We have a consult with a surgeon in early September. Anyone have experience with this? I know there are several different types of corneal graft procedures. We have been using Sodium Chloride ointment and drops. Some days are worse then others. Other then the cognitive deficits she is in good health and physically active.
I have corneal abrasions due to Salzman's nodules. My pain is intermittent. Some days terrible. Other days, tolerable. Once I had surgery on corneal nodule. For me, they only numbed the eye. They wrapped me up like a mummy, so, I could not use my hands during the procedure. Then, put on a protective contact for a few days. Doctor removed it later. I wore a device over the eye in the car. That's to protect it in case of car accident. Used antibiotic ointment for 10 days and steroid drops for 2 years. Finally had to come off because they cause increase in eye pressure. Pressure is not my issue, but, the drops will cause it.
All I can say is that you need very good, experienced doctor. My heart goes out to her. Eye pain is very stressful. I have the best ophthamologists in this country and it's still a struggle. And, stress makes it worse.
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Corneal oedema*
The cornea has a thin layer of cells on its inner surface called endothelial cells that pump water out of the cornea constantly to keep it thin and clear. These cells are vital. If they fail the cornea becomes thicker and more opaque (This condition is called corneal oedema). As a result the cornea is cloudy and the eyesight is poor. Corneal oedema can also be painful because the swollen surface of the cornea is bumpy and prone to abrasions.
The endothelial cells can be fewer in number in Fuchs dystrophy, and some are lost or damaged as a result of operations inside the eye such as cataract surgery. Corneal transplant rejection also destroys the endothelial cells on the transplant, so a rejected corneal transplant also becomes cloudy and thickened.
In the early stages of corneal oedema the vision is cloudy on waking but then clears during the day. In the advanced stages the vision is cloudy all the time and the eye can be painful. Lubricant drops or ointment may help the discomfort and may help the clarity of vision in some cases.
Sometimes, the use of concentrated saline or contact lenses or attempting to dry the cornea using a hairdryer may help the symptoms, although these treatments are more controversial, may be potentially dangerous and should only be used if recommended specifically by your eye doctor.
* US edema = UK oedema; they're pronounced the same.
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I assume your mother's eye doctor did recommend the sodium chloride ointment and drops, yes?
Do you have any idea of what might have caused this condition in your mother?
The only other thing I can think to mention is that another three weeks seems a long time to leave an elderly lady in such discomfort. Is there no way of twisting somebody's arm and getting her appointment brought forward?