cataract surgery

Posted by Dee on August 24, 1999 at 14:15:14
   Five weeks ago, I had cataract surgery on my left eye.  Since that surgery whenever I am next to a window or any kind of light, I see a half circle of light and rays of light reflected off of what appears to be the edge of the lens in my eye.  Also, at night I experience alot of glare.  My surgeon says that my lens is centered perfectly.  I questioned him as to whether the lens could be too small for my eye (It's a 6.0mm.).  It sounded like that could be a possibility but he said to insert a larger lens would necessitate a bigger incision, which he did not seem too enthused about.
   I am 53 years old and do need cataract surgery on my right eye but am very concerned about the same thing happening to my second eye. I feel this would be very difficult to cope with.  
   1) Can and should an eye be measured to see what size lens would work best?
   2)  Could there by any other cause for my seeing the reflection in my lens?
   3)   Is there anything that can be done for this?
Thank you for any information you could give me in helping me with my next surgery.
  
  

Posted by hfhs md - ni on August 27, 1999 at 17:47:08
Some implant lenses more so than others can cause some "edge glare".  This is more associated with the smaller lenses.  6 mm lenes have a fairly large center and this is less common.  In many cases, the edge glare dissipates over time as the lens capsule opacifies around the edge of the lens.  It may be reasonable to wait a little while to see if the edge opacifies and your symptoms improve prior to having the other eye done.  If this does not happen, maybe a different type of lens may help when you have the other eye done.
You should discuss all of these options with your ophthalmologist.