Lens Implant Allergy

Question: Can I been having an allergic reaction to the silicone lens implant material of the cataract lenses? A Bausch & Lomb Model LI61A0 (SofPort AO) lens implant was implanted and is made of silicone and PMMA. I had cataract surgery with the lens implants on 9/23/14 and 10/14/14.  Ever since then I have had excruciating eye pain. My eyelids hurt, pain at the crease of the eyelid, there is pain behind the eye. It feels like something is always underneath the eyelid. The pain radiates to my temples and across my forehead.  It hurts to move my eyes and eyelids. I am in pain constantly and am not getting any relief. Every specialist has dismissed me since they can't figure it out even after extensive blood work, a CT, MRI and Gallium Scan.

Answer: Although it is remotely possible, it is highly unlikely that you are having an allergic reaction to the silicone-PMMA combination of the lens implant material. These materials, along with the acrylic lens materials and collagen lens materials are highly biocompatible and have withstood the test of time for many millions of patients. That said, your complaints and intensity are not really within the realm of any typical cataract surgery post operative symptoms. As you did not specify the type of specialists you have seen, it is probably worthwhile to consider seeing an allergist to do some testing if you have not already done so as well as a neuro-ophthalmologist.

Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery or Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.