Decreased Vision after Cataract Surgery

Question: About a year ago I had a Cataract removed from my left eye. There were some complications and it was painful but afterwards my vision was clear (20/20) and colors were brilliant. However I has a slight shadow image. A month ago I had laser treatment to eliminate the slight shadow. After the treatment my vision was dark and blurred. White is a dark gray and everything is fuzzy like I'm looking through a screen. My shadow image is larger and I have been having headaches ever since the laser treatment. It is like I am wearing someone else's glasses but the right lens is clear and left is like looking through a screen. It's almost like my Cataract has returned. My Retina, Optic Nerve, Macula and Cornea are normal. What other things could go wrong in after Cataract laser treatment. Before treatment I could read a book a day. Now I have trouble reading a few sentences without straining my eye. I have trouble seeing anything near or far. My doctor doesn't know what is wrong and wants to wait and see what happens. It gives me a headache and makes me feel dizzy. If I cover my left with a patch, I feel fine. Any thoughts you have on this will be greatly appreciated. I am a minister and need my eyes to read and study, along with the normal needs we have for vision. Thank you.


Answer: What you are describing is not normal or expected after Cataract Surgery or after YAG Laser Capsulotomy to clear an opening in a cloudy lens capsule after Cataract Surgery. While you relay that your Retina, Macula, Optic Nerve and Cornea are normal, it might be worthwhile to have second opinion with a Corneal Specialist who is also a top Cataract Surgeon as well as a Retinal Specialist, as another look at the health of the Retina, Macula and Cornea using additional technology and imaging techniques might provide further insight. If these consultations provided no additional diagnosis, then you might wish to consider a consultation with a Neuro-Ophthalmologist as well in order to confirm the health of the Optic Nerve. A second opinion on these symptoms should be welcomed by your primary Cataract Surgeon.

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