Lazer to clear the bag following cataract surgery

[londonbridge]

I wanted to know what your experience is with using lazer to clear the bag behind the implant. I had a restore lens implanted by my regular eye doctor in July and the vision has been hazy and not focused properly at any distance. My doctors suggestion was to put a piggy back lens on top of the IOL and then do my right eye. Since my cataract in my right eye is not very bad and I am unsatisfied with the restore, I went to Mass Eye and Ear for a second opinion. The doctor there said that he coud try a lazer procedure in case the blurriness is due to clouding behind the lens, although he did not specifically see any. He also said it could be the lens itself, but it is more risky to remove it. He would correct the wrong power (since he obtained different measurements then my doctor) with a lazer also. Does this sound like a good plan?

[hsum4]

Dear Doctor Kutryb:

I was told the only bad problem with the laser is that it can cause retinal detachment and/or movement of the implant.  I was a little reluctant to do this, but my vision had also become a little more indistinct since the lens implants.  It is too bad this cloudiness develops and/or the eye muscle cells grow behind the implant.  I wish they could prevent these problems.  I wasn't told this could happen by either my retinal specialist or cataract surgeon.

hsum4

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

I would put a good amount of credence in what he says.  Mass Eye and Ear in a very well respected program and he is looking out for your best interests.  Please be prepared that the vision may possibly always remain unsatisfactory regardless of of yag laser or PRK laser, due to the very nature of the lens.  I saw a patient last week with bilateral Restors - perfect surgery - essentially 20/20 distance and near but patient is in tears due the smeary vision she experiences
MJK MD