Astigmatism after Cataract Surgery

Question: I had cataract surgery on both eyes, six months apart. My vision was 20/20 after surgery. Afterward my eyes started blurring and I started seeing double. I went for a follow-up Monday and with my left eye I could not read eye chart. My eye doctor that did the surgery said it was because I had astigmatism in my left eye. He said he could prescribe glasses. I am not happy with this answer.

Answer: While it is not possible to know the exact reason that you have developed astigmatism after your cataract surgery, there are several possible reasons that could contribute. First, depending on the type and location of the incision used to remove the cataract and place the lens implant it is possible that during the natural healing process some astigmatism was induced. This could be even more likely if sutures or stitches were placed to close the incision. It is also possible that the lens implant itself has shifted slightly but this is much less common. Another somewhat common reason might be the formation of posterior capsular opacification whereby the capsule that was left in place to support the lens implant has become fibrosed and induced some optical aberration and cloudiness. All of these possibilities can be carefully investigated and each has a different way of being helped. If you are not happy with the answers your cataract surgeon has provided then seek a second opinion from another cataract surgeon in your area. 

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