Guest guest Posted May 15, 2008 Report Share Posted May 15, 2008 Pat, The info in the article is very interesting. I had cataract surgery when I was only 4, which was back in 1954-55, thanks to our old friend congenital rubella. The doctor did his best to remove what he could of the cataracts but some traces remained. Fast forward to 1992 when I had a lens implant procedure in my only functioning eye. The operation itself was a big success, but within a month I would get the surprise of my life. My eye was healing up quite nicely and vision was starting to settle down, the yellowness of my vision had all but disappeared by this time (leftover blood in the aqueous fluid) when I suddenly noticed that I was seeing double on really bright or high-contrast objects. This went on for several days. The doctors didn't make the connection. They told me " it's just your brain getting used to your new vision " to which I said " no, you don't understand. I am seeing double and I only have ONE EYE. " With that, the doctor had me come in as early as possible the next morning to examine me. After five very tight-lipped specialists examined my eye and exhausted my patience with their constant " hmmmmm, hmmmmmmm, oh my " remarks, I had to pry it out of them that I had a 20% retinal tear in the upper nasal quadrant. Though it was out of my visual field, the tear was affecting my vision and had to be repaired. If unattended, I could have lost what vision I had. Within an hour I underwent a cold-gas laser surgery to freeze the retina in place. That was successful, thankfully. I did not have problems with diabetes at that time, but I would hate to think of what might have happened if this were all to happen now that I do have DM. One thing is for sure. I am a big advocate of telling people to TELL YOUR DOC EVERYTHING and MAKE HIM LISTEN TO YOU. Nuff said. Bill Powers From: blind-diabetics [mailto:blind-diabetics ] On Behalf Of LaFrance-Wolf Sent: Wednesday, May 14, 2008 7:50 PM To: Doc Mahaber Dr. (Doc Mahaber Dr.); Blind-DiabeticsYahoogroups (DOT) Com; Acb-DiabeticsAcb (DOT) Org; diabetesworld Subject: cataract surgery 4.%% JHS 9 May 2008 The Risks of Cataract Surgery - Diabetes and Cataract Surgery People with diabetes must be concerned with the possibility of developing diabetic complications, including retinopathy. A new study reveals that cataract surgery poses serious risks for those with DM. In a normal eye, cataract surgery will improve vision in more than 95% of cases. Significant post-surgical complications, such as infection, bleeding, swelling, glaucoma, and retinal detachment are rare: They occur in only 1-2% of people. People with other eye diseases and serious medical problems are most at risk for complications. For example, cataract surgery in diabetics is often followed by complications such as macular edema, retinopathy, and iris neovascularization (abnormal blood vessel growth in the iris). In a recent reported in the British Journal of Ophthalmology Vol 90, researchers were able for the first time to correlate such outcomes with a rise in levels of blood vessel growth factors following cataract surgery. The researchers used fluorescein angiography, and measured growth factor levels in 6 diabetic patients before cataract surgery and 3 times following cataract surgery, on days 1, 7, and 90. In four patients, retinopathy in the macula, the center of the retina, worsened. Levels of two factors that promote blood vessel growth -- vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) -- also increased significantly. A different growth factor -- pigment epithelial derived growth factor (PEGF), which discourages new blood vessels from forming -- decreased after cataract surgery. An inflammatory chemical messenger called interleukin 1B also increased, which is normal after cataract surgery but can stimulate the release of VEGF and HGF. The next step, researchers say, is to study whether new anti-VEGF treatments ranibizumab and bevacizumab [lucentis and avastin] can control growth factor levels following cataract surgery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 15, 2008 Report Share Posted May 15, 2008 Pat, The info in the article is very interesting. I had cataract surgery when I was only 4, which was back in 1954-55, thanks to our old friend congenital rubella. The doctor did his best to remove what he could of the cataracts but some traces remained. Fast forward to 1992 when I had a lens implant procedure in my only functioning eye. The operation itself was a big success, but within a month I would get the surprise of my life. My eye was healing up quite nicely and vision was starting to settle down, the yellowness of my vision had all but disappeared by this time (leftover blood in the aqueous fluid) when I suddenly noticed that I was seeing double on really bright or high-contrast objects. This went on for several days. The doctors didn't make the connection. They told me " it's just your brain getting used to your new vision " to which I said " no, you