Streak of Light after Cataract Surgery

Question: I've had cataract surgery and two IOLs implanted The left in July 2011 and the right in October of 2011. I have experienced a "streak" of light in the vision of my left eye ever since the implantation. It runs at a 45 degree angle through any concentrated light source and is particularly bothersome at night, making night-driving difficult and dangerous. Can this be corrected?

Answer: Without actually examining the eye and vision after your Cataract Surgery and Lens Implants it is not possible to be certain, but there are several possibilities to be considered, as the cause-each with somewhat different methods of resolution. One possibility is that you have some degree of uncorrected astigmatism. This should easily tested by your Cataract Surgeon and a resolution demonstrated with some trial lenses in the office if it is actually the problem. Another, somewhat remote possibility is an optical irregularity in the Lens Implant itself. This would be quite unusual. A more likely cause is a very fine crease in the posterior capsule of the crystalline lens that is typically left in place to support the Lens Implant after Cataract Surgery. A very fine crease can produce exactly what you are describing. If this is the case your Cataract Surgeon can perform a YAG Laser Capsulotomy which is a quick laser procedure to create an opening in the capsule along the visual axis-typically the results are immediate and achieved without pain, discomfort or recovery time.

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