Well, had my two year checkup with Dr. Holland and it was a boring visit. No changes, no sutures out. Boring is GOOD.
He says that we will leave the sutures in until they cause issues, and eventually one will break. I’ll just go to a local surgeon to have them removed. Here’s a boring image of my topography.
Everything feels fine – still using Restasis for dryness and as an anti-inflammatory – It’s almost allergy season, so I will start my daily Zyrtec soon.
Dr. Holland re-iterated that my graft is looking good and should last the rest of my life.
Hi Scott, Lots of questions. How many sutures has Dr. Holland removed? So, if you need a suture removed you don’t go back to Dr. Holland? I would think only Dr. Holland would want to see you. What surgeon would you see and if sutures are taken out would it change your vision? Are you to be on restasis forever? Are you having any dry eye issues? Are you to see Dr. Holland any more? Are you satisfied with your vision and what is your vision (20/20)? I am 9months out and still Have a bandage contact lens on. Have come a long way but am eager to get where you are. Happy for you. Thanks for all the info. Leslie
How many sutures has Dr. Holland removed? 24 of 28 I think.
>>>> So, if you need a suture removed you don’t go back to Dr. Holland?
If a Suture breaks is the only reason I’d go locally. Because I may be too uncomfortable to drive, and it’s a rather routine process for a surgeon.
>>>> I would think only Dr. Holland would want to see you. What surgeon would you see and if sutures are taken out would it change your vision?
I’m only considering suture removal if they break. For the topography/suture removal process I will go to Dr. Holland if sutures are intact of course.
>>>> Are you to be on restasis forever?
Possibly.
>>>> Are you having any dry eye issues?
Yes, moderate. But manageable.
>>>> Are you to see Dr. Holland any more?
Yes, in 6 months.
>>>> Are you satisfied with your vision and what is your vision (20/20)?
Not quite 20/20, but very happy with it. My right eye is corrected 20/20.
>>>> I am 9months out and still Have a bandage contact lens on.
Wow… that’s a long time – is it for moisture/dry eye?
Yes it’s for dry eye issues. That is why I was concerned with your dryness. Before Scott I thought you were not having any dryness. What has changed? Can you be specific? Do you have dryness in both eyes? Is it worse since the surgery? I am so concerned that when Dr. Holland removes the lens I will be miserable. I am female and older so I know that increases my risk. Dr. Holland did say after one year most of his patients do not user drops is that the case for you? I just do not like hearing from you moderate dryness – kind of scares me! Maybe I am just over anxious regarding this. Thanks again. Leslie
One more thing Scott, looked back and in December you said you were only having dryness at night. Is that still the case or has it gotten worse since? Also what do you do to manage it? Thanks. Me again. lLeslie
We are different, so no sense thinking we’ll have the same outcome. My dry eye issues are 95% at night and quite manageable. I do think you are possibly being over anxious, but I can relate and don’t blame you. Right now, I’m having very little – only one drop before bed of Systane and I’m good. Dr. Holland will help you with whatever issues come up. Just go with the flow on this, no sense worrying about it because it is what it is, and there are many therapies for dry eye available. KEEP A NOTEBOOK of your dry eye symptoms so you can accurately explain it to him. One thing about Restasis is the cost – depending on your insurance. If possible, put money into a flexible spending account to pay for it if insurance doesn’t cover.
Thank you Scott! I feel so much better. One drop at night- that I can handle. I was thinking it was much worse than that. I have been keeping notes and you are so right about going with the flow. Dr. Holland wants to keep the lens on till warm weather is here to stay. I do not have coverage for restasis but sometime it will go generic and till then we just make do. So since the dryness is not a problem for you I will relax. It’s just good to hear from someone who has been through it. I see Dr. Holland this month and will do as he says and work on staying positive. Glad everything has worked so well for you. Look forward to your updates. I will let you know my progress. Thanks for your help. Leslie
Just to let you know guys, the patent on Restatis will expire May 17, 2014.
Great news! thanks Leslie