Dizziness after Cataract Surgery

Question: I am a 59 1/2 year old woman who has cataracts and had cataract surgery on my left eye. I developed a secondary cataract so 3 months later I had laser surgery.  My vision is still blurry and getting worse. I used Acular, Pred Forte and Systane eye drops 4x/day. Within 2 days of starting these meds I experienced severe dizziness and was unable to stand up and walk without holding onto someone or something. I am no longer using the drops.  Are there other options for treatment?  It is very worrisome because my right eye also has a cataract.

Answer: What you are experiencing is not within the expectations of routine Cataract Surgery. It is not expected that the vision will get blurrier-especially after a YAG Laser capsulotomy to clear a secondary membrane or posterior capsular opacification (PCO). Further, the fact that you are experiencing dizziness is not normal and may not even be related to the Cataract operation. In discussion with your Cataract Surgeon you should inquire about a consultation with a Retinal Specialist to rule out maculopathy or macular edema or swelling which could be  related to the  Cataract Surgery or not. In addition, in discussion with your Cataract Surgeon you need to inquire as to whether the untreated right eye is also contributing by creating a significant optical imbalance between the two eyes-called anisometropia. Last, you must make sure with your internist or family physician that there are no other health issues contributing to the dizziness.

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