ask: Immediately after my cataract surgery I experienced "star bursts" when looking at point sources of light
My doctor waited several months and then we tried two different medications at night to constrict the pupil without having any improvement. We waited another few months and he did YAG surgery to, {I think} remove a slight amount of residual capsule. Again no improvement. My retinal specialist says the retina is fine. Previously the eye had a retinal detachment that was treated with a gas bubble. I subsequently had a vitrectomy. Immediately after that surgery I had severe complications and needed an I&D several days later. The problem eventually resolved but a few months afterwards started to rapidly develop the cataract.
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I am unclear as to what your question is. You have had many treatments for different eye conditions, and said that immediately after your cataract surgery, you were seeing "starbursts". Are you still having this symptom? How long ago was your cataract surgery, and did the doctor say it was a successful surgery?
February 16, 2010 - 2:48pmThis Comment
My cataract surgery was 6 months ago and despite time, medications and subsequent YAG laser surgery the "starbursts" remain. These were not present until after the cataract and lens implant occurred. My question is very simply, what can I do or have done to eliminate this extremely annoying symptom? In fact, I saw my surgeon today and he says that the lens is centered and perfect and there is nothing he sees that is out of the ordinary' including both anterior and posterior capsules.As far as he can tell the procedure was successful. I would agree as far as my vision is concerned but not to the problem I am having at night. I also have a slight astigmatism, but he feels it is inconsequential.
February 16, 2010 - 5:48pmHi drledft - Did you doctor discuss floaters with you? They are fairly common after cataract surgery, and can appear to be specks that move or drift as you move your eyes. In some cases they're present prior to the cataract surgery but aren't visible because of the cloudiness from the cataract. Most of the time floaters are normal and will disappear. Sometimes, however, the floaters may indicate a retinal problem such as a retinal tear or hole in the retina. I mention that because I'm not sure from your comments whether the the retinal specialist has examined you since you had the cataract surgery.
Here are two links with additional information on floaters and retinal detachments that may help answer your questions. Otherwise, have you considered seeking an opinion from another eye specialist? Having vision problems at night must be impairing your driving and causing concern, in addition to being very annoying. I hope this information is helpful. Pat
http://www.medicinenet.com/eye_floaters/article.htm
February 16, 2010 - 6:21pmhttp://www.medicinenet.com/retinal_detachment/article.htm
Thanks for the information but it is not applicable. Yes, I know what floaters are and have experienced them for years. My retinal specialist has examined me multiple times and has not found any current retinal problems. My problem is not related to floaters but is of a very different nature. Again, the current problem only began after the cataract surgery. Thanks for your reply.
February 16, 2010 - 8:23pm