Cataract Surgery Dysphotopsia

Question: I had Cataract Surgery on both eyes in October. Since then I have experienced shadows at the outside portion of my vision in both eyes. I have a pressure feeling in my forehead and the top of my head. MRI and CAT scan of my sinuses has shown nothing. I got better for a month and now the pressure and narrowing of my vision is worse than ever. My eye surgeon has no answer.


Answer: Cataract Surgery dysphotopsia may be what you are describing. The phenomenon of dysphotopsia whereby patients see flashes, arcs or shadows has been described by Cataract and Lens Implant patients for some time and is most often transient. Reports indicate that it occurs in a range of varying degrees in 49-77% of patients having Cataract Surgery and Lens Implants. It is possible that you are describing "negative dysphotopsia" which creates the optical impression of shadows or arcs. many causes have been suggested including the shape of the edge of the IOL, the position of the IOL and others-but with no firm answer. MOST patients seem to report that it just passes over time. However there are some that are plagued by this problem and require a lens exchange or other treatment option. One such option for negative dysphotopsia was just reported in the July 2011 Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. Your Cataract Surgeon should be able to discuss Cataract Surgery and Lens Implant dysphotopsia with you in detail. If you are not satisfied then perhaps seeking a second opinion and consultation with the best cataract Surgeon in your area might be in order.

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