don't understand. I am seeing double and I only have ONE EYE. " With that, the doctor had me come in as early as possible the next morning to examine me. After five very tight-lipped specialists examined my eye and exhausted my patience with their constant " hmmmmm, hmmmmmmm, oh my " remarks, I had to pry it out of them that I had a 20% retinal tear in the upper nasal quadrant. Though it was out of my visual field, the tear was affecting my vision and had to be repaired. If unattended, I could have lost what vision I had. Within an hour I underwent a cold-gas laser surgery to freeze the retina in place. That was successful, thankfully. I did not have problems with diabetes at that time, but I would hate to think of what might have happened if this were all to happen now that I do have DM. One thing is for sure. I am a big advocate of telling people to TELL YOUR DOC EVERYTHING and MAKE HIM LISTEN TO YOU. Nuff said. Bill Powers From: blind-diabetics [mailto:blind-diabetics ] On Behalf Of LaFrance-Wolf Sent: Wednesday, May 14, 2008 7:50 PM To: Doc Mahaber Dr. (Doc Mahaber Dr.); Blind-DiabeticsYahoogroups (DOT) Com; Acb-DiabeticsAcb (DOT) Org; diabetesworld Subject: cataract surgery 4.%% JHS 9 May 2008 The Risks of Cataract Surgery - Diabetes and Cataract Surgery People with diabetes must be concerned with the possibility of developing diabetic complications, including retinopathy. A new study reveals that cataract surgery poses serious risks for those with DM. In a normal eye, cataract surgery will improve vision in more than 95% of cases. Significant post-surgical complications, such as infection, bleeding, swelling, glaucoma, and retinal detachment are rare: They occur in only 1-2% of people. People with other eye diseases and serious medical problems are most at risk for complications. For example, cataract surgery in diabetics is often followed by complications such as macular edema, retinopathy, and iris neovascularization (abnormal blood vessel growth in the iris). In a recent reported in the British Journal of Ophthalmology Vol 90, researchers were able for the first time to correlate such outcomes with a rise in levels of blood vessel growth factors following cataract surgery. The researchers used fluorescein angiography, and measured growth factor levels in 6 diabetic patients before cataract surgery and 3 times following cataract surgery, on days 1, 7, and 90. In four patients, retinopathy in the macula, the center of the retina, worsened. Levels of two factors that promote blood vessel growth -- vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) -- also increased significantly. A different growth factor -- pigment epithelial derived growth factor (PEGF), which discourages new blood vessels from forming -- decreased after cataract surgery. An inflammatory chemical messenger called interleukin 1B also increased, which is normal after cataract surgery but can stimulate the release of VEGF and HGF. The next step, researchers say, is to study whether new anti-VEGF treatments ranibizumab and bevacizumab [lucentis and avastin] can control growth factor levels following cataract surgery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 15, 2008 Report Share Posted May 15, 2008 Good thing you were assertiveF! I personally don't know of too many diabetics who had complications from the cataract surger-other than the ye often " grows " another film behind the lens transplant. This often happens to non-diabetics too and they correct it with a 2 second lazar zap! cataract surgery 4.%% JHS 9 May 2008 The Risks of Cataract Surgery - Diabetes and Cataract Surgery People with diabetes must be concerned with the possibility of developing diabetic complications, including retinopathy. A new study reveals that cataract surgery poses serious risks for those with DM. In a normal eye, cataract surgery will improve vision in more than 95% of cases. Significant post-surgical complications, such as infection, bleeding, swelling, glaucoma, and retinal detachment are rare: They occur in only 1-2% of people. People with other eye diseases and serious medical problems are most at risk for complications. For example, cataract surgery in diabetics is often followed by complications such as macular edema, retinopathy, and iris neovascularization (abnormal blood vessel growth in the iris). In a recent reported in the British Journal of Ophthalmology Vol 90, researchers were able for the first time to correlate such outcomes with a rise in levels of blood vessel growth factors following cataract surgery. The researchers used fluorescein angiography, and measured growth factor levels in 6 diabetic patients before cataract surgery and 3 times following cataract surgery, on days 1, 7, and 90. In four patients, retinopathy in the macula, the center of the retina, worsened. Levels of two factors that promote blood vessel growth -- vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) -- also increased significantly. A different growth factor -- pigment epithelial derived growth factor (PEGF), which discourages new blood vessels from forming -- decreased after cataract surgery. An inflammatory chemical messenger called interleukin 1B also increased, which is normal after cataract surgery but can stimulate the release of VEGF and HGF. The next step, researchers say, is to study whether new anti-VEGF treatments ranibizumab and bevacizumab [lucentis and avastin] can control growth factor levels following cataract surgery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 15, 2008 Report Share Posted May 15, 2008 Interesting article. I have cataracts and was going to ask about the possibility of having them removed at my next appointment. For me there are additional risks caused by ROP, so I dunno, double risk there. My dad had very successful cataract surgery a few years ago and had the film develop behind his lens implants, which was fixed pretty easily. Jen RE: cataract surgery Good thing you were assertiveF! I personally don't know of too many diabetics who had complications from the cataract surger-other than the ye often " grows " another film behind the lens transplant. This often happens to non-diabetics too and they correct it with a 2 second lazar zap! No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.16/1429 - Release Date: 5/12/2008 6:14 PM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 15, 2008 Report Share Posted May 15, 2008 Interesting article. I have cataracts and was going to ask about the possibility of having them removed at my next appointment. For me there are additional risks caused by ROP, so I dunno, double risk there. My dad had very successful cataract surgery a few years ago and had the film develop behind his lens implants, which was fixed pretty easily. Jen RE: cataract surgery Good thing you were assertiveF! I personally don't know of too many diabetics who had complications from the cataract surger-other than the ye often " grows " another film behind the lens transplant. This often happens to non-diabetics too and they correct it with a 2 second lazar zap! No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.16/1429 - Release Date: 5/12/2008 6:14 PM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 15, 2008 Report Share Posted May 15, 2008 Pat, I never heard of growing another cataract after having a lens implant. I was never even told of that possibility. I had always assumed once your real lens was removed that was it. Even if it does happen, which I hope not, at least I will have a very good idea of what is going on and you can bet your bottom dollar I will be very assertive and tell the doc what's happening. I subscribe to the notion that I'm in charge and know my body better than anyone, and if one doc won't listen to me, I will find one that will. So far it's been 16 years since the lens implant and vision and eye pressure are fine despite having diabetes. In fact my pressure now is lower than it used to be, it's 16 instead of being in the 20s, so somehow with the meds and my keeping watch on diabetes, I'm thus far winning the battle. Bill Powers From: blind-diabetics [mailto:blind-diabetics ] On Behalf Of LaFrance-Wolf Sent: Wednesday, May 14, 2008 8:40 PM To: blind-diabetics Subject: RE: cataract surgery Good thing you were assertiveF! I personally don't know of too many diabetics who had complications from the cataract surger-other than the ye often " grows " another film behind the lens transplant. This often happens to non-diabetics too and they correct it with a 2 second lazar zap! cataract surgery 4.%% JHS 9 May 2008 The Risks of Cataract Surgery - Diabetes and Cataract Surgery People with diabetes must be concerned with the possibility of developing diabetic complications, including retinopathy. A new study reveals that cataract surgery poses serious risks for those with DM. In a normal eye, cataract surgery will improve vision in more than 95% of cases. Significant post-surgical complications, such as infection, bleeding, swelling, glaucoma, and retinal detachment are rare: They occur in only 1-2% of people. People with other eye diseases and serious medical problems are most at risk for complications. For example, cataract surgery in diabetics is often followed by complications such as macular edema, retinopathy, and iris neovascularization (abnormal blood vessel growth in the iris). In a recent reported in the British Journal of Ophthalmology Vol 90, researchers were able for the first time to correlate such outcomes with a rise in levels of blood vessel growth factors following cataract surgery. The researchers used fluorescein angiography, and measured growth factor levels in 6 diabetic patients before cataract surgery and 3 times following cataract surgery, on days 1, 7, and 90. In four patients, retinopathy in the macula, the center of the retina, worsened. Levels of two factors that promote blood vessel growth -- vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) -- also increased significantly. A different growth factor -- pigment epithelial derived growth factor (PEGF), which discourages new blood vessels from forming -- decreased after cataract surgery. An inflammatory chemical messenger called interleukin 1B also increased, which is normal after cataract surgery but can stimulate the release of VEGF and HGF. The next step, researchers say, is to study whether new anti-VEGF treatments ranibizumab and bevacizumab [lucentis and avastin] can control growth factor levels following cataract surgery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 15, 2008 Report Share Posted May 15, 2008 Yes, this happened to my son, who had to get the laser zap. cataract surgery 4.