Question:
My sister had a cataract removed about a month ago by her local
ophthalmologist and the implant lens left her more nearsighted than
she had planned on, probably due to an error in measuring the eye
length. She went to a specialist group in Boston and had the operation
redone within a week. She is now about a minus 1 diopter in that eye,
which was what she wanted, but she is extremely bothered by
reflections and glare from any light sources anywhere at the edges of
her field of vision. This occurs under all conditions, indoors and
outdoors, light or dark. It is not due to dilated pupils. The glare
can be reduced or eliminated by shading the light source with the
hands or a visor, depending on the direction of the light. She was
originally about a minus 6. The first operation produced -3.5 with no
glare with an Alcon implant. In the second operation, an Allergan
lens was used.
She has since been examined by the Boston surgeon, her retina
specialist, and a third ophthalmologist. All say that the lens is
properly positioned, and her cornea is clear, and can give no reason
for the glare. They all say she will "get used to it."
Could this be due to internal reflections in the lens implant, or
debris left in the eye from the second operation? She wants to know
the cause before considering having the other eye done.
I am presenting this information second hand, as my sister is
unfamiliar with websites, and so far has not found anything on the
web. Perhaps someone here has had this problem and can offer
suggestions. Any thoughts will be appreciated.
Answer:
Well, my first thought is to tell your sister to stay far away from doctor #2,
not just because of the poor result but because the second surgery should not
have taken place in the first place, at least not for the reason stated.
I doubt that doctor #1 missed by 2.50 diopters, not with technology presently
available. More likely there was a mis-understanding concerning the expected
vision and Rx power post surgery. A -3.50 result has many advantages for a
person with a historic -6.00 Rx, superior near vision without glasses compared
to those who have to wear glasses for near, with much better coordination with
the fellow eye.For those who need to have surgery due tor cataract(s) please
discuss thoroughly with your MD/OD and your optician *before* the surgery
