Aa
Vision problems after 6-months post-op of multifocal lenses
To: Michael J Kutryb, MD
Dr. Kutryb, I have read your replies to other patients and found them very thorough. I have ReZoom in my right eye & ReSTor in my left implanted last October (sole decision made by my eye surgeon). I am having many disappointments and complications as you can read from my post above. Since my eye surgeon is not friendly or helpful and it takes a long waiting period for setting up an appointment, would you be able to answer some of my questions & concerns:
1) I don't know why the ReZoom lens is not giving me the "claimed' intermediate vision.
(2) I don't know why after 6-months post-op my distant vision is not as sharp & focussed as before (both lenses).
(3) I don't understand why as soon as I am indoor I am having spotty misty vision & seeing ghosting with my ReZoom lens.
(3) I don't understand why after 6 months my glare/halos doesn't diminish a bit
(4) I don't understand what causes the most annoying flickering light reflections in the right side of the ReZoom lens when I blink under certain angle of any artifical lights - even in a room when facing a window! Is this a reflection of the lens itself? Will it go away or is it permanent (which means I am doomed for life!!!)?
(5) I don't understand why having this flickering light reflections for a while (such as sitting in a bus with all the neon lights above) will give my eye pressure & discomfort (I would even use the word pain & side headache).
(6) I don't know why I am seeing floaters since February - is it because my eyes are strained, traumatized & I am too stressful?
(7) I don't understand why I have developed capsular fibrosis so soon when my eyes were healthy and never had any problems except the initial stage of cataract before surgery.
My eye surgeon suggested I have my existing lenses explanted and replaced with the Tecnis monofocal lenses. I am extremely nervous and afraid of the significant risks involved (and given my luck with the first surgery!). He also suggested a YAG capsulotomy for my capsulor fibrosis if I choose not to have my lenses explanted. But there are risks involved with this treatment, too, such as RETINA DETACHMENT, right? How long can the capsule bag hold a lens if it has a hole in it????
Sorry for this long email but I am very depressed and desperate with my eye condition. Thanks for your patience and look forward to your reply.
CKLG
Dr. Kutryb, I have read your replies to other patients and found them very thorough. I have ReZoom in my right eye & ReSTor in my left implanted last October (sole decision made by my eye surgeon). I am having many disappointments and complications as you can read from my post above. Since my eye surgeon is not friendly or helpful and it takes a long waiting period for setting up an appointment, would you be able to answer some of my questions & concerns:
1) I don't know why the ReZoom lens is not giving me the "claimed' intermediate vision.
(2) I don't know why after 6-months post-op my distant vision is not as sharp & focussed as before (both lenses).
(3) I don't understand why as soon as I am indoor I am having spotty misty vision & seeing ghosting with my ReZoom lens.
(3) I don't understand why after 6 months my glare/halos doesn't diminish a bit
(4) I don't understand what causes the most annoying flickering light reflections in the right side of the ReZoom lens when I blink under certain angle of any artifical lights - even in a room when facing a window! Is this a reflection of the lens itself? Will it go away or is it permanent (which means I am doomed for life!!!)?
(5) I don't understand why having this flickering light reflections for a while (such as sitting in a bus with all the neon lights above) will give my eye pressure & discomfort (I would even use the word pain & side headache).
(6) I don't know why I am seeing floaters since February - is it because my eyes are strained, traumatized & I am too stressful?
(7) I don't understand why I have developed capsular fibrosis so soon when my eyes were healthy and never had any problems except the initial stage of cataract before surgery.
My eye surgeon suggested I have my existing lenses explanted and replaced with the Tecnis monofocal lenses. I am extremely nervous and afraid of the significant risks involved (and given my luck with the first surgery!). He also suggested a YAG capsulotomy for my capsulor fibrosis if I choose not to have my lenses explanted. But there are risks involved with this treatment, too, such as RETINA DETACHMENT, right? How long can the capsule bag hold a lens if it has a hole in it????
Sorry for this long email but I am very depressed and desperate with my eye condition. Thanks for your patience and look forward to your reply.
CKLG
It doesn't matter if they are colored or not, the oxygen transmissability is slightly better if they are not colored.
They come in different sizes, you optometrest will prescribe the lens best shaped to your eye. They can change your corneal shape somewhat, I believe it persists for around 2 weeks after you stop wearing soft contacts, around a month if you wear hard contacts. In other words, corneal changes are reversible.
If you have dry eyes the contact lenses will not be comfortable.
You don't need to use eyedrops unless your eyes are dry. Only the cleaning solution to clean and store your lenses. If your eyes are dry, you can choose to use eyedrops to make the lenses more comfortable.
You will not go blind from oxygen deprivation that quickly. Some oxygen does get to your cornea through the lenses, plus every time you blink the contacts move a little bit allowing oxygen to get behind them. Also, if you don't sleep with your contacts in then your corneas have normal O2 exposure all night. If you are worried about it choose one of the newer silicone hydrogel lenses with high oxygen transmissability. (Anything approved for monthly overnight wear such as air optix day and night or purevision 2 will have high transmissability, or I highly recommend ultra, which is super thin with high O2 transmissabilty but not yet approved for overnight wear.) Contact solution can dry your eyes out which is why you should not use it as an eyedrop.
