Nightime glare following cataract surgery

[Etoile]

Following cataract/lens removal in one eye and replacement with a monofocal lens 5 days ago, I have experienced rapidly improving vision in that eye.  I was prompted to have surgery at this time primarily due to poor vision at night caused by headlight auras.  All was bliss following surgery until I drove at night. Now, post-surgery, glare from any kind of light, especially headlights has become worse than it was pre-surgery.  The aura around lights has become insignificant, but it has been replaced by very bright beams of light extending outward horizontally from headlights across my entire field of vision (like searchlight beams).  It is difficult to see what is directly in front of me in my lane.  There are also weaker beams of light extending in other directions.  I am concerned that this may not correct itself and would appreciate any input.  Thanks

[lightbug]

A related discussion, post cateract night glare was started.

[eyecu]

If you are having a problem, exchanging the lens can fix it. If your doc thinks it is best and can help, listen to him. Maybe the lens is decenterd a little bit or your have a capsular fold. Maybe it can just be repositoned. I am not sure but the lens you have in is a widley used lens and millions have been implanted over the past 10 years.It is a lens that is even less likely to give you visual abberations that you are describing than some others.

[banjojoan]

I had a monofocal SI40 lens put in one eye 3 months ago and have had two bright beams of light that extend to the edges of my vision ever since. The lens is also under corrected by 1.75 diopters. The beams are at about 35 degrees and 45 degrees. The surgeon said that he could fix the under correction by relensing me. He does not know what makes the beams. I am afraid that if I am relensed the beams might return at an angle that would make it harder for me to drive. Right now they are not across my vision on my side of the road.

[eyecu]

It is ironic that you say this since so many patients discuss this with multifocal lenses and not monofocal lenses. I think we all can get abberations at night even with our God given crystalen lenses but the key here is 5 days after surgery. Give it some more time and I think you will adjust. Let us know in about 4-6 weeks how it looks. At night your pupil dialtes and you could also have some surgically induced astigmatism etc. People tend to forget they have had major surgery on an organ since cataract surgery is so quick and painless. But it is invasive and there is a time for healing and for swelling of the tissues to abside. You should be okay.

[Forum-OD-MP]

it  most likely will not correct itself.  it is likely the result of the implant or the surgery or residual refractive error (glasses rx).  there is not a whole lot that can be done.  wait it out and see what happens.  make sure and mention it to your doctor.

it is possible that it is the result of intraocular inflammation.  if that is the case it COULD clear up.