Problems after 90 days

[ldbatlanta]

I had a catarct removed and a crystalens implant on April 30, 2008.  My near vision has not improved at all; I continue to experience halos; irritation in the operative eye; dull head-aches; and occasional "quivers" - any idea what icould be causing these problems? I am starting to become very concerned.  Thank you.

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

Crystalens implants tend to offer just a bit of near vision mostly for intermediate type tasks like computer work or reading price tags.  You could have some residual refractive error possibly some astigmatism or hyperopia.  If distance vision is goood then that is a major plus.  The other issues are post-operative complaints that you need to figure out with your surgeon but not major vision threatening issues.  Talk with your surgeon.  Make sure he knows what you are experiencing.  You did pay extra didn't you, so you deserve to have your problems addressed.
Michael Kutryb, MD

[ldbatlanta]

Thank you; I was told that the Crystalens would restore the distance vision that I lost due to the cataract and would improve my near vision which has deteriorated since then; I acutally had the surgery when I did so that I could stop wearing reading glasses; if I knew that I would continue to have to wear glasses to read, I would have waited until I absolutely needed the surgery.

At this point.  I cannot read a price tag or the computer screen without glasses.  I did some independent research and some of my issues seem to be attributed to a misaligned lens implant.  For example, I read that it sometimes takes a while to get accumstomed to the time it takes for the lens to refocus but I have never experienced any such change.  Is a misaligned implant common?  

Thank you for any additiona insight that you can provide.

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

It is not uncommon to still need reading glasses to some degree after this implant.  A misaligned implant would be immediately seen by any surgeon.  I suspect you just have good distance but limited near vision which is a definite possibility with this lens.  I'm curious how you determined that you had a misaligned implant?

MJK MD

[ldbatlanta]

Several webpages that I reviewed (articles, ophthalmologist's websites, Q&A forums, etc.) suggested that an implanted lens that was not measured or postioned correctly could cause continued problems with vision. Since my lens is clearly not working for me I thought this might be part of the problem.

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

Much easier to just have a surgeon look at it.

MJK MD

[ldbatlanta]

Thanks for your insight.  I have discussed these issues with the surgeon and he does not seem concerned.  Since I am the one who continues to have problems with my vnear vision (I was told I would not need glasses after the surgery) and constant discomfort, I wanted to determine whether or not what I am experiencing is normal - that is why I posted the question in the fist place ("any idea what could be causing these problems").  If this is not normal or expected, it is time to talk with a different ophthalmologist.