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Positive Dysphotopsia after Cataract Surgery
I’m 62 and had my left eye cataract done in December 2019 and still have significant peripheral light streaks and night glare and starbursts while driving (positive dysphotopsia). Makes me a little “white-knuckled” when night driving and is maddening overall. Local surgeons are not inclined to consider an IOL exchange and neither am I, at this point.
With that, has anyone:
- experienced dissipation of dysphotopsia symptoms as time passed?
- tried photochromic contacts or glasses and had success?
- other actions that helped you?
Thanks for any input!
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I had the YAG done on my right eye. It did eliminate the diagonal "Maddox rod" line but did nothing for the starbursts. I am holding off doing YAG on other eye for now.
Agreed. I am trying to concentrate on the positives. It is difficult not to succumb to depression and regret. Thank you for your reply!
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2 ReactionsI got the basic Acrysoft lenses in August 2022 and have been experiencing the diagonal light rays, starbursts and flickering, especially at night. I had the YAG on my right eye which addressed the wrinkle that causes the diagonal ray and seemed to eliminate it. However, starburst and flickering remain. I am of the opinion that the diagonal ray is an eye issue while the starburst and flickering are primarily a lens issue. Lens replacement is possible but would now be more difficult in the YAGed eye. The replacement would likely be silicone which has its own pros and cons and would, of course, be an additional surgery with no guarantees. I really don't know what to do at this point or if I even want to consider lens replacement. But I apparently need to make that decision in the next few months for best results. Really wish I hadn't done this as my eyesight with glasses was decent and I only wanted better night vision.
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.
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2 ReactionsThank you for your reply and here's hoping for best results.
I too have the Alcon lens and have all the same PD symptoms. I’m one year out with my right eye and 6 months on the left. I’m too afraid to try a lens replacement which can have serious complications. I now also have dry eye syndrome from the surgeries, which slowly seems to be improving with consistent self treatment. It’s a very depressing situation and I’m learning to just live with it.
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1 Reactionmarshgirl, Are your PD symptoms the very same in each eye? I “think” I’ve learned to live with it, to a degree, in these 3+ years since surgery. It is discouraging since I expected (hoped for) an excellent outcome. Are your PD symptoms activated by temporal light sources or straight on too?
I had the appointment with the specialist today. I felt fairly dismissed...only real input was to try scleral contacts. I can't even get an appointment to get fitted for them for 3 months at least with this group. So, no really good info to share at this point.
Rare? Really? I just had cataract surgery 4 days ago. I too have the streaks of light depending of the light source. After a lot of research it sounds fairly common and so far I have not come across any information that states this is temporary or that it goes away. I turned to Mayo because it is a trusted scholarly institution. This forum is interesting but it's like the blind leading the blind. Clinical professional input would be helpful