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.

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