How To Prepare For A Cataract Surgery When Treating Paranoid Schizophrenia?

Posted on Tue, 17 Feb 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 17 Feb 2015 Answered on

Thu, 5 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I am paranoid schizophrenic and am about to have a cataract surgery and I am worried?

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
There is no need to worry for cataract surgery

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM

I can understand your concern. Cataract surgery is usually done in local anaesthesia and is a minor operation so there should be no worry about that. As per my opinion disclose to the anaesthetist that you are on Olanzapine and they may ask you to skip one dose before surgery. Over all even if you are suffering from Paranoid Schizophrenia there is no contra indication to surgery and nothing to worry.

Be assured and calm. Thanks, hope this helps you. If still have more doubts please ask again.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (1 hour later)

My paranoia is that I believe my thoughts are being broadcast to the world and everyone hates me and I don't trust people

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Thought broadcasting and suspiciousness are symptoms of Schizophrenia

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking a follow up question

The ideas that ones thoughts are getting broadcasted to world or THOUGHT BROADCASTING, feelings that everyone hates you and not trusting people or SUSPICIOUSNESS etc can be used to make diagnosis of Schizophrenia. But these symptoms should be present for more than one month and should cause impairment in day to day living to make diagnosis of Schizophrenia.

Still even if you have these symptoms and you are ready for surgery then there should be no fear about surgery.

Few thing I want to know in follow up question-

- Since how many years you have been diagnosed with Schizophrenia?

- Have you ever had symptoms of hearing voices or voices commanding you to do something?

- If these symptoms caused any effect to your social and personal life?

Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (13 minutes later)

I was diagnosed in 1979 aged 16.
I don.t believe I hear voices but I see things like people going past in cars with their arms out of windows. I also talk to the television and get very upset and scream at the people on television.
I do not have a social life and have been a recluse since aged 11.

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Olanzapine is a good drug for symptom control in Schizophrenia.

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for providing details

I can understand your problem. As you have been diagnosed since 1979 and have chief symptoms like seeing people going past in cars with arms out of windows, talking to TV, lack of social life remaining alone etc, we can make diagnosis of Schizophrenia based upon them.

Schizophrenia is a psychotic illness with continuous course. But with proper treatment the individuals may lead a normal life with symptoms remaining controlled. You are taking Olanzapine and this is a good and safe drug for psychotic symptoms. But if the symptoms are still persisting with drug then you can discuss with your doctor to add some other drugs like Clozapine to your prescription. Clozapine is a drug of choice for chronic resistant symptoms of schizophrenia. Continue to take medicines and try to move out of your symptoms.

As you yourself are asking for help so to some extent you have insight about illness and this is a positive prognostic sign for treatment.

Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar