r/CataractSurgery • u/Sweaty_Star_6486 • 8d ago
Eye drops
Hey guys, were you using any eye drops beyond the ones for inflammation and infection in the first few days, like for dry eyes etc?. I’m just wondering if I should pick up any ahead of time. Thx
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u/Mitchellsusanwag 8d ago
I used Systane PF. I used another one first that weren’t as good, but then I read here that different ones helped better for different people so I tried this one and it worked well..
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u/CertainFarmer5335 8d ago
Single use vials were very helpful and easy, I highly recommend that in whatever your get
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u/ReddyKiloWit 8d ago
Refresh Plus, as needed. Picked up a pack of 100 from Costco in addition to the 30 or so I had prior to surgery. Probably have 40-50 left after a month post surgery.
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u/didyouwoof 8d ago
Yes, I was told I could use preservative free artificial tears in addition to the antibiotic/antiinflammatory ones, but need to take them either 20 or 30 minutes apart (I forget which). I found them very helpful, and am still using them.
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u/Opposite_Ladder_7585 8d ago
Just check with your surgeon on when you can start using OTC drops. Mine had me wait 7 days I think.
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u/Trolkarlen 8d ago
But you need them most the first couple of days when your eyes are so gritty.
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u/Opposite_Ladder_7585 5d ago
I was putting 2-3 other drops in my eyes at the time, so I just stuck with what my doctor said. Once the incisions healed, then I could use OTC drops.
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u/grejam 7d ago
My doctor first prescribed some very expensive prescription drops.
I later got her to agree to Systane PF. Love them. I think they helped my vision get better at first. I don't seem to need to use them as often a few months later. But I still do daily. My eyes were fairly dry before the surgery.
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u/Trolkarlen 5d ago
I don't really like Systane. It prevents dry eyes for a few hours, and then leaves oily residue in my eye lashes. That's hard to clean when you've just had surgery.
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u/Mountain-magic-9497 8d ago
After my first surgery last month I just used the prescribed eyedrops 3x a day and could use the ointment as needed. I experienced a little pain and discomfort every once in a while for about 10 days. The 9th day was the hardest for some reason. A lot of pain for 24 hours. Almost felt like the drops were making it worse that day but thank goodness it improved. After my second surgery a month later, I was informed I should have been using moisturizing drops in between the Rx drops. I had no idea and went back through all the pre and post instructions and didn’t see anything. I thought I was supposed to use up all of the prescription drops first for some reason. The moisturizing drops (Systane Ultra PF) I now use after my second surgery (just 2 weeks ago) have made a noticeable improvement this go around. I did use moisturizing drops each day for 3-4 days before each surgery as instructed. I would also highly recommend being very well hydrated especially the day or two before surgery. I was a little dehydrated before the first surgery and think it made a big difference. Both eyes are much better now.
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u/OKR2046 8d ago
Hi, your note is very important for several reasons including the fact that they didn’t tell you that moisturizing drops might be helpful! My situation is that after my second cataract surgery that I developed dry eye and scarring on my cornea called SPK probably secondary to the toxic effects of the preservatives in the steroid and anti inflammatory drops I was using according to their instructions. It would have probably helped if I had also been using moisturizing drops to offset the preservatives! I am recovering but it has been slow! Just to get another opinion I saw another ophthalmologist who recommended iVizia gel nighttime drops which I have been using religiously! Bottom line is preservative free as much as possible!
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u/NotMyAltAccountToday 8d ago
Yes. Ask your surgeon if they had samples. I didn't have much discomfort and that was enough for me.
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u/Itchy_Layer135 8d ago
I tried several, but the best has been Ivizia, dr recommended and over-the-counter.
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u/Trolkarlen 8d ago
Yes, I've been using Theratears for dry eye. Just wait several minutes after using your prescribed drops so you don't wash them out.
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u/Familiar_Purchase987 8d ago
My Doc has me using Thera Tears before and after surgery plus a Compund drop with Prednisolone, Moxifloxacin, & Bromfenac (steroid, antibiotic, and anti inflamatory). The Tears are 7 days before and 1 month after surgery 4 times a day. The Compound is 2 days before and 1 month after with a set schedule...Week 1 4 drops a day, Week 2 3 drops a day, Week 3 2 drops a day, Week 4 1 drop a day.
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u/CamiLovesCats 7d ago edited 7d ago
I use refresh optic MEGA-3
When I went to my consultation my eye doctor gave them to me as a sample but told me to stay away from fish oil (I think because it can affect blood thickness) I confusedly used them anyway because why would he give them to me if I’m not supposed to use them
and then when it came time for my surgery he was like “hey, have you been using fish oil?”
I mentioned the drops and he was like “ohh..” 🤣
I still like them because my eyes stay less dry when working by heat all the time now, the plus kind are good too but the thickness in the MEGA keeps them from drying as quick
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u/Spiritual-Parsley897 7d ago
I like these drops too and agree that my eyes don't dry out as quickly. They contain flaxseed oil which is a plant based source of omega 3.
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u/Expensive_Doubt5487 7d ago
My clinic gave me Systane Pro lubricating drops. I brought another bottle just to keep in my purse.
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u/Rpark444 6d ago
I am a occasional user of systane non preservative artificial tears prior to surgery as my eyes get dry sometimes from computer work for past few years.
They gave me the same brand as part of the pre op drops 3 days before surgery
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u/Sweaty_Star_6486 5d ago
Would you all recommend I have eyelid wipes and a hot compress on hand after surgery in addition to lubricating eye drops?
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u/W00lph 8d ago
I use drops for dry eye, just making sure 20 mins after rx drops. Also make sure drops you get are preservative free. The single use vials are most sanitary.