Dizzy after one side Cataract implant

[Paul4468]

I had a partial detachment in one eye 4 years ago, followed by cataract replacement in same eye almost 2 years ago.  Ever since the implant, I have a visual discomfort which has been described as "spatial disorientation. "  I describe it as a slight virtigo or similar to the slight "buzz" one gets after only 2 or 3 drinks, but no more than that. Depth perception is affected adversely.  Also, the ground doesn't appear completely level and I also have slight Diplopia to the same side as the implant. The retina surgery was completely successful (the one between laser and buckle in severity - don't remember the name:  vitreoectomy?) - no recurrence.  I am told the cataract replacement was also completely successful in that the implant is in the correct position, centered properly, etc.  The overall vision clarity (both eyes) if fine and the other (good) eye has no problems other that normal vision diminishing..  I assume only one implant is somewhat unusual. The only issue is the slight vertigo.  Vision Therapy (light sensitivity training) has helped.  Any thoughts you can provide?  Could the FLEXIBLE focal length in the good eye vs. the FIXED focal length in the implant eye be the problem?  Do certain implant lens types cause this problem, whereas other types don't?  Can Diplopia result from these factors? Any other thoughts or suggestions?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

A pediatric ophthalmologist-strabismus Eye MD will aslo assess refractive (glasses) imbalance (called aneisometropia). If that is the problem glasses, glasses and contacts and refractive surgery often help.

The skill set and training of a pediatric-strabismus Eye MD ophthalologist is wholly different and much more extensive than "vision therapist" It's a totally different approach to the problem. I have no more to offer, best of luck.

JCH MD
.

[Paul4468]

I will look up those terms and ask my Vision Therapist about them.  Thanks

[Paul4468]

Both eyes are near-sighted.  Implant eye is -2-50 and other eye is -3.50 to -4.00

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

A pediatric ophthalmologist-strabismus Eye MD will aslo assess refractive (glasses) imbalance (called aneisometropia). If that is the problem glasses, glasses and contacts and refractive surgery often help.

JCH MD

[Luvtoski]

Might your Diopter difference between the two eyes be more than 2 or 3 diopters apart?
Or, might one eye be nearsighted slightly and one eye farsighted slightly ?

I only have one IOL (monofocal) put in after a Vitrectomy for membrane peel.  One of my eyes is a +.1 and the other -.60 so the two eyes don't work in perfect harmony together.  Ergo, I have somewhat of what you are describing, although my brain has been adapting slowly.

I will not get an IOL in my "good eye" pre-maturely though, as I can live with my present results and don't want to risk anything with my good eye after going thru what I went thru with my ERM/Vitrectomy.

I suggest you ask your specialists to go over the details of your Diopter outcome and ask whether that could be a factor.
Keep us posted !  

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Ask one of your surgeons to refer you to an eye muscle-strabismus Eye MD. Your problem suggests an eye muscle imbalance.

JCH MD