They come in different sizes, you optometrest will prescribe the lens best shaped to your eye. They can change your corneal shape somewhat, I believe it persists for around 2 weeks after you stop wearing soft contacts, around a month if you wear hard contacts. In other words, corneal changes are reversible.
If you have dry eyes the contact lenses will not be comfortable.
You don't need to use eyedrops unless your eyes are dry. Only the cleaning solution to clean and store your lenses. If your eyes are dry, you can choose to use eyedrops to make the lenses more comfortable.
You will not go blind from oxygen deprivation that quickly. Some oxygen does get to your cornea through the lenses, plus every time you blink the contacts move a little bit allowing oxygen to get behind them. Also, if you don't sleep with your contacts in then your corneas have normal O2 exposure all night. If you are worried about it choose one of the newer silicone hydrogel lenses with high oxygen transmissability. (Anything approved for monthly overnight wear such as air optix day and night or purevision 2 will have high transmissability, or I highly recommend ultra, which is super thin with high O2 transmissabilty but not yet approved for overnight wear.) Contact solution can dry your eyes out which is why you should not use it as an eyedrop.
Some questions about contact lenses are in my mind:
1.Which one between normal contact lenses for myopia and cricle color contact lenses for myopia is better to use everyday?
2. What will be the problem if size or shape are not fit? Can using contact lenses change our cornea shape?nHow about over power degree will cause some problem?
3. What are symptoms of dry eyes, how to identify it during wearing contact lenses?
4. If I don't use eyedrop for contact lenses during wearing, what will happen? How about before and after using? Is wearing many hour or over suggest hour, can cause lack O2 that make our eye blind?Why solution cannot be use as eyedrop?
1.Which one between normal contact lenses for myopia and cricle color contact lenses for myopia is better to use everyday?
2. What will be the problem if size or shape are not fit? Can using contact lenses change our cornea shape?nHow about over power degree will cause some problem?
3. What are symptoms of dry eyes, how to identify it during wearing contact lenses?
4. If I don't use eyedrop for contact lenses during wearing, what will happen? How about before and after using? Is wearing many hour or over suggest hour, can cause lack O2 that make our eye blind?Why solution cannot be use as eyedrop?
Thanks for your comments. Yes I saw the edge as soon as the patch came off. My surgeon had my followup with my optometrist. All he would say is that he never had anyone that could see the edge and referred me back to my surgeon. I have an appointment to see him on monday. I did have an astigmatism and a laser was used to correct it (and score my lens for more accurate removal). Yes all distances are blurry at the moment. (day 4), I will repost again after my visit to the surgeon.
Thank you so much for taking the time to respond.
Thank you so much for taking the time to respond.
re: "or is the wrong size"
The lens doesn't come in different sizes, it is one size fits all for an IOL model at the moment. When the patch was removed, did you tell them about the issue, did they check to see if the lens was properly centered at that time? Usually as soon as they remove the patch they would check the placement of the lens and should have told you if they saw something wrong with it. Or did they have you take off the patch yourself and you haven't had a postop check yet after that?
I am guessing you'll have a postop at one week, but if you are concerned you could try to get in sooner, and they can confirm the placement of the lens. If it isn't centered (and movement in the initial postop period is possible even if not usual), the odds are good they can center it, so I wouldn't worry unless they discover some rare issue preventing that.
Unfortunately as you presumably understand from this thread, even iwth a properly place lens, some people do have a problem seeing the edge of a lens. Most who do will learn to tune it out. If they can't, there are options they can consider, such as a piggy back lens or lens exchange, as you'll read about in the links above or if you search for information on negative dysphotopsias.
Did you have astigmatism that wasn't treated perhaps which might account for the blur? If the lens isn't properly placed that could account for the poor vision. Alternatively, It sounds like you are saying all distances are blurry, or is there an intermediate range thats clear? I'm just speculating perhaps they didn't hit the refraction target. (if you were left hyperopic then perhaps the distance peak for the lens is too far out, and the near peak is repositioned at intermediate). I don't know myself how often surgical issues like swelling might interfere the first few days and whether or not that indicates a problem the doctor needs to treat, perhaps an eye doc will chime in, but I'm guessing your doctor's staff could tell you if you don't get enough of an answer on here.
With the Symfony IOL my distance vision was good from the time the bandage came off, and the near came and went for a day or so but was fine by a couple of days after. I don't know if that is typical, but I get the impression most people have fairly decent vision within a couple of days, even if it takes longer with a multifocal sometimes for better quality near to come in.
The lens doesn't come in different sizes, it is one size fits all for an IOL model at the moment. When the patch was removed, did you tell them about the issue, did they check to see if the lens was properly centered at that time? Usually as soon as they remove the patch they would check the placement of the lens and should have told you if they saw something wrong with it. Or did they have you take off the patch yourself and you haven't had a postop check yet after that?
I am guessing you'll have a postop at one week, but if you are concerned you could try to get in sooner, and they can confirm the placement of the lens. If it isn't centered (and movement in the initial postop period is possible even if not usual), the odds are good they can center it, so I wouldn't worry unless they discover some rare issue preventing that.
