Glare after Cataract Surgery

Question:  My mother had cataract surgery about 5 years ago and to this day she has a lot of problems with glare and she can't stand going in the sun or into rooms with too much light. She has gone back to her cataract surgeon numerous times, but he has not been able to help her. I keep mentioning contact lenses to see if that would help.  Do you think that contacts might help her?

Answer: First, it is important that you and your mother understand why your mother has continuing glare 5 years after her cataract surgery. The degree of glare disability you describe is not typical and should be evaluated. If you have been unable to get a satisfactory answer from her previous cataract surgeon then you need to find a top cataract surgeon in your area and schedule an examination for a second opinion. There are many reasons that there might be persistent glare problems after cataract surgery and with a thorough exam it should be possible to determine the cause and find possible solutions.

Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery or Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.

Cataract Surgery Glare

Question: I am a 57 yr old woman who had cataract surgery in my left eye on December 5, 2012 and around December 15, 2012, I noticed daytime and nighttime glare in the left eye. What is causing the glare in my left eye? What procedure(s) can be done to correct the glare in the left eye and how soon can it be done?

Answer: There are many reasons that you might be experiencing glare after your cataract surgery and lens implant procedure. It is really not possible to know what is causing the glare without a clinical exam. You do not specify the type of lens implant used to correct your vision which also could contribute to the glare. Some things to consider are residual inflammation, any compromise of the posterior lens capsule which has been left in place to support the lens implant, swelling or irregularity of the cornea and even a remote possibility of mild swelling of the retina. Your best course of action is to return to your Cataract Surgeon and express your concern regarding the glare. After  an examination he or she will be able to tell you whether the  glare you are experiencing is part of the  healing process and thus transient or in fact needs medical, laser or surgical intervention.

Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery or Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.