Starburst following lens implant

[WMN857]

I am 58 yr old that had cataract surgery on my right eye 2/10/2016 with good success. I had Crystallens implant. I was so happy with the improvement in my vision and for the first time in my life I could see high definition TV. Had the left eye done 2/24 with the same lens implant. The first time I tried to drive at night a week after my left eye surgery I have severe starbursts to the point of not being able to drive. Daytime driving is fine although I do notice some starbursting when the sun hits the cars at a particular angle, but it does not disturb me from staying focused on the things around the starbursts. I had a follow up with my surgeon who said my lenses look good and my eyes are healing well but my eyes are extremely dry. I am still on drops for another week for the left eye until I am finished. He told me to use liquid tears 4 times a day and I should see relief in a few days. Can anyone reassure me that this will resolve?

[JohnHaganMD]

Do get in to your surgeon.  They should do a refraction (glasses test) on both eyes distance and near, corneal topography, macular OCT (rule out macular edema) and check the position of the IOL and the clarity of the posterior capsule.  If the LE can be refracted to 20/20 then consideration should be given to getting glasses at least for night driving.

[JohnHaganMD]

Sometimes it clears but at others it does not and is permanent: Start by reading this article:  http://www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/1648119/Premium-IOLs-have-a-disproportionately-high-number-of-complaints

There are lost of possible causes and I think it unlikely dry eyes. If so instilling a drop of artificial tears to your eye at night should make the LE see as good as the RE. Possible causes include a moderate or large residual refractive error, IOL malposition, opaque posterior capsule, excess corneal astigmatism, macula edema.  You may have to wear glasses for driving at night.   This problem is called dysphotopsia. It has been discussed many times on these eye forums. You can use the search feature and archives to access those discussions.

[WMN857]

Thank you. Even if I have to wear glasses I can deal with that. The thought of not being able to drive again at night will effect my quality of life and my employment (I am a nurse who is on call several nights a week).