Unfortunately as you presumably understand from this thread, even iwth a properly place lens, some people do have a problem seeing the edge of a lens. Most who do will learn to tune it out. If they can't, there are options they can consider, such as a piggy back lens or lens exchange, as you'll read about in the links above or if you search for information on negative dysphotopsias.
Did you have astigmatism that wasn't treated perhaps which might account for the blur? If the lens isn't properly placed that could account for the poor vision. Alternatively, It sounds like you are saying all distances are blurry, or is there an intermediate range thats clear? I'm just speculating perhaps they didn't hit the refraction target. (if you were left hyperopic then perhaps the distance peak for the lens is too far out, and the near peak is repositioned at intermediate). I don't know myself how often surgical issues like swelling might interfere the first few days and whether or not that indicates a problem the doctor needs to treat, perhaps an eye doc will chime in, but I'm guessing your doctor's staff could tell you if you don't get enough of an answer on here.
With the Symfony IOL my distance vision was good from the time the bandage came off, and the near came and went for a day or so but was fine by a couple of days after. I don't know if that is typical, but I get the impression most people have fairly decent vision within a couple of days, even if it takes longer with a multifocal sometimes for better quality near to come in.
I just had cataract surgery and the Tecnis Multifocal 3.25 lens inplanted in my right eye a few days ago. Immediately after the patch was removed I was seeing the edge of the lens in my right peripheral vision. It is very bothersome to me and I am wondering if the lens has moved, wasn't placed properly, or is the wrong size? I don't think I will be able to live with this effect. Also a second question, how long should it take for my vision to clear in this eye after surgery? My vision up close and at distance remains blurry 3 days post op.
Yes, I know. My replacement lenses are in the sulcus. Another reason to avoid YAG when considering an exchange is the fact that every surgery, whether by blade or laser, increases the risk of retinal tear. Been there, done that too.
re: "Dr. Sam Masket in LA"
Yup, he was the author of one of the articles I linked to above:
http://crstoday.com/2014/05/solving-the-problem-of-negative-dysphotopsia
Dr. Holladay was also mentioned prominently in some articles on the topic (and on many other cataract surgery related topics) and is in Texas, but seems to have retired from clinical practice:
http://www.hicsoap.com/biography.php
Yes, it is best to avoid a YAG if possible. The only reason to consider it would be if a surgeon considers there to be high enough odds it will resolve the problem that its worth the risk. Obviously sometimes they do decide its worth the risk, given they comment on using a YAG as a treatment option. I gather that usually (though I don't know if its always the case) the main issue with a lens exchange after a YAG is they usually can't implant a replacement lens in the capsular bag, but need to place it outside the bag in the sulcus. Most lenses are designed for placement in the bag, so that limits the options for a replacement lens choice.
Yup, he was the author of one of the articles I linked to above:
http://crstoday.com/2014/05/solving-the-problem-of-negative-dysphotopsia
Dr. Holladay was also mentioned prominently in some articles on the topic (and on many other cataract surgery related topics) and is in Texas, but seems to have retired from clinical practice:
http://www.hicsoap.com/biography.php
Yes, it is best to avoid a YAG if possible. The only reason to consider it would be if a surgeon considers there to be high enough odds it will resolve the problem that its worth the risk. Obviously sometimes they do decide its worth the risk, given they comment on using a YAG as a treatment option. I gather that usually (though I don't know if its always the case) the main issue with a lens exchange after a YAG is they usually can't implant a replacement lens in the capsular bag, but need to place it outside the bag in the sulcus. Most lenses are designed for placement in the bag, so that limits the options for a replacement lens choice.
If you are considering a lens exchange, don't have a YAG. It seriously complicates further surgery.
BTW, Sam Masket in LA is an expert on Positive Dysphotopsia.
BTW, Sam Masket in LA is an expert on Positive Dysphotopsia.
I am assuming these flashing arcs have been there all along, rather than being a new symptom? (a new symptom might indicate something like retinal detachment, though its odd that'd be in both eyes). They refer to a visual glitche like this generically as a dysphotopsia. While they are more common with multifocal IOLs, they do happen with monofocal IOLs also. For instance some relate to reflections off the edge of a lens, which has nothing to do with whether the lens is a multifocal (but might potentially be helped with a different edge design).
Fortunately most go away with time, so unfortunately that means they prefer you to wait before treatment to avoid the risks of a new surgery.
There are approaches other than lens swaps that they consider, like a YAG procedure or adding a 2nd piggyback lens:
http://www.eyeworld.org/article-understanding-positive-dysphotopsia
"With both positive and negative dysphotopsia, Nd:YAG removal of the nasal capsule overlying the IOL may be helpful, and secondary piggyback silicone IOLs with rounded edges in most cases will eliminate the symptoms."
As a clip further below notes, it is also possible that drops to either constrict or dilate the eye (depending on the cause of the issue) might provide some temporary reduction of the problem.
