your ongoing recovery and symptom management. The redness and swelling you are experiencing may be part of the normal healing process, but it is essential to keep your healthcare provider informed of any changes in your condition. If you feel uncomfortable with the level of communication from your surgical team, seeking a second opinion or consulting with another ophthalmologist may provide additional clarity and reassurance. Your vision and eye health are paramount, and you deserve comprehensive care and support throughout your recovery journey.

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