%% JHS 9 May 2008 The Risks of Cataract Surgery - Diabetes and Cataract Surgery People with diabetes must be concerned with the possibility of developing diabetic complications, including retinopathy. A new study reveals that cataract surgery poses serious risks for those with DM. In a normal eye, cataract surgery will improve vision in more than 95% of cases. Significant post-surgical complications, such as infection, bleeding, swelling, glaucoma, and retinal detachment are rare: They occur in only 1-2% of people. People with other eye diseases and serious medical problems are most at risk for complications. For example, cataract surgery in diabetics is often followed by complications such as macular edema, retinopathy, and iris neovascularization (abnormal blood vessel growth in the iris). In a recent reported in the British Journal of Ophthalmology Vol 90, researchers were able for the first time to correlate such outcomes with a rise in levels of blood vessel growth factors following cataract surgery. The researchers used fluorescein angiography, and measured growth factor levels in 6 diabetic patients before cataract surgery and 3 times following cataract surgery, on days 1, 7, and 90. In four patients, retinopathy in the macula, the center of the retina, worsened. Levels of two factors that promote blood vessel growth -- vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) -- also increased significantly. A different growth factor -- pigment epithelial derived growth factor (PEGF), which discourages new blood vessels from forming -- decreased after cataract surgery. An inflammatory chemical messenger called interleukin 1B also increased, which is normal after cataract surgery but can stimulate the release of VEGF and HGF. The next step, researchers say, is to study whether new anti-VEGF treatments ranibizumab and bevacizumab [lucentis and avastin] can control growth factor levels following cataract surgery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 15, 2008 Report Share Posted May 15, 2008 Good going!, I believe in telling my doctors every thing even if I have to write a single space letter and insist that they read it and place it in my chart. The one doctor who refused to listen to me had to read a two page letter aloud to me to be sure he had read the letter. After that I promised him a follow up letter with every visit I made to him pointing out my concerns and what he did about them. After that he always listened to me. If he didn't, he would read about it in the next visit. cataract surgery 4.%% JHS 9 May 2008 The Risks of Cataract Surgery - Diabetes and Cataract Surgery People with diabetes must be concerned with the possibility of developing diabetic complications, including retinopathy. A new study reveals that cataract surgery poses serious risks for those with DM. In a normal eye, cataract surgery will improve vision in more than 95% of cases. Significant post-surgical complications, such as infection, bleeding, swelling, glaucoma, and retinal detachment are rare: They occur in only 1-2% of people. People with other eye diseases and serious medical problems are most at risk for complications. For example, cataract surgery in diabetics is often followed by complications such as macular edema, retinopathy, and iris neovascularization (abnormal blood vessel growth in the iris). In a recent reported in the British Journal of Ophthalmology Vol 90, researchers were able for the first time to correlate such outcomes with a rise in levels of blood vessel growth factors following cataract surgery. The researchers used fluorescein angiography, and measured growth factor levels in 6 diabetic patients before cataract surgery and 3 times following cataract surgery, on days 1, 7, and 90. In four patients, retinopathy in the macula, the center of the retina, worsened. Levels of two factors that promote blood vessel growth -- vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) -- also increased significantly. A different growth factor -- pigment epithelial derived growth factor (PEGF), which discourages new blood vessels from forming -- decreased after cataract surgery. An inflammatory chemical messenger called interleukin 1B also increased, which is normal after cataract surgery but can stimulate the release of VEGF and HGF. The next step, researchers say, is to study whether new anti-VEGF treatments ranibizumab and bevacizumab [lucentis and avastin] can control growth factor levels following cataract surgery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 15, 2008 Report Share Posted May 15, 2008 If that film is going to happen, it usually happens shortly after surger, so don't worry! cataract surgery 4.