The cause of the dysphotopisa (if it can be determined) may impact what treatment option is best (or what lens replacement lens, or piggy back lens, to consider). Your description doesn't match exactly the usual keywords they use (it may be a combination of them), here is an old overview article:
http://www.reviewofophthalmology.com/content/d/features/i/1320/c/25409/
You don't mention when these symptoms occur (e.g. all the time, only in bright light, only at night, when looking far, close, etc) and the description doesn't quite match the usual phrases used. This article mentions one I hadn't heard of, a "Maddox rod effect", which I see elsewhere described as a line of glare (though I hadn't looked into exactly what they mean that looks like, or whether it it flashes to match your "flashing arc" or is persistent, just throwing out something to research):
http://crstoday.com/2014/05/solving-the-problem-of-negative-dysphotopsia
"Dysphotopsias represent subjective and undesired optical images that are associated with uncomplicated cataract surgery. In essence, positive and negative dysphotopsias (PD and ND) are unanticipated photic consequences. Patients describe PD as streaks and arcs of light, central light flashes, and starbursts. They describe ND as a temporal dark shadow similar to the effect of wearing horse blinders.
Additionally, patients may notice a Maddox rod effect (with point sources of light) from striae in the posterior capsule; this undesired optical phenomenon is not specific to any IOL and may be managed by a laser capsulotomy, as necessary....
ND is not as well understood as PD. Interestingly, PD symptoms may improve with pharmacologic pupillary constriction, but the opposite is true for ND, which almost invariably improves with pupillary dilation. "
This was where I saw it described as a line of glare:
http://webeye.ophth.uiowa.edu/eyeforum/cases/191-maddox-rod-effect.htm
"The patient describes a line of glare, which is causing a Maddox rod effect, and corresponds to the fold in the posterior capsule in the right eye. "
Fortunately most go away with time, so unfortunately that means they prefer you to wait before treatment to avoid the risks of a new surgery.
There are approaches other than lens swaps that they consider, like a YAG procedure or adding a 2nd piggyback lens:
http://www.eyeworld.org/article-understanding-positive-dysphotopsia
"With both positive and negative dysphotopsia, Nd:YAG removal of the nasal capsule overlying the IOL may be helpful, and secondary piggyback silicone IOLs with rounded edges in most cases will eliminate the symptoms."
As a clip further below notes, it is also possible that drops to either constrict or dilate the eye (depending on the cause of the issue) might provide some temporary reduction of the problem.
The cause of the dysphotopisa (if it can be determined) may impact what treatment option is best (or what lens replacement lens, or piggy back lens, to consider). Your description doesn't match exactly the usual keywords they use (it may be a combination of them), here is an old overview article:
http://www.reviewofophthalmology.com/content/d/features/i/1320/c/25409/
You don't mention when these symptoms occur (e.g. all the time, only in bright light, only at night, when looking far, close, etc) and the description doesn't quite match the usual phrases used. This article mentions one I hadn't heard of, a "Maddox rod effect", which I see elsewhere described as a line of glare (though I hadn't looked into exactly what they mean that looks like, or whether it it flashes to match your "flashing arc" or is persistent, just throwing out something to research):
http://crstoday.com/2014/05/solving-the-problem-of-negative-dysphotopsia
"Dysphotopsias represent subjective and undesired optical images that are associated with uncomplicated cataract surgery. In essence, positive and negative dysphotopsias (PD and ND) are unanticipated photic consequences. Patients describe PD as streaks and arcs of light, central light flashes, and starbursts. They describe ND as a temporal dark shadow similar to the effect of wearing horse blinders.
Additionally, patients may notice a Maddox rod effect (with point sources of light) from striae in the posterior capsule; this undesired optical phenomenon is not specific to any IOL and may be managed by a laser capsulotomy, as necessary....
ND is not as well understood as PD. Interestingly, PD symptoms may improve with pharmacologic pupillary constriction, but the opposite is true for ND, which almost invariably improves with pupillary dilation. "
This was where I saw it described as a line of glare:
http://webeye.ophth.uiowa.edu/eyeforum/cases/191-maddox-rod-effect.htm
"The patient describes a line of glare, which is causing a Maddox rod effect, and corresponds to the fold in the posterior capsule in the right eye. "
I too had problems with my lenses (Crystalens) and had them exchanged for monofocal. It was further complicated because I had already had YAGs in both eyes and needed vitrectomies. My doctor was Richard MacKool Sr. (Note that his son Richard MacKool Jr. works at the same practice.). in Astoria, NY. Dr. MacKool Sr. is world class, but he doesn't take Medicare or Insurance. I paid upfront and then applied for out of network reimbursement (80%) from Cigna. Another option for you may be to consult at Baylor Medical College School of Opthamology. Best wishes.
I had ReStore lens placed in both eyes three months ago. My vision is good, but I am experiencing extreme flashing arcs in both eyes that are causing my extreme anxiety. I am considering have the lens explanted and replaced with mono vision lens. I understand it is a difficult procedure and only want to go to a surgeon with extensive experience in explant surgeon. Can you tell me the name of your surgeon? I live in Texas, but am willing to go out of state to find an experienced doctor.
