Linear flares after cataract surgery

[rads82]

A few weeks after IOL implantation, I began to see light flares around point light sources, first at night, now during the day. From my reading here and elsewhere I understand that these may be a form of dysphotopsia, which is usually related to issues with the IOL itself. However, my physician says that I have developed capsular folds, which can also cause streaks/flares. My question is "Is there a way to determine which of these mechanisms is at fault?" If it's problems with the capsule, I could benefit from laser capsulotomy, but if it's the former, laser therapy won't help and would limit future options.

[rads82]

Thanks for your reply. What concerns me is that the streaks, which were very minor a week ago, have steadily worsened. Is such progression unusual, in your experience? It also makes me wonder if the likelihood of spontaneous regression would be less in this case.

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

If it is due to folds in the capsule, the light streaks will be exactly perpendicular to the folds.  I have seen it several times before and 95% of the time it disappears in a month or so.  If the folds runs up and down the streaks will be horizontal for example.  Very easy to see from my perspective and I explain it to patients and they feel much better.  It is the same if you have streaks on your car windshield.  At night, streetlights will have streaks perpendicular to the direction of the streaks.  Ask your surgeon about this and he should be able to explain more to you.  He may even be able to take pictures of your capsule and lens to explain.  Again, it almost always gets better, but if needed a yag laser can also help later.

MJK MD