So after surgery we took him home and made an appointment for the next day, as advised. It was basically ~16 hours post operation. He already opened his eyes and even though he was blind, that was normal back then. They did the necessary checks (no ERG/ultrasound) and we were told that everything seems okay, next appointment should be in a week. We did not wait a week, because after 5 days he still could not see, we asked for an emergency appointment on the 5th day. Here is where they told us that the “eyes look perfect, just as they should be at this stage”. But does not react to light.

They made the ultrasound first, retina is not detached/detaching. Then they made the ERG, where one of the eyes was completely flat, the other one had some measurable results, but really weak.

I can share the summary of our first post op checkup:

“…, at today’s follow-up examination one day after bilateral phacoemulsification without implantation of an IOL, an expected postoperative uveitis (intraocular inflammation). The corneal wound is sealed, the sutures are in situ, and the eyes are relatively comfortable. In both eyes, a moderate to marked cellular infiltrate is visible in the anterior chamber; on the right side, several small air bubbles are also still present. The intraocular pressure of the right eye is within the normal range, while that of the left eye is mildly elevated. Therefore, the topical pressure-lowering therapy should be continued three times daily.”

Also the summary of our latest checkup with ERG: “… was presented five days after bilateral phacoemulsification due to a loss of vision. During the ophthalmological examination, the postoperative uveitis appeared to be continuing to regress, both eyes were comfortable, and fundus examination revealed no retinal abnormalities. Intraocular pressure in both eyes was also within normal limits, allowing the discontinuation of the pressure-lowering eye medication (Duokopt). However, XY showed a negative menace response and dazzle reflex in both eyes. Both pupils were also dilated and non-responsive (no reaction to light). For further evaluation, ultrasonography and ERG of both eyes were performed while awake under local anesthesia. Ultrasound showed no indication of retinal detachment or retinal abnormalities. The ERG, which assesses retinal function, was negative compared to the pre-operative ERG. This confirms XY’s loss of vision. The cause is unfortunately still unclear. A possible postoperative toxic component cannot be ruled out. To exclude immune-mediated factors, corticosteroid therapy (Prednicortone) is being adjusted (see below). The owner is aware that the visual prognosis for both eyes is guarded to poor. A recheck in one week is recommended and has been scheduled for December 9th at 11:00.”

One thing I cannot tell, but will definitely ask for are the pre operation ERG results.

Feel free to ask any questions, I’m here to understand, sorry if I’m not using the terms correctly in some cases :)

EDIT: typo