Cataract Removal Lens Implants & Flickering

Question: I recently had a cataract removal with a toric lens implant to correct astigmatism. Since my cataract surgery I have a sensation of flickering in certain light, especially florescent lighting. Is this normal and will this go away?

Answer: The sensation of flickering light after Cataract Surgery and Intraocular Lens Implantation (IOL) is one that is reported by patients from time to time. The actual cause is up for debate but some believe that it might be due to reflections from the edge of the lens or perhaps from elsewhere in the lens optics. Over time this type of flickering will slowly diminish and the symptoms seem to fade away. If, however, the flickering begins to appear more like "flashes" of light it would be important to schedule an appointment with your Cataract Surgeon and have it evaluated quickly as this symptom might indicate another type of problem.

Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on http://www.aboutcataractsurgery.com/ is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery of Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of http://www.aboutcataractsurgery.com/ is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.