Eye Conditions: Surgery vs. Medication for Elderly Patients

Q: Eye Conditions: Surgery vs. Medication for Elderly Patients

Hello： It is unclear whether the growth is on the eyelid, the surface of the eye, or inside the eye. <br>This symptom is quite rare, and it would be best to have a clearer examination. <br>If it is cataracts, the effectiveness of medication is very limited, but the success rate o

Eye disorders

Doctor: Hello, my grandmother is in her seventies, and recently when she visited the doctor, it was discovered that she has some growths on her eyes.
The doctor mentioned that this is due to her using unclean water to wash her eyes or touching her eyes with unclean hands in the past.
He said that if she does not undergo surgery soon, it could worsen her cataracts.
I would like to know if surgery is absolutely necessary for my grandmother's condition, or if it can be treated with medication.
Additionally, if surgery is required, will she be able to fully recover? Thank you for your response.
Miss Chen

Chen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/04/06

Dr. Wang Zhangji reply Ophthalmology

Hello: It is unclear whether the growth is on the eyelid, the surface of the eye, or inside the eye.
This symptom is quite rare, and it would be best to have a clearer examination.
If it is cataracts, the effectiveness of medication is very limited, but the success rate of surgery is considered high.
Sincerely, Dr.
Wang Zhang-ji, Ophthalmology.

Reply Date: 2005/04/06

More Info

Hello, Ms. Chen,
Thank you for reaching out regarding your grandmother's eye condition. It sounds like she is experiencing some significant issues that may require careful consideration of both surgical and medical treatment options.

From your description, it seems that your grandmother has developed some growths on her eyes, which could potentially be related to a condition known as pterygium or pinguecula. These conditions often arise from prolonged exposure to UV light, dust, or irritants, and they can lead to discomfort and vision problems if they progress. If the growths are indeed causing her vision to deteriorate or if they are affecting her quality of life, surgery may be recommended.

Regarding the urgency of surgery, it is essential to understand that while some eye conditions can be managed with medication, others may necessitate surgical intervention to prevent further complications, such as the worsening of cataracts. If the doctor has indicated that her cataracts may worsen if the growths are not addressed, it is crucial to take this advice seriously. Cataracts can lead to significant vision impairment and may require surgical removal of the cloudy lens, followed by the implantation of an artificial lens.

In terms of treatment options, if the growths are not causing significant discomfort or vision issues, some doctors may recommend a watchful waiting approach, where the condition is monitored over time. However, if the growths are affecting her vision or causing irritation, surgery may be the most effective option. Surgical procedures for pterygium or pinguecula typically involve the removal of the growths, and in many cases, patients can achieve significant improvement in their symptoms and vision post-surgery.

As for the possibility of complete recovery, many patients experience excellent outcomes following surgery, with a return to normal activities and improved vision. However, it is essential to discuss the specific risks and benefits of the surgery with her ophthalmologist, as individual outcomes can vary based on the patient's overall health, the severity of the condition, and the presence of other eye issues, such as cataracts.

In summary, while medication may help manage some symptoms, surgery is often the most effective way to address growths on the eye, especially if they are impacting vision or causing discomfort. It is crucial to have an open dialogue with her eye doctor about the best course of action, including the potential for complete recovery and any necessary follow-up care after surgery.

If you have further questions or need more information, I encourage you to seek additional resources or consult with her healthcare provider for tailored advice. Thank you for your inquiry, and I wish your grandmother the best in her treatment journey.

Best regards.

Similar Q&A

Vision Issues in Seniors: Is Cataract Surgery the Right Choice?

Hello, doctor. My elderly relative is over 80 years old and has blurry vision for both distance and near. Due to their age, they have chronic conditions such as heart disease and hypertension. They wear glasses for both near and distance vision, but their vision is still not clea...

Dr. He Jianxian reply Ophthalmology
Dear Mr. Xiao You: If cataracts are affecting your vision and daily life, relying on corrective lenses may not be very effective. If the situation allows, you might consider addressing the cataract issue, as it could lead to more significant improvement. Director He Jianxian, Oph...

Managing Vision Loss in Elderly Diabetic Patients: Options for Care

Hello doctor, my father is 82 years old and has diabetes, which has been well controlled with medication. However, his vision has been deteriorating over the past few years. He suffered a brain injury at work 20 years ago, which has left him unable to communicate with others. He ...

Dr. He Jianxian reply Ophthalmology
Basically, health insurance does not cover hospitalization and general anesthesia for ophthalmic examinations. If you wish to proceed with this, it would need to be done entirely out-of-pocket. This is for your reference.

Managing Cataract Surgery Risks for Patients on Prostate Medications

Hello, Doctor: My father is 76 years old and is taking the medications "Amlodipine" and "Duloxetine." He currently needs to undergo cataract surgery. I would like to ask whether a specific cataract surgical technique is required, or if appropriate preoperative...

Dr. Cai Wenyuan reply Ophthalmology
It is difficult to determine and depends on the actual situation; it can be discussed with the surgeon.

Understanding Eye Aging: Symptoms, Treatments, and When to Consider Surgery

Hello, I am asking on behalf of my wife. Recently, she has been experiencing complaints of "blurred vision, sticky eyes that are hard to open, and differences in vision clarity." She has seen three doctors (including two clinics and a large hospital), all of whom determ...

Dr. Wang Zhangji reply Ophthalmology
The eyes are occasionally sticky and difficult to open, which resembles symptoms of conjunctivitis or dry eye syndrome. Generally, these conditions are hard to cure, but most patients can find relief through eye drops. Surgery is not effective in improving these symptoms. Regardi...