Removal of Proud Nebulae

[whiteduck]

Hi all,

I thought I would give you some info on what I have recently had done which may help some of you who have problems with lens wear due to corneal scarring.

I've worn piggyback lenses (30-day disposable silica-hydrogel and RGP) for quite some time now in both eyes. This is of course a hassle having 4 lenses to clean each night/insert each morning and the problems associated with wearing another set of lenses - although I must say that on "good eye days" I have been very impressed with the results.

Unfortunately due to proud nebulae (raised scarring) in both eyes I still had difficulties with the scar getting irritated by lens wear even though the soft lens is intended to act as a bandage.

So with many thanks to my consultant I have just had the proud nebulae surgically removed from my right eye. This was done as a day case under general anaesthetic (my choice) and the post-op discomfort had pretty much gone the following day. Next week I have to have a check-up. I was pleased the scarring "peeled" away easily as in some cases it can be deeply rooted preventing surgery.

The idea of having this operation is that I should shortly be able to return to single RGP lens wear in this eye ... fingers crossed. I am also hopeful it may reduce photophobia as suggested by Simon Levy's website (not sure I am allowed to post website links here so if you go to good old Google and search for his name and "eyesite" - the usual Internet information warnings apply - this is a useful website and read the professional section for more info on KC).

If anyone wishes to know more then reply here and I'll do my best to reply. I will not mention hospital's or consultants names on this forum without their permission but am prepared to share this via email.

Best regards
Ian

[jayuk]

Hi

Thats very interesting......so basically you have had corneal scarring removed; is that right....was there any limitations?...as post hydrop scarring can be extremely deep........as in my case where this was not possible......(funni enough I actually saw the person your reffered to in question and that picture on that site which shows the hydrops awfully looks like my preoperated eye lol..in fact im 99% sure it is! )

Def some excellent info on Simon's site...and without doubt a well knowledgable and experienced corneal consultant!

What was the procedure?....I am assuming it involved removing top layers of the cornea?...this sounds interesting!

Have you noticed any improvments

What are your pre and post results?

[whiteduck]

Hi Jay,

Yes mine was superficial scarring - it was not deep and just peeled away leaving the epithelium to heal over probably within a few days. I have to see my consultant (it's not Simon in this case) on Wednesday for a check up.

Mine didn't follow-on from hydrops - it just caused problems with lens comfort and was often referred to as a "pip" by optometrists and made lens fitting more of a challenge. It is unknown if the scarring was caused by lens wear or just a result of KC. If this does the trick I shall probably ask if the left eye can be done to make lens management easier again.

The procedure involved making a slight slit in the cornea and then with a blunt instrument gently peeling away the scar. It could have been done under a local but I opted for general.

Too early to notice improvements - I won't be wearing the lenses in that eye until given the all clear on Wednesday and I have a contact lens fitting planned for the end of the month to see when I can go back to a single lens. At present restricted to just wearing a lens in the left eye although I type this with my glasses on (head close to screen ) to give both eyes a good rest.

I would say uncorrected vision at present is about the same in the right eye but it's never been that good and the Chloramphenicol eye ointment makes things more blurry.

Originally I was referred to Moorfields as it was believed this op could be done with laser - this was however seen as a risk as it thins the cornea and therefore the surgical option was preferred.

Hope all is well with your post-op eyes.

Best regards
Ian