Positive Dysphotopsia after Cataract Surgery

Hi Bobbyo
Iam also in the Pittsburgh area.I had both eyes done about 3 weeks apart.I had the Toric lens put in,Right eye for distance and left eye for close.I can see a bundle of line type streaks going from 10 to 4 oclock on any light source at night.It is in both eyes.My vision is really good but streaks bother me at night.I read on other forums that a cause can be a wrinkle on the back of pocket that lens is in.Some people have had success with a YAG laser being used to smooth out wrinkle.Iam thinking I would like to get a second opinion on what i should do.

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.

I have the same Alcon lens in both eyes. Regret it horribly. At the 3:00 and 6:00 position I have extreme light streaks from cars, streetlights, house exterior lights. These streaks extend way out. Any light source creates a glare or problem. Even my interior home lights have glare. This has become life changing for me. I cannot drive at night and dread even walking my dog at night due to the street lights. I thought that once I had my second eye done that it might mitigate the problems, it only made it worse. If anyone has any suggestions please post them. This is very depressing.

Thanks John! Yes, mine is positive dysphotopsia and I read that Healio article you referenced. My symptoms are severe temporal light streaks, bright splayed lights, starbursts and halos that are really tough at night and night-driving. It being my left eye, I have to eliminate use of the side-view and rear-view mirrors by turning them completely out of sight range when driving at night. The photochromic contacts or glasses I mentioned are like the “photo gray” lenses that were popular in eyeglasses of late 1970s-80s. They can, possibly, diffuse stray light that is reflecting off the sides of my IOLs and help my problem. That’s what I’m trying next. Thanks for your suggestions.

Hi there. I am wondering if you have any updates on your PD? I got the Acrysof SN60WF distance lenses 6 months ago and have had issues since then with starbursts and diagonal light rays. Night driving is impossible and improved night driving is the ONLY reason I had the surgeries. I tried the drops with no success so I consented to YAG on my right eye which eliminated the wrinkle that was causing the diagonal "Maddox Rod" effect but starburst is just as bad or worse. I think the starburst is coming from the lens and not from PCO. I still can't drive at night or look at any bright light source in or outdoors (including the moon) without starburst. And now I have compromised my opportunity for lens exchange on that eye. I see very well on bright sunny days outside but cloudy days are uncomfortable. Seems like light is bouncing around. I have read the pros and cons of silicone lenses and am not convinced they would be better. I am to see a specialist tomorrow. I will then feel that I have at least exhausted my options. My guess is that I will have to learn to deal with this self imposed handicap.

Mine continues as it has been. To explain my present symptoms, as best I can: I have light streaks that are prevalent whenever there is a light source to my left or above. Sunlight to my left when driving makes me raise my hand to protect it so I can concentrate. When night driving, the worst comes from headlights from cars behind me shining into my rearview mirror. I get the streaks from above from bright ceiling lights and the higher lights in stores, arenas etc.

On another note, I, finally, went ahead with my right eye cataract surgery 10 days ago. In appointments and 2nd opinions over the last year, surgeons had claimed that the SN60WF was the “best lens available”. Since I feared PD with surgery on this eye, I asked them if they could consider a silicone, round-edge IOL to lower my risk of long term PD. They went with a silicone, 3-piece from Bausch and Lomb. It is more rounded edge to avoid reflection. I don’t have full specs on it but will get them.

On January 26th, I had this cataract surgery, a FOV and a primary posterior capsulotomy of the right eye. They went with a B & L, round-edge, silicone IOL that I mentioned. Unfortunately, during surgery, I experienced a vitreous hemorrhage that (per the surgeon) needs a few weeks to clear. I don’t want to be too concerned till I give it some time to alleviate. Doctors seemed pleased and I have follow-up appointment this Thursday. Initially, this eye doesn’t seem to have “light artifacts” (PD) of any note. I’m hopeful and will update in a couple months.

Mine continues as it has been. To explain my present symptoms, as best I can: I have light streaks that are prevalent whenever there is a light source to my left or above. Sunlight to my left when driving makes me raise my hand to protect it so I can concentrate. When night driving, the worst comes from headlights from cars behind me shining into my rearview mirror. I get the streaks from above from bright ceiling lights and the higher lights in stores, arenas etc.

On another note, I, finally, went ahead with my right eye cataract surgery 10 days ago. In appointments and 2nd opinions over the last year, surgeons had claimed that the SN60WF was the “best lens available”. Since I feared PD with surgery on this eye, I asked them if they could consider a silicone, round-edge IOL to lower my risk of long term PD. They went with a silicone, 3-piece from Bausch and Lomb. It is more rounded edge to avoid reflection. I don’t have full specs on it but will get them.

On January 26th, I had this cataract surgery, a FOV and a primary posterior capsulotomy of the right eye. They went with a B & L, round-edge, silicone IOL that I mentioned. Unfortunately, during surgery, I experienced a vitreous hemorrhage that (per the surgeon) needs a few weeks to clear. I don’t want to be too concerned till I give it some time to alleviate. Doctors seemed pleased and I have follow-up appointment this Thursday. Initially, this eye doesn’t seem to have “light artifacts” (PD) of any note. I’m hopeful and will update in a couple months.

Mine continues as it has been. To explain my present symptoms, as best I can: I have light streaks that are prevalent whenever there is a light source to my left or above. Sunlight to my left when driving makes me raise my hand to protect it so I can concentrate. When night driving, the worst comes from headlights from cars behind me shining into my rearview mirror. I get the streaks from above from bright ceiling lights and the higher lights in stores, arenas etc.

On another note, I, finally, went ahead with my right eye cataract surgery 10 days ago. In appointments and 2nd opinions over the last year, surgeons had claimed that the SN60WF was the “best lens available”. Since I feared PD with surgery on this eye, I asked them if they could consider a silicone, round-edge IOL to lower my risk of long term PD. They went with a silicone, 3-piece from Bausch and Lomb. It is more rounded edge to avoid reflection. I don’t have full specs on it but will get them.

On January 26th, I had this cataract surgery, a FOV and a primary posterior capsulotomy of the right eye. They went with a B & L, round-edge, silicone IOL that I mentioned. Unfortunately, during surgery, I experienced a vitreous hemorrhage that (per the surgeon) needs a few weeks to clear. I don’t want to be too concerned till I give it some time to alleviate. Doctors seemed pleased and I have follow-up appointment this Thursday. Initially, this eye doesn’t seem to have “light artifacts” (PD) of any note. I’m hopeful and will update in a couple months.

Bobby, I really appreciate that you posted what you’ve learned so far. Indeed dysphotopsias are rare. The information that you’ve posted will most definitely help the next rare person who searches for information like you’re doing today and they will feel less alone. Thank you.