Poor YAG Result

Hi,

I am 51 and had a Crystalens HD500 implanted in my right eye on 7/7/09.  I had had a very advanced PSC cataract.  I have tested extremely well ever since the surgery, usually 20/15 distance, 20/15 intermediate, and 20/40 or better near, and plano.  Before the cataract, the right eye was great.  Since Day 1 with the Crystalens, I had noticed that my distance vision was a little blurry during the day and very blurry at night.  The night dysphotopsias were very bad.  My binocular vision ended up perfect, but I have been worried about what would happen if anything were to happen to my left eye.  It seemed to get a little worse over time, and I started noticing a little double vision in just the Crystalens eye.

I had a YAG two days ago, on 10/22/09.  Each symptom got a little worse, plus now I have large startbursts, luckily not too opaque, and bad night glare from headlights.  The double vision is definitely more noticable.  The extra blurriness and night effects are harder for my brain to separate out of my binocular vision.

I think my surgeon had warned me that he cuts a very small hole, which can result in a glare problem and require follow-up YAG to enlarge the hole.  So I am hoping that there is still a chance for a good outcome with some enlargement.

Getting a little worried!  Is there still hope for clear vision for me?

Thanks.

P.S.  My vision varies very noticeably just between morning sun and late afternoon sun, even if I am outside.

[mmmmpppp]

I meant to say that I had a YAG Capsulotomy two days ago, on 10/20/09.

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

I do a small yag opening in most IOLs.  Crystalens in the exception.

Ask him to enlarge the yag.

Dr. O.

[mmmmpppp]

As always, Dr. O, I can't thank you enough.  I hope that you think my chances are good.

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

Your chances are very good.  I have had to enlarge the yag opening on a number of patients.

Dr. O.

[mmmmpppp]

Truly, thank you.

[CC450]

I also have a problem with glare. I had glare prior to my capsulotomy but it is much worse now (2 weeks after capsulotomy). Unless I am in full sunlight or direct overhead light my glare is like someone is shining a light in my eye and the light has streaks through it. This is very troubling but my eye surgeon says my brain will adjust to this. I have been dealing with this for months (it was not as shiny before the capsulotomy but the glare was there) and I really do not think that it will. I would try anything at this point. Is there anything that can be done for this? I did not have this immediately following my surgery (April, 2009) so I am not sure why this would have developed since then. I think I started to notice it in June (2 months after lens exchange). Does the glare I am describing sound like anything you have dealt with before? I am only 52 and I can't imagine my entire life with this glare.  

[mmmmpppp]

Based on my doctor's claim that too small a hole can lead to glare, why not have the size double-checked?  What does your doctor say about it?

[CC450]

I go back to see my surgeon next week, and I will definitely ask him about that. If it is that easy to fix, I will be thrilled! He actually told me at my one week follow-up that my brain would adjust and learn to ignore the glare--which I found very hard to believe based on what I am seeing.

[mmmmpppp]

2nd opinion time.  When I went back, they showed me a picture that shows the edge of the capsule whole in relation to how light passes through my pupil.  They showed me that mine could stand to be enlarged; however, it appears that that will not be necessary in my case.

[mmmmpppp]

Capsule *hole* I mean.

[CC450]

Thank you so much! Now I feel I can go to my appointment and know what I need to say to him.

Cathy