I feel like in the movie "You've Got Mail" (did you watch it?). Thanks for your two posts. I certainly don't know how to "train" my brain to ignore the flickering rings. I am hoping the B complex will help my eyes less sensitive to them (it does say B2 helps reduce light sensitivity to eyes) and the flaxseeds will help reduce my dry eye symptoms. I try to learn to accept the imperfect vision indoor due to the design of lenses. Perhaps my eyes will get used to the vision in another few months, or few years time (sigh).
I don't have as many medical problems as you. Besides nearsightedness (-6.75 on both), mild astigmatism, dry eyes and initial cataract, I consider my eyes in pretty good shape pre-op. Let's live one day at a time and keep each other posted of our eyes' development. Hopefully we will share more good news in the near future.
Take care.
CKLG
I don't have as many medical problems as you. Besides nearsightedness (-6.75 on both), mild astigmatism, dry eyes and initial cataract, I consider my eyes in pretty good shape pre-op. Let's live one day at a time and keep each other posted of our eyes' development. Hopefully we will share more good news in the near future.
Take care.
CKLG
Just some random thoughts I've had since cataract onset and subsequent problems.
Our family consisted of 4 children. Whenever the normal childhood diseases came to visit my youngest sibling and I always had the most severe dose.
We all had red measles and my brother and eye had the rash everywhere and our eyes became bloodshot. Both of us required glasses for nearsightedness at quite an early age. Neither parent nor grandparent required glasses other than reading glasses later in their lives. I also sustained a nasty blow to my left temple in my very early 20's ... had I known that it would be wise to seek medical treatment, I would have. In hindsight I am quite certain I had a mild concussion due to symptoms I was having.
I have questioned this posibility with doctors and they don't seem to know.
Thought I would share my thoughts with you
Our family consisted of 4 children. Whenever the normal childhood diseases came to visit my youngest sibling and I always had the most severe dose.
We all had red measles and my brother and eye had the rash everywhere and our eyes became bloodshot. Both of us required glasses for nearsightedness at quite an early age. Neither parent nor grandparent required glasses other than reading glasses later in their lives. I also sustained a nasty blow to my left temple in my very early 20's ... had I known that it would be wise to seek medical treatment, I would have. In hindsight I am quite certain I had a mild concussion due to symptoms I was having.
I have questioned this posibility with doctors and they don't seem to know.
Thought I would share my thoughts with you
I use flaxseed as well. I also purchased Omega 3 chewables. Just today I spoke with a women who takes billberry (sp?) - 2 caps per day..apparently it's very good for your eyes...and blueberries. I eat these daily as well.
I find the best relief is closing my eyes and resting them for 20 mins or so.
I think our vision adapts to the lighting conditions of the hour.
I have spent a lot of time willing my condition away. HA !
I've read about some who have learned about ignoring bothersome light. It doesn''t matter how busy I am if the light strikes the wrong way I readjust myself or I get headaches. Do you have any idea as to how to train yourself to ignore this lighting challenge....I've read others have trained themselves to ignore it. Geesh, guess I'm a slow learner..haha
We will take one day at a time.
We should have Earth Day quarterly ... and encourage more people/neighbours to join in on a cleanup of our streets/parks and greenspaces. It amazes me how some people are content to let others take care of this sort of thing. Working together is always win-win (well usually).
Keep in touch.
I find the best relief is closing my eyes and resting them for 20 mins or so.
I think our vision adapts to the lighting conditions of the hour.
I have spent a lot of time willing my condition away. HA !
I've read about some who have learned about ignoring bothersome light. It doesn''t matter how busy I am if the light strikes the wrong way I readjust myself or I get headaches. Do you have any idea as to how to train yourself to ignore this lighting challenge....I've read others have trained themselves to ignore it. Geesh, guess I'm a slow learner..haha
We will take one day at a time.
We should have Earth Day quarterly ... and encourage more people/neighbours to join in on a cleanup of our streets/parks and greenspaces. It amazes me how some people are content to let others take care of this sort of thing. Working together is always win-win (well usually).
Keep in touch.
Thank you for your reply to me & to 1lBlind. I read his/her post, feel very bad but don't know what to say. I agree completely with you that should my world renown eye surgeon explain to me the pros & cons of the multifocal lenses and give me an option of the Tecnis monofocal lenses, I might have chosen the Tecnis for either distant vision on both eyes or blended monovision (as mentioned earlier I couldn't stand complete monovision; tried contact lenses before and had headache). I am very fearful of the risks involved with explanting lenses so I can't make up my mind to go for it now. I am taking flexseeds to help with the dry eye symptoms and B Complex to help my brain deal with the dysphotopsia. I will wait a month or so and see if they work. If not, I may still choose to explant my lenses as they are under one year post-op.
I will go back to see my eye surgeon next Wednesday to deal with the capsular fibrosis. The eye specialist told me mine was a very mild one and it might actually help reduce the flickering rings (which are already a lot!). I don't understand the logic behind and will ask my eye surgeon about it. Hearing your experience after the YAG surgery, I may delay having mine till I have no choice.
