DEAR DR. GOTT:
My eye specialist recently told me that I need cataract surgery. My reaction was negative because I have ALWAYS been allergic to anything and everything in or around my eyes. I have never even been able to wear any kind of makeup. I can’t wear contact lenses because it was found I was allergic to the lenses themselves. I tried twice but not through this doctor.
DEAR READER:
A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s natural lens situated behind the iris and pupil. The condition is common in the elderly and affects about 70% of those over 75 years of age.
Allergies of the eye are no different than allergies affecting the lungs, nose and sinuses. In the case of cataract surgery, adverse reactions to anesthetic periocular (eye numbing) injections can cause hypersensitivity either from the compound itself or from the mechanical manipulation of the needle. The incidence of a reaction is uncommon, but does exist. In fact, onset following surgery can occur within a few hours, days, or may take several weeks.
Because you appear to be a likely candidate for allergy, I recommend you discuss the issue with your ophthalmologist. He can tell you what injection he ordinarily uses, if there are options and if you should have the surgery or not, based on your history. I don’t mean to skirt the problem and refer you back to your surgeon, but he knows your eyes, medical history and whether the benefits will outweigh the risks. Perhaps a three-way conversation with your primary care physician might provide the answers you require.
To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “An Informed Approach to Surgery”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped, number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.
About Dr. Gott