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Flickering in Vision after Cataract surgery

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MedHelp Member's Question

Flickering in Vision after Cataract surgery

by sulile, Nov 26, 2006 12:00AM

I recently had cataract removal surgery on both eyes (2 weeks ago on right eye and 4 weeks ago on left). I am very nearsighted (-8.50 in left eye, -9.00 in right eye) with astigmatism in both eyes. My doctor used the Alcon AcrySof SN60WF IOL. My distance vision is greatly improved, but my near and intermediate vision is very bad. I knew this would be the case and am waiting for my corrective lenses/eyeglasses. My only vision complaint so far is the occurrence of a "flickering" of light that happens when I'm in direct light such as outdoors on a sunny day or in a store with bright lights (flourescent lights particularly). At first I thought it was the overhead light actually flickering, but now I can tell it seems to be light actually reflecting off the edge of the IOL, mainly when moving my eyes side to side or up and down. It is very bothersome. I mentioned it to my doctor and he said my brain would get used to it, or it would go away. He said this is not a reason to replace the IOL's. Can anyone comment on this? Does experience indicate that it will go away? Thanks!

Doctor's Answer

by Forum-OD-MP, Nov 27, 2006 12:00AM

reflections from the optics of the new implant. will probably subside shortly. he's right...this is not a reason to replace the iol's. it will probably go away. lots of people experience this. it is bothersome on your end but a benign event.

Member Comments (8)

by hmkim, Nov 27, 2006 12:00AM

I had cataract surgery about 3 months ago with an Alcon IOL. Flickering vision was so bad right after the surgery that I seriously thought about lens explantation. My surgeon said that flickering was caused by light hitting the edge of the IOL and it would go away. I sought a second opinion and another surgeon said the IOL was well centered and flickering should go away.

Yes, it did go away. So, be patient.

by janjan99, Nov 27, 2006 12:00AM

Hi, I had the same after my cataract surgery. Your brain does learn to ignore it, so have some patience, It will go away.

by sulile, Nov 27, 2006 12:00AM

Thanks so much for everyone's comments. This is a great forum.

Susan

by nancy4l1, Jan 04, 2007 12:00AM

Hi, I have the same after a vitrectomy. What causes this strange flickering?

by Rock�Roll, Jan 08, 2007 12:00AM

I had cataract surgery in my right eye over three years ago and the flickering drives my nuts to this day. Sorry if this is a negative but I've had numerous conversations with my doc about it and he almost ignors my rantings or acts like he doesn't know what I'm talking about. Unfortunately, he is one of the top surgeons in Southern California. He wants to "experiment" - go in and do another YAG procedure to see if it helps but I fear it will become worse. Very soon I'll need to replace the cataract in my left eye but certainly don't want the same experience. Can you imagine both eyes fickering? I'd either have to live in a dark room and never go into the light or wear sunglasses in-doors! Not very promising. Hope you get better help.

by jdr13, Jan 25, 2007 12:00AM

I recently had bilateral cataract surgery, 2 and 3 months ago. One eye is great! The other is driving me crazy with the flickering. I am also having trouble with seeing halos, which makes it very difficult to drive at night. My doctor told me that my brain would adjust and learn to filtr it out'hasn't happened yet. Is there anything that can be done about the flickering, short of removing the lenses?

by aimee37, Feb 04, 2007 12:00AM

Hello I am 30 years old male. My vision is very bad and I and very near sited and left eye is -12.5 and right eye is -13 (I am very blind). One day I went to my doctor to see if I was eligible to Laser Vision Correction and I was not eligible. Dr. Recommend me to getting cataract extraction with intraocular lenses. But I do not have any catatact. He said I do not have to wear ant contact lens or the bifocal glass.
I am very scared with the surgery. When I reach my age 40 or 50 if I go blind. Would I be short sight or long sight? Anyone out there who�s had an intraocular lens implant had successes.
a) What age did you do it?
b) With my age (30) is it the right time to do it?
c) When I get older will I lose any of eye function?

If so write me a message, do you have any symptoms.

by aimee37, Feb 12, 2007 12:00AM

To: Supermanr

You may want to post this as a new question as the Doc who monitors this site might not see it here. He should be able to help.

by joanie564, Jul 25, 2008 10:21AM

A related discussion, flickering was started.

by goodeyes7, Jul 31, 2008 12:05PM

A related discussion, light reflections after cataract surgery was started.

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