UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

I had my INTACs inserted in my right eye on Tuesday under general anaesthetic. This was my first ever operation. I am still experiencing pain in the eye and still having affects of the anaesthetic - such as getting tired very easily and quickly. Also I find it painful to read/concentrate/write for longer than 10 mins. I don't have a problem with watching TV as that's a different type of 'looking'.

I work for a supermarket and yesterday, my parents and I visited another supermarket and after 20 mins - I had enough as the level of lighting was oppressive. I was given a week off work and the original notice runs out tomorrow. My parents, my friends and myself agree that I need another week off work as if I couldn't cope with a shop's lighting for 20 mins, I cannot cope with 8 hours working under these lights. Plus the infection side of things as mixing with the public.

My eye was puffy and red for the first 48 hours. It looks fine, apart from the bloodshot on the bottom of my eye probably caused by the eye rubbing against the speculum.

I just want to know if anyone had these problems 5 days after the op and advice please.

Hi Helen,
I've not had Intacs so can't help on that side of things but I hope someone else can tell you about their experience. But a general anaesthetic takes about 10 days to clear out of the body so I'm not surprised you're still feeling the effects of that. I had GA for both my grafts - after the first one I felt sleepy and woozy for two weeks. The second one was better (I think they must have used a smaller dose!) So take your time and don't rush back to work. And maybe invest in a good pair of sunglasses for when you do.
Good luck
Anne

HI,
Sounds very similar to my experience with Intacs. Basically lived in sunglasses for some weeks after the op, as even daylight was quite an effort. Thankfully they also allowed me to have some anaesthetic drops to ease the pain, which was considerable for a few days, although these aren't to be recommended as they can slow the healing process.
If you only had your op a few days ago, then I think its quite natural that you will be feeling as you are. The eye has undergone quite a trauma, and it won't feel great immediately. My surgeon was always a little optimistic about where I would be on the recovery journey, and needed time off after each op. (I ended up having to have three operations in the end, before it was all sorted).
If you have the opportunity to take time the time off, then I would, as I recall shopping under supermarket lights was quite an ordeal initially.
Wishing you all the best

Peter

Hiya

I had INTACS in Oct last year & I have very sensitive eyes. It turned out that it wasn't the INTACS that gave me post op side effects, it was the drops they had given me - I was allergic to them & they made my eye very red & blurry

Cool water & sunglasses helps, but try not to over wash the eye, & use a sensitive moisturizer to calm the swelling

It will get better in time & you won't even know its there, but from time to time I do some discomfort, but it is only minor

Al the best

Claire