My vision is funny. The stunning distant vision from my ReZoom lens has gone in the last two months. Every day my vision is the blurrest in the morning (perhaps my eyes & brain are not fully awake yet). Around 2 p.m. the vision becomes slightly clearer and it's the best with the least ghosting between 4&7 p.m. Then after 8 p.m. when my eyes are tired and the light is dim, the vision is not as good again. Perhaps one of these days I will eventually learn to live with it. Reading the horrible vision problems of others frightens me but helps me to be grateful for what I still have at this moment. I will take it one day at a time.
Have a wonderful Earth Day!
CKLG
I will go back to see my eye surgeon next Wednesday to deal with the capsular fibrosis. The eye specialist told me mine was a very mild one and it might actually help reduce the flickering rings (which are already a lot!). I don't understand the logic behind and will ask my eye surgeon about it. Hearing your experience after the YAG surgery, I may delay having mine till I have no choice.
My vision is funny. The stunning distant vision from my ReZoom lens has gone in the last two months. Every day my vision is the blurrest in the morning (perhaps my eyes & brain are not fully awake yet). Around 2 p.m. the vision becomes slightly clearer and it's the best with the least ghosting between 4&7 p.m. Then after 8 p.m. when my eyes are tired and the light is dim, the vision is not as good again. Perhaps one of these days I will eventually learn to live with it. Reading the horrible vision problems of others frightens me but helps me to be grateful for what I still have at this moment. I will take it one day at a time.
Have a wonderful Earth Day!
CKLG
You are indeed having a heck of a time, aren't you? I have often wondered how a bad case of stomach flu would affect my iol implants. Pilocarpine also gave me a whopper of a headache ... how was alphgan - did you try it?
A lens exchange is a scary procedure to us but not so much with a very skilled surgeon...a specialist of specialists in layman terms. You have to decide just how uncomfortable you are at present ... is taking a risk worth a try for you ... it was for me.
No one can predict the long term outcome of our surgeries ... not even the doctors. You are in a bad place right now ... far worse off than me, I feel.
An earlier YAG procedure following cataract surgery in my left eye gave me maybe 24-48 hrs. of pretty good vision - then downhill.
When you can't drive at night or under dark gray skies, then rain and SNOW,driving options are limited...very restrictive to your life ... coupled with short daylight hours can lead to depressed spirits and keeping busy becomes challenging.
I too cannot believe the visual challenges to deal with for the rest of my life .
Please keep the faith ..... some relief may be gained once you have made your decision.
A lens exchange is a scary procedure to us but not so much with a very skilled surgeon...a specialist of specialists in layman terms. You have to decide just how uncomfortable you are at present ... is taking a risk worth a try for you ... it was for me.
No one can predict the long term outcome of our surgeries ... not even the doctors. You are in a bad place right now ... far worse off than me, I feel.
An earlier YAG procedure following cataract surgery in my left eye gave me maybe 24-48 hrs. of pretty good vision - then downhill.
When you can't drive at night or under dark gray skies, then rain and SNOW,driving options are limited...very restrictive to your life ... coupled with short daylight hours can lead to depressed spirits and keeping busy becomes challenging.
I too cannot believe the visual challenges to deal with for the rest of my life .
Please keep the faith ..... some relief may be gained once you have made your decision.
Good Morning ! Thankfully the weekend turned out to be absolutely beautiful ... I think an earlier forecast predicted rain.
I feel and know your frustration with the doctors. They are so reluctant to acknowledge our light/glare and related visual distortions.
About 2 years ago (and desperate for some understanding of my vision and constant headaches) I visited Alcon here in Mississauga. My 'complaint' (I don't view myself as a complainer) was recorded ... I was close to tears a few times.. Alcon's representative was just the nicest person and advised me she would be sending my report to R&D in Texas. A number of months elapsed and I heard nothing back .... not even an acknowledgement of my visit. I called the Alcon rep. .... I felt she needed to know that I appreciated her time and her caring manner...that I'm sure her credentials were outstanding in order to be hired by Alcon ... that I understood corporate protocol and often demand employees not to be forthcoming with any information or admission to any fault of their product...I also needed to tell her that I was all to familiar with the 'wall of silence' .
At no time CKLG have I ever gotten angry or tried to find fault with anyone...and have always made myself clear about that to any of the doctors I've spoken to. I just wanted some knowledge. So through contacts here on Medhelp and speaking to people in various waiting rooms while awaiting appointments and with last Thursdays appointment behind me I know I will be dealing with lighting issues for a long time and will have to continue forging ahead with my new visual life ... I am emotionally fatigued by my pursuit for answers from people I feel should be able to answer them. (Medhelp doctors excluded). I have met a number of people with similiar complaints and it seems we are the only ones who know what's going on ... we are the plastic eye people ... and after seeing some of the extreme cases at Toronto Western, I am and have to be thankful for the vision I have....truly.
I'm sorry you were disappointed with the outcome of your appointment. The corneal topography is a very exact form of light measurement...I'm not very good with technical terms. Since having the Technis lens implanted in my left eye, my aberrations have, according to Corneal Topography, have been reduced by almost half ... once I'm fitted with a new prescriptive eyeglass lens, then my light sensitivity may be reduced...we'll see. Dysphotopsia is still in my right eye. The surgeon said to come back to him if I continue to find my vision to 'bright' to deal with.
