Positive Dysphotopsia after Cataract Surgery

My first cataract surgery was March 2020 - the flickering is somewhat better. Then with the second surgery I get the same flickering light but -- new- is what you describe as a slight blur - fog like- and then its gone after blinking and turning my head. Yes, it's all very real and annoying.

Does anyone know whether the problems that some people experience with the Alcon or similar lenses show up at a later date following surgery or are the problems showing up exclusively right after surgery. In other words does a person whose sight is fine with the Alcon lens need to be concerned that there could be vision problems at a later date?

My Positive Dysphotopsia
started right away. I would think if you are not experiencing problems with dysphotopsia now that it shouldn’t develop later. Living with this affects my everyday life.

Marsh girl I am so sorry you now have this vision problem. I understand because I suffer with loud tinnitus in my ears/head 24 hrs. a day, for which there is no cure. It affects a lot of what I feel I can do and in many respects spoils my enjoyment of what I can do.To carry this heavy noise in my head everywhere I go is a real downer. In your case why doesn’t the doctor change your lens, or is that too risky or complicated? I have had cataract surgery on both eyes and with regular lenses and I have to wear glasses. As well, for several years, I saw a fog in the corner of one eye. It has finally dissipated after 2 yrs. So obviously some problems correct themselves. I hope yours will resolve itself with time.

With eye surgery being March 2020, that is pretty close to my surgery date of December 2019, so I look for similarities relative to our positive dysphotopsia. I’d to compare my symptoms as they were in the couple months after surgery to what they are now for me.

I’d say that the light streaks were more devastating in the period just after my surgery. I feared entry into tunnels (lights on sides of tunnels were maddening). When car headlights approached from behind me (or, in passing lane) I had to turn my rearview mirror image out of my view to cope. When sunlight was coming in my car window (driving), I’d need to shield my temporal area with my hand to obscure the maddening light streaks.

Currently, I still have apprehension about tunnel entry but try to just “hold my line.” Streaking and fluttering remain, but I guess I’ve toughened up some. As to the rearview mirror and headlights, I think I’ve learned to ignore the PD more.

I’d still characterize my left eye vision as much less than optimal. I have the IOL for distance and a slight astigmatism remains. With the PD, astigmatism and strabismus, I can’t make out street/highway signs as soon as I’d like. MAYBE, I’ll see overall improvement after I have my right eye cataract done in the next couple months. Doctors are hopeful that the binocular help provided by new right eye IOL will aid all conditions and overall vision.

Back to your situation: When did you have your 2nd eye cataract done? My hope would be that PD dissipation you’ve experienced on the first eye may, also, occur with the 2nd. I know, though, that every day, week and month that pass with no change in symptoms is challenging. Good luck!

I have the same dysphotopsia as u experienced post cataract surgery. Have u been successful in eliminating or decreasing the glare/ streaks?

Have u been able to decrease your temporal light streaks through any treatments? I am post op 2 weeks and have severe streaking in eye at night

Best answer I can give is “not much.” Treatments like myotic eye drops and photochromic lenses were entirely ineffective. I DO think there has been a little neuroadaptation over these 3 years since surgery, but it appears it is something I’ll just have to live with UNLESS I decide to pursue a risky lens exchange surgery.

On the positive side, you are only 2 weeks post surgery. In what I’ve read, positive dysphotopsia dissipates or goes away for many/most in the weeks and months following surgery. Make sure to “call out” your surgeon to specifically diagnose your problem and not blow it off. Hang in there and good luck!

I'm in the same boat. My surgeries were in August of 2022. Acrysoft acrylic single distance monofocal basic lenses. I also have starbursts and diagonal lines through all light sources. Can't drive at night. I had the YAG in the right eye which did address the wrinkle and eliminated the diagonal light ray but not the starburst. Tried drops but they didn't help. Seems only option would be a lens exchange to silicone in left eye that hasn't had YAG. With no guarantees and other possible problems, I am not inclined to do that. Super depressing as I only did this to get better night vision.

I haven’t had YAG although I have a very slight wrinkle in right eye. I’m waiting and trying to avoid any other surgical procedures. I agree lens exchange is risky and with each surgery the “ what if” of a retinal detachment or a replacement lens with even more issues. I’m learning to just live with it. I’ll drive local distances at night ( I’m super careful) but I would never drive far at night.