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Post Cataract Surgery: flickering and light streaks
I am 72 year old that had laser cataract surgery on one eye 5 weeks ago using the J&H Eyehance lens corrected for distance and have better than 20/20 vision in that eye. I had the surgery on the other (left) eye 3 weeks ago, using the J & J Eyehance adjusted to give me partial or mini-monovision.
My issue is that after the first surgery and continuing today I still see long light streaks at a 45 degree angle from car lights (at night) and street lights. On the other eye I also see light streaks more horizontal though so basically I am seeing a longish 'X'. Also, in that more recent operated eye, there's a bit of flickering on the corner (not light flashes).
I've been told that the light streaks are because the implanted lenses are smaller than my natural lenses that were removed and that the capsule is currently a bit large for the new implanted lenses, but that the capsule should shrink in time (within about 3 months) to eliminate the streaking problem. If not, I was told that a 5-minute Yag Laser procedure (as they do for post capsular opacification) could be used to fix the light-streaking problem.
I was also told that the slight flickering I am experiencing is because of the implanted lens being slightly 'wrinkled' and that too should adjust with time.
I wonder if others who might have had the 'light streaking' and 'wrinking experience' resolved within that 3 month period or resolved via the Yag laser.
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Yikes. I’m having my first eye done tomorrow.
Elliott, I replied to another similar post you have. Please see my response.
Hello sir
I’m having a similar issue after cataract surgery - Maddox rod effect.
Did you get this resolved? Did it resolve itself over time?
Any update you can provide is appreciated.
Hello mdjones19
No, I have not had the issue resolved. My surgery was 2 months ago and I was told that if it didn't self-correct by about 3 months, a Yag laser procedure could be used to fix or improve the issue.
I have done some on-line research and found some good information. Here's a link to an article titled "Potential Issues After Cataract Surgery" where two cataract surgeons discuss issues including wrinkles in the capsule.
https://www.eyeworld.org/2023/potential-issues-after-cataract-surgery/
Also, if you 'google' the title "Posterior capsular folds creating a Maddox Rod effect following cataract surgery", a case study in eyerounds.org will come up. There was another case (although I could only access the first page) titled "Wavefront aberrations causing Maddox rod effect from posterior capsular striae"
By the way, the Yag laser is the laser they use when a post-cataract surgical patient develops posterior capsular opacification (PCO) which apparently can affect a significant percentage of post-surgical patients within months or years of cataract surgery. There is plenty of info on line about PCO.
Hope this all helps. If you come across additional info, please pass it along...but I think these were very informative for me.
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Hug
2 ReactionsThank you for the prompt reply/update. Although I was hoping for better news, your path-forward is consistent with what I’ve read - wait to see if it resolves and if not try the yag laser. There are mixed opinions on if/how much the yag laser improves the glare.
The only additional link I’ve found is from a cataract surgeon who describes how to prevent these wrinkles during surgery. I’m not sure if this link is helpful or if it creates more frustration. Granted, these wrinkles can occur after the procedure.
cataractcoach.com/2021/11/12/1285-remove-the-central-capsule-wrinkle/
I also found a picture that is a good representation of the lines/glare that I’m experiencing. The steaks are at the same angle as in the picture. Unfortunately, i can’t post an image as a new member.
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Hug
1 ReactionYes, I also had come across that 'cataract coach' link as I was wondering if my surgeon could have done something to prevent the wrinkle. But I also came across another youtube video (can't recall if it was from the same surgeon and I didn't save the link) where the surgeon moves the wrinkle out of the visual field only for it to return regardless of the number of times the surgeon attempted to remove it. And, my guess is that these wrinkles could form within hours of the surgery even if the surgeon is flawless in his surgery.
Regarding the mixed opinions on the Yag, I am also concerned about the potential complications of the laser, albeit apparently rare. I have had retinal issues in the past so I'm not sure whether I would wait to undergo the Yag if and when I develop PCO and my vision is more significantly affected. It appears from what one of the doctors said in that article I referred you to is that the Yag is effective for a wrinkle issue but if the glare etc is due to the lens or another issue it can just make matters worse.
I am experiencing similar symptoms. I had surgery in November. I was told I have 90% scar tissue build-up and will have laser surgery to correct it. Apparently this condition is not uncommon. So now I have to pay another co-pay
i would get a second opinion from a top cornea/cataract surgery. i have had yag —specific to removing a membrane that grew over my implant a few years after cataract surgery
Hopefully this picture posts. This is a good representation of what I see.
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Hug
1 ReactionThanks for sharing the photo. It is similar to mine in the right eye in terms of length and brightness but mine runs at a 45 degree angel (i.e 8 o'clock to 2 o'clock).
If it doesn't resolve on its own in another month or so (i.e. 3 months from surgery) , I'll see my surgeon who I haven't seen since surgery. (The confirmation of the wrinkle was by another doc in the surgeon's office the day after my second surgery and confirmed today by my optometrist)
While I understand the Yag laser is the apparent remedy to address the wrinkle, I'm not sure I would do it until my vision acuity which is very good becomes an issue due to posterior capsule opacification which I understand happens eventually to many who have had cataract surgery,