Had I known
about or been advised about the availability of the Technis lens prior to my cataract surgeries in '05, then I most probably would have chosen them...wouldn't anyone ? Afterall, they were developed to combat the problems you, me and lots of others are having with light intolerance. Perhaps they should be the standard implant !
I would love Dr. Hagen's take on this.
Keep in touch .... I sure have blathered on today. Enjoy our spectacular spring weather .. perhaps we could talk sometime ... but this is fine too if you are more comfortable with this line of communication.
I feel and know your frustration with the doctors. They are so reluctant to acknowledge our light/glare and related visual distortions.
About 2 years ago (and desperate for some understanding of my vision and constant headaches) I visited Alcon here in Mississauga. My 'complaint' (I don't view myself as a complainer) was recorded ... I was close to tears a few times.. Alcon's representative was just the nicest person and advised me she would be sending my report to R&D in Texas. A number of months elapsed and I heard nothing back .... not even an acknowledgement of my visit. I called the Alcon rep. .... I felt she needed to know that I appreciated her time and her caring manner...that I'm sure her credentials were outstanding in order to be hired by Alcon ... that I understood corporate protocol and often demand employees not to be forthcoming with any information or admission to any fault of their product...I also needed to tell her that I was all to familiar with the 'wall of silence' .
At no time CKLG have I ever gotten angry or tried to find fault with anyone...and have always made myself clear about that to any of the doctors I've spoken to. I just wanted some knowledge. So through contacts here on Medhelp and speaking to people in various waiting rooms while awaiting appointments and with last Thursdays appointment behind me I know I will be dealing with lighting issues for a long time and will have to continue forging ahead with my new visual life ... I am emotionally fatigued by my pursuit for answers from people I feel should be able to answer them. (Medhelp doctors excluded). I have met a number of people with similiar complaints and it seems we are the only ones who know what's going on ... we are the plastic eye people ... and after seeing some of the extreme cases at Toronto Western, I am and have to be thankful for the vision I have....truly.
I'm sorry you were disappointed with the outcome of your appointment. The corneal topography is a very exact form of light measurement...I'm not very good with technical terms. Since having the Technis lens implanted in my left eye, my aberrations have, according to Corneal Topography, have been reduced by almost half ... once I'm fitted with a new prescriptive eyeglass lens, then my light sensitivity may be reduced...we'll see. Dysphotopsia is still in my right eye. The surgeon said to come back to him if I continue to find my vision to 'bright' to deal with.
Had I known
about or been advised about the availability of the Technis lens prior to my cataract surgeries in '05, then I most probably would have chosen them...wouldn't anyone ? Afterall, they were developed to combat the problems you, me and lots of others are having with light intolerance. Perhaps they should be the standard implant !
I would love Dr. Hagen's take on this.
Keep in touch .... I sure have blathered on today. Enjoy our spectacular spring weather .. perhaps we could talk sometime ... but this is fine too if you are more comfortable with this line of communication.
I had a Restor lens placed in my left eye and Rezoom in my Right after cataract surgery. I always had small amount of ghosting with the Rezoom and in dim light I can see the "rings" which doesn't bother me much. I had fabulous vision with both. In Dec '06 (6 mo after my cataract surgery)I caught some GI bug and was vomiting and awoke to loss of vision-upper third of my visual field was gone. I called the Dr on call as it was the weekend,I told her I thought I had a retinal detachment. She met me at her office ,examined me and told me i had a vitreous detachment. Now I have had a PVD in each eye and it was never like that-it was flashing lights and a large floater. 6 days later I now have 1/2 my visual field gone and am starting to feel panicky . So I call my own DR who gave me a 1st appt of the next day. When I got there I was diagnosed with a RD( retinal detachment) and had surgery that day. I now have no vision in my Restor eye which was 20/25 and since my RD surgery my night vision has become awful in my only eye. I have terrible starbursts,the moon is heart shaped auto headlights,taillights and streetlights are are distorted. Pilocarpine 1% works great but gives me a whopping headache. Now I have to decide between a lens exchange--very risky as I have sight in that eye only,(20/30 daylight) or YAG laser for PCO. My retinal Dr is conservative and is pushing me toward continuing the eye drops. I am terrified the light show will be worse after the YAG. I can't believe I have to live the rest of my life like this. I am really housebound in the winter since we get 5 hrs of daylight here. I don't understand how my right eye developed such a problem. My blind eye has a permanently dilated pupil so is that affecting the right eye????
Sorry that I didn't reply earlier because I wanted to wait after my appointment yesterday. What a waste of my time! This eye specialist has no experience of explanting multifocal lenses nor does he encourage me to do so. He did, however, try to patiently listen to my case and to explain to me what he knew. He said my constant flickering light rings experienced in the ReZoom lens is called dysphotopsia, which I have to relax and let my brain ignore it.
With regard to my decreased vision, he couldn't explain exactly why but thought my eyes just didn’t' settle in well with the lenses. He asked his receptionist to book me an appointment to see his optometrist in a month and then come back to see him in another month to do a corneal topography. If he really wants to help me, why doesn't he book me an early appointment to see his optometrist and to see him on the same day? He can't explain why my ReZoom lens has this waxy vision once indoor.
