"Treatment for eye problems at the Glaucoma Clinic"

My right eye seemed to have made an excellent and rapid recovery after being damaged in accident in the 1970's. although it has needed several surgical interventions to keep it working  effectively in the years up to my retirement in 2013.

Then, however, functioning in it deteriorated significantly  and in spite of a marvellous Corneal Graft operation in the RVH Ophthalmology  Dept.in December 2016, a all sight  in my right eye had failed by Easter 2018.

About retirement time as well, a cataract had been noted in my left eye. It was developing only very slowly, but by summer 2018 I was unable to see to drive my car,  read a book or  newspaper, or watch television; so quite a miserable time for a widower living on his own!

At that time I was referred to the Glaucoma Clinic Shankhill Rd. for a review of my condition, primarily the long term maintenance of my blind eye, 

During the review meeting the Consultant, having examined my eyes, gave me the bad  news and the good news. Firstly on my blind right eye: that nothing could be done to recover sight in it but I would need to  maintain it correctly, potting drops in it as prescribed and seeking help promptly if there seemed to be any change in its condition. Secondly on my  left eye the good news was that it was generally in good condition and the cataract in it was definitely mature enough to be removed safely and that the Consultant would be happy to do the operation, scheduling it as a priority in the Clinic's work list.

I was delighted to be able to look forward to a New Year when I could drive again, read, watch television and begin to redevelop a  social life.

The Clinic was as good as its word: they conducted the operation in January, they were clearly well experienced and everything went very smoothly, they had me in and out of the theatre in around half an hour,  sitting up, looking around seeing things with a clarity I hadn't enjoyed for years. 

Apart from protecting the eye when sleeping for a few days and taking some additional antibiotic eye drops for a few weeks there were no additional precautions to be taken

and bi-annual visits would suffice.

March 2021 

At Christmas Time 2020 I began to be increasingly distracted by an irritation in the right-hand corner of my right eye. I remembered that Mr Frazer had mentioned that a suture had been intentionally left in that eye at the time the corneal graft was carried  out (Jan. 17) and it might be might advisable to have it taken out at some time. Left it for a while because of Covid restrictions but decided to get advice from Glaucoma Clinic. Phoned Ms Knox's Sec. and explained my problem.  She phoned back with an appointment date one week hence (in spite of Covid restrictions.)

9th March  Visited Glaucoma Clinic. Good Covid precautions in place. Seen by Nurse and by Doctor who gave me eye pressure test & Visual Field test. (O.K.). Met Consultant who discussed my eyes generally and my problem with my right eye.  He geared up, sanitised and removed offending suture on the spot and gave me and gave me a prescription for chloramphenicol to apply in my eye for a fortnight.  I told the Consultant how much I appreciated the  helpfulness of the whole Clinic and he invited me to record that via  Care Opinion.  I have now used up the chloramphenicol  and am having no problem with my eye so I am now trying to complete my part of the deal.