Cornea numb and eye discomfort post surgery

[Mlamb]

Hi all,

I had surgery December 2014 at Columbia Presbyterian in hopes of removing most if not all of my 3cm Trigeminal Schwanomma. I was 38 years old and in excellent health. My surgeon assured me that I would come out of this surgery just like I went in. He actually told the risk I would have any issues would be 1%. Well I had the surgery this past December and I'm still recovering. My biggest issue is my left eye. It is totally numb, not paralyzed(I can open and close it) but I have a constant discomfort in my eye. I can't wear contact because of the fact that the eye is numb and already uncomfortable. At first I tried neurons in and then Lyrica. Neither helped do now I'm not taking anything but I'm wondering if anyone has this experienced this type of eye issue and if you have any advice. I've gone to three different neuro-opthamogists no one has any advice other than go see another neurologist or just wait and see if gets better. This is all so frustrating mostly because I had so much faith in what my surgeon was telling me.

[Doc]

Scleral Lens for the bum eye is something you really ought to look into. I just got mine after six years of living in misery and can’t say enough good things about it. I have the same issue with numbness, and that doesn’t matter, you can still use the Lens. You won’t even know you’re wearing it. Find an eye doctor that specializes in contacts; not necessarily Scleral Lens’, and explain your case as AN related buy dry eye specific.

Take Care

Doc

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scleral_lens

[Smedina]

My trigeminal nerve was affected by my AN/surgery.  The upper 2/3 of my face is numb, including the eye.  I've come to associate any discomfort in the eye with dryness, so I'm often adding eye-drops or ointment trying to preserve the cornea.  I haven't really explored the scleral lens because I'm leery of putting anything in my numb eye.

[Doc]

...you’re absolutely correct. The discomfort (which I call pain) is from the dry eye. I’ve had great success with the Scleral Lens, even with facial numbness, including the eye, that has lasted the six years since my surgery. If you see a good ‘contact’ specialist and explain your situation, you’ll come away with a Scleral Lens. What’s critically important, is the fit of the Lens. Your Doctor has to know precisely what they’re doing.

Take Care 

Doc

[jaqiday]

I too have a paralyzed facial nerve and my eye has been unbelievably painful and uncomfortable for 7 months since my surgery. At times I can't believe how much it hurts. I have had the scleral lens since monday and yesterday I had ZERO pain or discomfort all day. The minute I removed it the irritation started. It does need to be removed at night.

A scleral lens holds saline which keeps the eye moist all day. I find I need moisture drops through the day but nothing like I was doing before. I do not produce tears or blink so that has to be managed. I too was leary of putting something in my eye, but was amazed at how quickly it went from intolerable to feeling almost normal.

Most doctors know nothing about using a scleral lens for this. My neuro and neuro opthamologist never heard of it. The opthamologist didn't think it would work and was recommending surgery to tighten the lid etc. I am happy to educate both of them.  The lens fitter immediately said it would help. He was awesome and correct.

I too suggest you look into this. Life can be better

[Mlamb]

Any doctor recommendations in NJ or NYC that I could meet to get more info on the Scleral lens and see if it's right for me?

[Doc]

Any doctor recommendations in NJ or NYC that I could meet to get more info on the Scleral lens and see if it's right for me?

Follow this link. They specialize in Scleral Lens’: http://www.eyewise.com/contact-lenses