At 60, I developed an early cataract in my left eye and had cataract surgery with a square-edged, acrylic IOL implanted in December 2019 to correct my distance vision. Since then, in controlled settings, my distance vision is good (almost 20-20).

However, I have had peripheral “lights streaks” since the time of the surgery that are disconcerting and disappointing. Examples: Sunlight coming in window to my left causes considerable light streaks to my left. 2. Viewing approaching cars’ headlights in rearview mirror when night-driving results in splay of lights streaks. 3. Driving through Pittsburgh tunnels results in dizzying feeling caused by the streaks of the tunnel perimeter lights. In sum, if I see any leftward appearance of light it is accompanied by the light streaks.

By post-surgery reading I did, I self-diagnosed this as a positive dysphotopsia (yes, fun name) that means an unwanted image patients see after cataracr surgery. Some on-line articles by ophthalmologists have said that the use of square-edged IOLs can be the cause in and appreciable number of patients. Apparently, light reflects off the square edges and causes the lights streaks. I’ve brought this up to my top ophthalmologists and they either blow it off or posit other theories. They shrug their shoulders and tell me “I’m lucky” that it’s as good as it is and “the IOL is well-positioned.”

My questions: Has anyone in the group had a similar symptom of light streaks after cataract surgery? Has anyone had discussion of the risks/benefits of different TYPES of IOLS to be implanted (square vs round edge) with their surgeon? NOTE: I’m well past 20 months since my surgery, so I’m not figuring the symptoms will “settle down” at this late date.

I ask, even more, because my right eye cataract is advancing and I will need surgery within next year, I would think. I want to be informed as I can be and get a better result on it, if possible.

Thank you so much