Question:
I had cataract surgery several days ago. For the most part, I'm seeing
much better. I'm trying to get used to the brightness of everything, but
I'm thankful that I can see so clearly. I'm having a problem, though,
which I'm hoping is just part of the healing process. At night
especially, if I look at anything that radiates light, I see a beam of
light going through it. My husband and I went to town last night, and
it was very difficult to keep my eyes open, as there was a beam of light
eminating through everything---street lights, headlights, stop lights,
etc. I noticed this morning that the same thing applies if I look at
any shiny object--faucets, for one thing. Is this the way it's going to
be from now on? If so, I'll have a terrible time at night. I'm
thankful for any information.
Answer:
I had them after my second cataract surgery,
but not the first. Either they went away, or I just don't notice them
anymore (it's over two years since the surgery). I asked my doctor, but I
don't remember exactly what she said, but I think she admitted that they
are an occasional side effect of the surgery.
My surgeon is very conservative and advised me to wait at least a year
or until there are symptoms. Note that cataract progression may not be
the same in both eyes. I totally agree with him. He laughingly remarks
about the Florida surgeons that perform cataract surgery on that older
group of people down there at the drop of a hat... whether they need it or not.
