Dysphotopsia Treatment After Cataract Surgery

 

What are dysphotopsias?

 

Dysphotopsias are visual symptoms that some patients may notice in the first few weeks following cataract surgery. These visual symptoms typically resolve soon after surgery and rarely cause persistent problems for patients.

 

What are symptoms of dysphotopsia?

Dysphotopsia visual symptoms are divided into two broad categories:

Positive Dysphotopsia:  symptoms may include glare, light streaking, halo effect, general sensitivity to light, and peripheral flashing arcs of light.

Negative Dysphotopsia:  symptoms are typically described as a shadow or dark line in the peripheral vision on the temple side.

Because symptoms resolve spontaneously in the vast majority of patients, no treatment is necessary and simple observation is adequate until symptoms resolve.

 

What if dysphotopsias continue after cataract surgery?

In rare circumstances, symptoms may persist. Fortunately, treatment options exist to help improve and eliminate dysphotopsias. North Suburban Eye Specialists has emerged as a leader in the field of dysphotopsia management, publishing the first case reports of a non-invasive laser procedure for the management of negative dysphotopsia.1,2  Other treatment options exist depending on the exact nature of the dysphotopsia. Your doctor will help clarify and categorize dysphotopsia symptoms and offer appropriate management options.

 

1. Folden, D.V. (2013) Neodymium:YAG laser anterior capsulectomy: Surgical option in the management of negative dysphotopsia. Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery 39:7, 1110-1115

2. Cooke, D.L., Davison, J.A., Folden, D.V., Holladay, J.T., Masket, S. (2014) Treating, eliminating negative dysphotopsia. EyeWorld 19:4, 38-42