Cataract Surgery and Thyroid Problems

Question: I have some questions about cataract surgery and thyroid problems like Graves Disease. I have been treated for overactive thyroid for several years by taking pills daily. I just had cataract surgery on both eyes, and now my second eye is puffy, red and runs liquid. The two eyes will not synchronize and I have bad double vision. I have been back to the cataract surgeon several times and am not satisfied. They put me on steroids, then stopped them. I had a MRI with did not show any problems, now they want me to go to a radiologist  to see about having them reduce the size of the muscle in the back of the eye. Was is wrong to have this operation when I have a thryoid problem? And what is the next step? I am 78 years old.

Answer: Cataract Surgery should not cause an exacerbation or progression of hyperthyroidism or Graves Disease. Patients with thyroid problems have Cataract Surgery all the time.This would not be a reason not to have a Cataract removed and a Lens Implant to correct your vision. Now, if your Cataract Surgeon is unable to really determine a cause or a treatment plan a logical next step would be to seek consultation with an eye doctor who is a specialist in orbital problems.This type of ophthalmologist is called an Oculoplastic Surgeon. Unfortunately, a variety of problems can occur in the eye socket that effect the function of the eye. These processes range from inflammatory disease like thyroid associated orbitopathy as seen in patients with Graves’ disease to tumors, infections, and injuries from trauma. When these problems occur, patients often have double vision, loss of vision, pain and swelling. Evaluation with a trained specialist is important to appropriately evaluate and treat the underlying problem. You may find an Oculoplastic Specialist the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

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