light refraction and pulsating

[roseteresa]

I have been to a corneal specialist, a retinal specialist and now I am being sent to a neuro opthamalagist. They both said my eye is fine and don't know what the problem could be. I too am seeing light refracted from the side of the eye in which I had  lens replacement surgery.  I notice it when I am in dim light and walk past my night lights.  I am also getting a pulsating in my same eye that is in pace with my heart beat.  I had an MRI in June so I don't think it is serious, but the running around with no answers is driving me crazy. This same eye also has a pterigium which will be removed in January. I do feel that the reflection is from the replacement lens.
RoseTeresa

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

I know you have had a major workup for this problem and you have my sympathy - I know it must really be bothering you.  I have had a few patients who have noticed similar type lights off to the side after cataract surgery.  I try to offer them my compassionate advice - and that is that they are probably seeing light reflected off the edge of the implant.  As long as they understand that I believe them and they're not crazy - that's a big step.  Unfortunately, there is not much to do about the lights.  I try to explain it as a phenomenon - not necessarily a big  problem.  Most patients understand and accept it - because they just notice the visual symptons in certain situations. I would not usually advise them to have anything done to the implant unless it was damaged, decentered or the wrong  power (which is very rare.)  Since I don't know your case - I cannot comment on it.

As far as you are concerned - it seems like at least one of your doctors must have at least given you  some opinion?  You could have edge glare, negative or positive dysphotopsia, and also possibly something different with the heart beat in the eye?   Consider getting a second opinion from a well respected cataract surgeon in your area.
Michael Kutryb, MD

[roseteresa]

Thank you so much for taking the time to explain the light  phenomenon.  It is amazing but I thought that the lights were coming from the side of my lens.  As for the pulsing, I have been on Fexofenadine for alergies for the last couple of months. Yesterday it struck me that I may be sensitive to this drug. (i am sensitive to a lot of drugs)  Since I stopped it, the pulsing seems to have eased.  I will see what the neuro othamalagist suggests and if I am not satisfied, I will contact Dr Kutryb.  I am going to have major surgury on this eye for a pterigium.  He will be doing a graft.  Dr Senft is an excellent corneal surgeon.  Thanks again,
roseteresa