Unstable Prescription after Cataract Surgery

Question: I had cataract surgery on February 29, 2012 and my prescription is unstable. My prescription has gone from -2.00 D to -1.25 D as my eye is healing. My cataract surgeon said I will most likely need a piggyback lens implant due to the anatomy of my eye where the lens is still too far back. How does this happen? Was there a calculation error or a possible wrong lens placement?


Answer: It is not entirely clear from your description why the refraction or prescription is unstable. If the Lens Implant were in fact too far back, it might create a plus prescription error. This could happen if capsular bag that typically would hold the Lens Implant in place were atypical or perhaps some other anomaly of the capsular bag that caused the Lens Implant to be in a slightly imprecise position. If the prescription is unstable and changing over time, it is not likely that it is a measurement error. Nonetheless, nothing should be done until the prescription is stable and there are potentially other options besides a piggyback lens implant such a PRK to correct your distance vision. You should have a complete discussion of the other options with your Cataract Surgeon or possibly even seek a second opinion if you are uncomfortable.

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