%% JHS 9 May 2008 The Risks of Cataract Surgery - Diabetes and Cataract Surgery People with diabetes must be concerned with the possibility of developing diabetic complications, including retinopathy. A new study reveals that cataract surgery poses serious risks for those with DM. In a normal eye, cataract surgery will improve vision in more than 95% of cases. Significant post-surgical complications, such as infection, bleeding, swelling, glaucoma, and retinal detachment are rare: They occur in only 1-2% of people. People with other eye diseases and serious medical problems are most at risk for complications. For example, cataract surgery in diabetics is often followed by complications such as macular edema, retinopathy, and iris neovascularization (abnormal blood vessel growth in the iris). In a recent reported in the British Journal of Ophthalmology Vol 90, researchers were able for the first time to correlate such outcomes with a rise in levels of blood vessel growth factors following cataract surgery. The researchers used fluorescein angiography, and measured growth factor levels in 6 diabetic patients before cataract surgery and 3 times following cataract surgery, on days 1, 7, and 90. In four patients, retinopathy in the macula, the center of the retina, worsened. Levels of two factors that promote blood vessel growth -- vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) -- also increased significantly. A different growth factor -- pigment epithelial derived growth factor (PEGF), which discourages new blood vessels from forming -- decreased after cataract surgery. An inflammatory chemical messenger called interleukin 1B also increased, which is normal after cataract surgery but can stimulate the release of VEGF and HGF. The next step, researchers say, is to study whether new anti-VEGF treatments ranibizumab and bevacizumab [lucentis and avastin] can control growth factor levels following cataract surgery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 15, 2008 Report Share Posted May 15, 2008 Pat, Thanks for clarifying the film post cataract surgery. Ah, I thought you meant that at some point in time down the road the film could recur after having a lens implant. So far though, in my case, no problems. The docs can see to the back of my eye quite clearly and never indicate anything other than a nice healthy retina and everything is static just as it was back post surgery. I have been very lucky to have my vision be so stable despite getting older. Bill Powers From: blind-diabetics [mailto:blind-diabetics ] On Behalf Of LaFrance-Wolf Sent: Thursday, May 15, 2008 8:14 AM To: blind-diabetics Subject: RE: cataract surgery If that film is going to happen, it usually happens shortly after surger, so don't worry! cataract surgery 4.%% JHS 9 May 2008 The Risks of Cataract Surgery - Diabetes and Cataract Surgery People with diabetes must be concerned with the possibility of developing diabetic complications, including retinopathy. A new study reveals that cataract surgery poses serious risks for those with DM. In a normal eye, cataract surgery will improve vision in more than 95% of cases. Significant post-surgical complications, such as infection, bleeding, swelling, glaucoma, and retinal detachment are rare: They occur in only 1-2% of people. People with other eye diseases and serious medical problems are most at risk for complications. For example, cataract surgery in diabetics is often followed by complications such as macular edema, retinopathy, and iris neovascularization (abnormal blood vessel growth in the iris). In a recent reported in the British Journal of Ophthalmology Vol 90, researchers were able for the first time to correlate such outcomes with a rise in levels of blood vessel growth factors following cataract surgery. The researchers used fluorescein angiography, and measured growth factor levels in 6 diabetic patients before cataract surgery and 3 times following cataract surgery, on days 1, 7, and 90. In four patients, retinopathy in the macula, the center of the retina, worsened. Levels of two factors that promote blood vessel growth -- vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) -- also increased significantly. A different growth factor -- pigment epithelial derived growth factor (PEGF), which discourages new blood vessels from forming -- decreased after cataract surgery. An inflammatory chemical messenger called interleukin 1B also increased, which is normal after cataract surgery but can stimulate the release of VEGF and HGF. The next step, researchers say, is to study whether new anti-VEGF treatments ranibizumab and bevacizumab [lucentis and avastin] can control growth factor levels following cataract surgery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.