Friday, September 9, 2011

Light Streaks after Cataract Surgery

Question: I have a question about seeing streaks of light after cataract surgery. I had cataract surgeries performed on July 26 and 30th, 2011. In both instances diagonal streaks of light across light sources such as headlights and street lights appeared in my vision within days of surgery. The streaks disappeared from my right eye within days, but five weeks after the surgery on my left eye the streaks remain. Comment?


Answer: Seeing streaks of light after Cataract Surgery can occur for a number of reasons-most of which are transient and self limiting as you have experienced with the right eye after Cataract Surgery. While there can be optical effects of adapting to the vision with the intraocular lens implants (IOL) and associated "dysphotopsia", it is also possible that the posterior capsule of the crystalline lens, which is left in place to support the IOL, has a microscopic amount of traction on it causing a fine crease in the actual membrane itself. In most instances this will release itself and the crease disappears, eliminating the streak. If there is indeed a microscopic crease in the posterior capsule of the crystalline lens that does not smooth out on its own or even becomes more annoying then top Cataract Surgeons will perform a YAG Laser Capsulotomy whereby they will use the laser to gently create an opening in the capsule. A YAG Capsulotomy is a brief painless treatment performed using numbing eye drop anesthesia that essentially eliminates the problem in a matter of seconds.

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 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 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.

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