Bubble Feeling after Cataract Surgery

Question: Ten months after cataract surgery, I still have a bubble like feeling from the left top center to the left bottom center of the eye perhaps just under the eyelid itself. Also, I experience a huge starburst while looking at lights at night and a constant cloudiness which diminishes the sharpness and clarity vs. the opposite eye. I have noted all of this to my new eye doctors since the surgery to no avail. I finally had LASIK surgery with no improvement in the puffiness/cloudiness. What could be the problem and what should I do about it?

Answer: Are you certain that the “bubble’ is simply a feeling and not actually in your vision? A bubble in your vision is a problem that needs attention as it could indicate a problem with the retina or vitreous being loose or even detached. More likely is that you are possibly experiencing an optical phenomenon due to the presence of the lens implant edge or its slight decentration or perhaps some retina swelling. While you state that you had LASIK surgery, we question whether you had LASIK or a YAG Laser Capsulotomy to create a clear optical opening in the posterior lens capsule that s was left in place to support the lens implant. This is much more likely and creates some optical problems as well. Your best next step is to ask your cataract surgeon to refer you to a retinal specialist for a second opinion in order to rule out any retina or vitreous related issues that might be contributing to the visual disturbance.

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