I guess I will go back to my surgeon and check on my capsular fibrosis. So far not much is done. Good luck to your appointment. Enjoy the warm, sunny weekend.
CKLG
With regard to my decreased vision, he couldn't explain exactly why but thought my eyes just didn’t' settle in well with the lenses. He asked his receptionist to book me an appointment to see his optometrist in a month and then come back to see him in another month to do a corneal topography. If he really wants to help me, why doesn't he book me an early appointment to see his optometrist and to see him on the same day? He can't explain why my ReZoom lens has this waxy vision once indoor.
I guess I will go back to my surgeon and check on my capsular fibrosis. So far not much is done. Good luck to your appointment. Enjoy the warm, sunny weekend.
CKLG
I understand your concerns. Further surgery of this type could be a trade-off for yet another condition to arise.
If further surgery is offered to me...even LASIK I doubt I would go for it. I have decided to accept what I have and am looking forward to new corrective eyeglasses and, of course, SUNGLASSES.
Sitting at the compute/TV is still uncomfortable for me ... even with poloarized sunglasses.
Neural adaptability will be a question I'll be posing to the doctor next Thursday...perhaps a neural ophthalmologist would be able to explain my vision difficulties.
My left eye now has the Technis aspheric lens.
SA60AT was removed from my left eye in Feb. '08.
My right eye has the Alcon SA60AT. I was told that my condition (dysphotopsia) was very unusual with this lens.
Both are monofocal.
What is CLE?
Have you had a corneal topography or ultrasound of your eye ? These two tests will determine your condition.
Although I wore contact lenses through my 20's and 30's I finally gave up due to dryness and filming.
Will look forward to hearing from you after your Thursday appointment. Hopefully I'll have more information after my appointment as well.
Keep in touch .... try joining the 'people' contact site and we can add each other as 'friends' . Searching in the 'forum' can be mind boggling at times.
Have a great (wet) weekend and good luck at your appointment.
If further surgery is offered to me...even LASIK I doubt I would go for it. I have decided to accept what I have and am looking forward to new corrective eyeglasses and, of course, SUNGLASSES.
Sitting at the compute/TV is still uncomfortable for me ... even with poloarized sunglasses.
Neural adaptability will be a question I'll be posing to the doctor next Thursday...perhaps a neural ophthalmologist would be able to explain my vision difficulties.
My left eye now has the Technis aspheric lens.
SA60AT was removed from my left eye in Feb. '08.
My right eye has the Alcon SA60AT. I was told that my condition (dysphotopsia) was very unusual with this lens.
Both are monofocal.
What is CLE?
Have you had a corneal topography or ultrasound of your eye ? These two tests will determine your condition.
Although I wore contact lenses through my 20's and 30's I finally gave up due to dryness and filming.
Will look forward to hearing from you after your Thursday appointment. Hopefully I'll have more information after my appointment as well.
Keep in touch .... try joining the 'people' contact site and we can add each other as 'friends' . Searching in the 'forum' can be mind boggling at times.
Have a great (wet) weekend and good luck at your appointment.
It's nice chatting with you especially knowing that you also live in GTA. I live in Richmond Hill, Ontario. What a small world! My surgery is performed by Dr. Raymond Stein who is considered one of the best in N. America. However, he made the sole decision to put a ReZoom in my right eye and a ReStor in my left (probably with good intention of letting me have all ranges of vision) without telling me any possible side-effects. Can you believe that? If it's not for the spotty, misty vision I have from the ReZoom lens as soon as I am indoor (outdoor is fine) and the annoying flickering light rings at the edge of my right eye, I will not think of any possibility of explanting the lens. I am still reluctant to choose this step if I can avoid it. With my poor eye adaptation & floaters & capsular fibrosis, I am not even sure if a Tecnis monofocal lens will give me better vision or not. Besides, I am not a risky person. Choosing to do the CLE is the biggest risk (& mistake) I have ever made in my whole life.
I will be seeing Dr. Basaar Khan next Thursday. May I know exactly what kinds of lenses you now have in both your eyes? I personally tried monovison contact lenses before and couldn't stand them. I guess my brain is slow to adaptation.
Thanks for listening to my whining. Look forward to continuing chatting with you.
Have a great weekend.
CKLG
I will be seeing Dr. Basaar Khan next Thursday. May I know exactly what kinds of lenses you now have in both your eyes? I personally tried monovison contact lenses before and couldn't stand them. I guess my brain is slow to adaptation.
Thanks for listening to my whining. Look forward to continuing chatting with you.
Have a great weekend.
CKLG
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Eye Care Community
Top General Health Answerers
Kansas City, MO
Grand Prairie, TX
San Diego, CA
Discharge often isn't normal, and could mean an infection or an STD.
In this unique and fascinating report from Missouri Medicine, world-renowned expert Dr. Raymond Moody examines what really happens when we almost die.
Think a loved one may be experiencing hearing loss? Here are five warning signs to watch for.
When it comes to your health, timing is everything
We’ve got a crash course on metabolism basics.
Learn what you can do to avoid ski injury and other common winter sports injury.
