Side effects from cataract surgery

Since my cataract surgery over two months ago.  My eye lid seems to not retract as much as the other eye giving it a sleepy look to it.  I still have flickering in my side vision.  There is also a fine black line in the side vision of that eye. Is there any hope of my eye returning to normal again. I am not only concerned about the look of the sleepy eye.  I drive a school bus and a sponser called my boss saying they where concerned because I looked like I was falling asleep.  Is there anything that can be done for this.  

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

You may have ptosis (droopy eyelid) due to stretching of the levator aponeurosis of the upper eyelid.  This usually happens as a natural aging process, but sometimes the eyelid speculum used to hold the eyelids open during cataract surgery can increase the amount of ptosis.  It can be fixed with a very simple, rapid recovery, eyelid surgery called a ptosis repair.  I would find an eye med ophthalmologist who specializes in oculoplastic surgery.  Check out aao.org and go to the find a physician area - look for someone who does cosmetic and reconstructive surgery or eyelid surgery.

As far as the black line in side vision - among other things, you may be getting a slight reflection of the edge of the implant.  There may not be much to do about this symptom - but you will be get used to it after time and not notice it as much.  Make sure you tell your surgeon all about it - and make another appointment to have it checked out.  Also mention the droopy eyelid.

MJK MD

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