Eyelids may droop after cataract surgery

Dear Dr. Roach: I am a 75-year-old woman who had successful cataract surgery two months ago. However, it left me with swollen eyelids and noticeable pouches under both eyes. My doctor advised that some people have a reaction like mine. I was told that the swelling should abate by six months. The healing was excellent, and I see fine, with the exception of the drooping eyelids. The seniors I know who had cataracts out did not have a reaction like mine.

What would cause this to happen? Could I be allergic to the lenses that were inserted? Is this a common occurrence? — Anon.

Drooping eyelids, called ptosis, is fairly common after cataract surgery, happening about 10 percent of the time. Most of the time, it goes away by itself, and the six-month time period your doctor told you is supported by what I found in the published literature. If it persists, surgery may be required to fix it. However, this is unlikely. People should know this is a possibility before undergoing cataract surgery.

Dear Dr. Roach: You were recently asked about Pap tests for the elderly, and gave the same answer that troubled me a year or so ago. I meant to write then.

I fear that others may discontinue pelvic exams after age 80, as my mother did, with fatal results. She was 84 and was diagnosed — too late.

I’d be grateful if you’d mention in your column the added warning to continue pelvic exams for the elderly. — J.B.

I do agree that women should continue to get regular exams and checkups, including gynecologic exams, even if they no longer need Pap smears. However, I don’t want to paint too optimistic a picture for the physical exam as a screening test for ovarian cancer. While they are better than nothing, there is no 100-percent effective test or physical exam.

Write to Dr. Roach at To Your Good Health @med.cornell.edu