Eye problems - Cataracts

[suebehar]

I have SLE and Sjogrens. Last month I suddenlty could not see in the dark. Driving was a nightmare. My eye doctor said I had cataracts they needed to be removed, which I had done.

Has anyone had this issue? My doctor thought it could be due to my condition or poor luck.

Thanks and Happy Thanksgiving

Susan

[Lily]

Hi Susan,

I'm not sure, I know that long term prednisone use can lead to cataracts and also that some people just get them (i.e. bad luck) as they get older.

I've never heard of them in direct connection with any of the connective tissue diseases, at least not coming about from the disease itself, but possibly prednisone usage.

I guess you will have to inform your surgeon about your Sjogrens so they can advise you better on this surgery. Its also important that your Anaesthetist knows you have Sjogrens, they can keep you a bit more hydrated during surgery than they normally would any other patient and that will save some problems.

Good luck and I'm sorry you are having problems with this :hugbetter:

love
Lily

[MichelleAnn]

Hello Lily,
I had cataracs, I am 41 years old. I had them removed 3 years ago...I still cannot see well...to be honest I see worse since the surgery....but I cant tell them anything. They will not laser my eyes to correct my vision becuase I have dry eyes (sjogrens and lupus).
Hope you see better soon. :wow:
MichelleAnn

[Lily]

Hi Michelle, its Susan with the cataracts, thankfully I dont have them. I know you have been on very high doses of Pred and maybe that increased your chances of getting them.

My doc during a lecture on dry eyes said the worst thing you can do is have laser surgery, it causes worse dryness and leads to all sorts of problems, he was very emphatic about it.

:( I'm really sorry the cataract surgery didnt work for you, but some of that vision problem may be from your Neuro probs ?? thats a possibility and now you have started on meds to help control your disease it may improve, lets hope so. :luck:

love
Lily

[sheila t]

I too have Sjogrens and 3 years ago, it caused me to get a cyst on the white of my right eye, I had to have surgery to have that removed. I got a small cyst now on my left eye on the white of the eye, same area, if it gets any bigger I have to have that cyst removed. I was told it was due to me having Sjogrens.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a167/Sheilatush/hugs/i62398955_19184_2.gif Sheila :)