Having Problems After Cataract or Lens Replacement Surgery?
Our surgeons at Austin Eye Clinic have performed over 20,000 cataract surgeries and premium lens implant procedures. The practice has used premium presbyopia-correcting lens implants since 1998.
Lens implant technology has changed significantly over time, with continued refinements in lens design and surgical techniques. Millions of people have experienced the miraculous benefits of premium cataract and premium lens replacement surgery, but no lens implant is perfect. Each individual will also have a slightly different perception of their vision with modern lens implants.
We have found that over 99% of patients experience great vision with premium lens implants. On the other hand, about 0.5% of patients who receive a premium lens implant notice unwanted or bothersome side effects.
Signs You May Need Cataract Surgery Revision
The symptoms of patients who are extremely bothered by their vision with a premium lens implant include:
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“Everything is blurry at all distances”
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“My vision is 20/20 far and 20/20 (or J1+) near, but I don’t like the quality of my vision”
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“I see a dark shadow or dark crescent to the side of my vision (in my peripheral vision) that will not go away despite waiting 3 months (or more) after surgery”
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“The halos, glare, and starburst that I see around lights are intolerable, making it impossible for me to see when I drive at night”
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“I can’t see clearly to drive”
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“I can’t read up close”
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“I can’t see mid-range”
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“I can’t see in the dark (loss of contrast)”
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“My lens has moved out of position”
What Can Cause Vision Problems After Cataract Surgery?
Vision that doesn’t meet your expectations after cataract surgery can have several causes.
Residual Refractive Error or Astigmatism
Cataract surgery can greatly reduce dependence on glasses, but some patients still have nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism afterward. Even a relatively small refractive error can affect clarity at near, intermediate, or far distances.
Posterior Capsule Opacification
Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) occurs when cells grow across the thin capsule that holds the intraocular lens (IOL) in place. It can cause cloudy, hazy, or blurred vision months or years after cataract surgery and is commonly treated with a YAG laser capsulotomy.
IOL Positioning or Stability Problems
An intraocular lens can occasionally tilt, become decentered, or shift from its intended position. These changes may cause blurred vision, glare, double vision, or other visual disturbances.
Dysphotopsias
Some patients experience unwanted visual effects known as dysphotopsias after cataract surgery. Positive dysphotopsias may include glare, halos, bright arcs or streaks, or starbursts around lights. Negative dysphotopsia is typically described as a dark crescent or shadow along the temporal side of the visual field.
Ocular Surface, Corneal, or Retinal Conditions
Not every visual problem after cataract surgery is caused by the IOL. Dry eye, corneal irregularities, retinal conditions, macular disease, or other eye problems may affect visual quality even when the cataract surgery itself was technically successful.
Mismatch Between the Lens and Your Visual Needs
Premium IOLs are designed to provide different ranges of vision, but no lens works the same way for every patient. A person may have good vision on an eye chart yet still struggle with night driving, contrast, halos, reading, or other daily activities.
A second opinion can help determine whether your symptoms relate to the lens itself, another eye condition, or how well the selected IOL matches your visual priorities.
What to Do if You’re Unhappy With Your Results
If you are dissatisfied with the way you see with your lens implants, we recommend the following first:
- Consult your original surgeon and ask whether they can work with you to improve your vision with glasses, eye drops, or additional surgery.
- If your original surgeon is unable or unwilling to offer an acceptable solution, we recommend seeking a second opinion from a reputable ophthalmologist/eye surgeon in your area.
**If you have already had cataract or premium lens replacement surgery and would like to have your original lens removed and replaced with a different lens implant, we must have the following information to help improve the safety and accuracy of your next surgery:
- Biometry measurements of your eyes before your original cataract or premium lens replacement surgery. These measurements are also known as “Lenstar, IOL Master, or Argos” measurements.
- The lens implant information, or lens implant card, specifies the power, type, and serial number of the lens implant for the eye that received surgery.
Patients have traveled from around the world to see our surgeons for second opinions and for surgical solutions to improve their vision. The types of procedures that we often perform to help patients improve their vision after premium cataract and lens replacement surgery include:
- Intraocular lens exchange (remove one lens implant and replace it with another lens implant)
- Intraocular lens exchange after YAG laser capsulotomy
- Reverse optic capture or piggyback lens implantation for treatment of negative dysphotopsia
- Suture fixation of intraocular lenses in the absence of capsular support
- Intrascleral haptic fixation of lens implants
Why Choose Austin Eye Clinic for Cataract Surgery Revision or Second Opinions in Austin, TX?
Austin Eye Clinic is led by CEO Dr. Shannon Wong, a board-certified ophthalmologist whose surgical focus includes premium cataract surgery and premium lens replacement. He also has experience managing complex surgery involving the lens, iris, and cornea.
For patients experiencing blurred vision, glare, halos, lens displacement, or other concerns after previous surgery, the team provides comprehensive in-person evaluations and discusses possible options for improvement. Austin Eye Clinic has two convenient locations in the Austin area and is a go-to destination for many out-of-state patients seeking revision surgery.
Schedule a Consultation in Austin, TX
If you would like our surgeons to examine your eyes and recommend treatment to help you see better after premium cataract or lens replacement surgery, Austin Eye Clinic’s team is happy to offer second opinions, surgical consultations, and, if needed, additional surgery to help improve your vision.
Please call our office at (512) 250-2020 or schedule your exam online (opens in new tab). During your visit with our staff and surgeons, we will perform a comprehensive eye exam, then assess your eyes, your vision, and your options for improvement.
