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YAG issue
I had retinal detachment surgery last April. It was a scleral buckle followed by oil vitrectomy and new cataract lens. My retina has healed, but I’m left with deficiencies in acuity. On top of that I had a yag procedure in August. I noticed glare around lights and saw the corneal doctor last week. She gave me the option for a repeat yag. She said she would enlarge the capsule opening, and that it may or may not work, but there is no downside. Apparently she was wrong, because I’m seeing more glare than before. Any recommendations? Will this tamp down over time? I’m beating myself up for agreeing to the second yag, I’m set for a follow in a month? Thanks for any input.
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68Wulf
I very familiar with the glare issue. I've had detachments in both eyes, buckles, and lots of laser treatments to try and fix small tares in the retinas after reattachments. Also some additional laser treatments to try and open the drains to reduce eye pressure. I'm 80 now and have been fighting glaucoma for over 30 years now. Glare is one of my worst problems. I always wear a hat to help cut down glare when outside or when bright light is coming in windows or from overhead. I see optomologist every 3 months for examination and pressure check. I'm on 3 different eye drops for pressure. Have you considered going to eye research center such as Bascom Palmer or Wills? They will do detailed exam and make recommendations including possible docs they know in your area.
Don
Hi 68wolf, Sorry to hear about the disappointing yag. Although I have mild PCO, I haven't had a yag as yet because I've been told the yag can make positive dysphotopsias worse. I have the Maddox rod effect which may be improved by a yag but starbursts may become more problematic... At any rate, I'd suggest another opinion or more until you feel more confident that another yag is worth the risk.
I’ve been treating at Wills. I have another appointment in March with the corneal specialist. I’m taking bromonidine drops to reduce light entry but I fear this annoying glare is permanent. I don’t want any more surgeries. I dealt with a detached retinal before this glare issue. I’m hoping that the glare tamps down on its own, but I’m not optimistic. Thanks!
I doubt that another YAG would be recommended. I thin that I’ll just need to accept the glare and wear glare reducing glasses. I regret having the second YAG. The Dr said there was no downside, but she was wrong. She didn’t tell me that it could enhance the glare. Thanks
Thanks Don! Can you provide the contact information for the service at Wills you mention above?
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1 ReactionTilly
Here is the link to the Wills Eye Hospital which does leading edge eye research:
https://www.willseye.org/
And here is link for patients and visitors to contact Wills:
https://www.willseye.org/patients-visitors/
Here is link to PowerPoint presentation I gave to Mayo Clinic Mentors about Low Vision which also includes links to top eye research centers:
https://donhiggins.net/Low_Vision/Low_Vision.pptx
Let me know if I can answer other questions?
Don
Don
Even if the glare doesn't improve, depending on how bad your situation is, I think you will adapt to it in time. I base this on my own experience. After cataract surgery last March/April, I had a light streaking issue (Maddox Rod effect) and then four months later my vision suffered due to PCO. The Yag laser corrected both the PCO and the Maddox Rod issue, although it left me with mutliple thin lines of glare. Although annoying, it was less bothersome than the Maddox Rod issue and I am still able to drive safely at night. The glare issue has not really improved, but it has become less bothersome to me over time. I didn't go back to my cataract surgeon about it because even if there is a laser or surgical fix, I don't want to take even a small risk of a complication. Like you, I have had retinal issues in the past (holes and tears). Despite the glare issue, I am very pleased with my vision, having had mini-monovision giving me excellent distant sight and being relatively free of reading glasses except for very small print. Best wishes
What lens do you have? I have the Clareon monofocal for -2.25D and I have a shadow in my peripheral temporal vision (like wearing a horse blinder) as well as glare & flickering light. At night I have a streak/ray of light both vertical & horizontal. I chose a conservative option and do not know what to do.
My LE has Clarion monofocal and RE Tecnis monofocal. Have you discussed the shadow and light streaks with your cataract surgeon?
Thanks for the input. My glare has not improved, but I am getting used to it and will just learn to live with it. I have found blue light glasses help as well as yellow tinted night driving issues. I will not let the corneal doctor operate again. I hope for further neuro-adaptation over time. I think what is happening is the yag opening is too large, and I’m seeing glare from the edge of the new lens. I’ll report back on my progress.