Pseudophakic dysphotopsia associated with the implantation of intraocular lenses

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the incidence of unwanted light images after cataract surgery and the relationship between various intraocular lens (IOL) types. Methods: Prospective study included 50 patients who filled up a written questionnaire where reported on incidence of glare, light sensitivity and unwanted images. Patients were included in the study only if they had uneventful cataract surgery and no additional ocular pathology. They were excluded if they had refractive errors which could cause similar phenomena. The study was performed in three month postoperative period. Results: A significant number of patients reported symptoms. Patients with acrylic IOL were at increased risk. At last control more than 1/3 of symptoms resolved spontaneously. No one reported negative dysphotopsia and there was no IOL exchange. Conclusions: Intraocular lenses can introduce stray light artifacts into the eye. While positive dysphotopsia has been largely attributed to edge effects of the implant, negative dysphotopsia appears to be more related to the patient's anatomical structure than to specific lens designs or materials.