Dizziness from Glasses: Cataract Surgery and Vision Discrepancies

Q: Dizziness from Glasses: Cataract Surgery and Vision Discrepancies

Hello： 1. <br>The discomfort from wearing glasses may be caused by a significant disparity between the two eyes. <br>The impact of macular folds on object distortion typically does not lead to dizziness or discomfort while wearing glasses. <br>2. <br>If cataract surgery is perfor

Experiencing dizziness and discomfort while wearing glasses for myopia?

Hello, Director Gao:
I had cataract surgery on my right eye two years ago, with a target of -2.00 diopters for my myopia.
My left eye has -5.75 diopters of myopia and was also diagnosed with mild cataracts and macular folds two years ago, which cause some distortion in the grid lines.
Currently, I am wearing corrective glasses (right -2.00, left -5.50), but I experience dizziness and discomfort.
My questions are: (1) Is the discomfort from wearing glasses due to the distortion caused by the macular folds in one eye, or is it related to the significant difference in vision between my two eyes? (2) If I undergo cataract surgery on my left eye and target -1.50 or -1.00 diopters, will this eliminate the dizziness and discomfort when wearing glasses? Is this a good approach? Thank you!

Li Xiansheng, 70~79 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/02/06

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello: 1.
The discomfort from wearing glasses may be caused by a significant disparity between the two eyes.
The impact of macular folds on object distortion typically does not lead to dizziness or discomfort while wearing glasses.
2.
If cataract surgery is performed on the left eye, leaving a refractive error of -1.50 or -1.00 diopters may reduce the disparity between the two eyes, potentially alleviating the dizziness or discomfort experienced while wearing glasses.

Reply Date: 2023/02/06

More Info

Hello, thank you for your questions regarding your vision issues and the potential impact of cataract surgery on your overall visual comfort. Let's address your concerns one by one.

1. Dizziness and Discomfort from Glasses: The discomfort you are experiencing while wearing glasses could be attributed to a combination of factors. Given that you have a history of macular wrinkling in your left eye, this could indeed lead to visual distortions, causing objects to appear warped or unclear. This distortion can create a mismatch in the visual input from each eye, leading to a phenomenon known as binocular disparity, which can cause dizziness or discomfort. Additionally, the significant difference in prescription between your two eyes (right eye -200, left eye -550) can exacerbate this issue. When there is a large discrepancy in refractive power, the brain may struggle to fuse the images from both eyes, leading to visual discomfort and potential dizziness.

2. Cataract Surgery on the Left Eye: If you decide to proceed with cataract surgery on your left eye and aim to leave a residual myopia of -150 or -100, this could potentially help alleviate some of the discomfort you are experiencing. By reducing the difference in refractive power between your two eyes, you may improve binocular vision and reduce the strain on your visual system. However, it is essential to consider that while surgery may improve clarity and reduce some visual distortions, it may not completely eliminate the effects of the macular wrinkling. The success of the surgery in alleviating your symptoms will depend on various factors, including the health of your retina and the extent of any existing damage.

3. Post-Surgery Considerations: After cataract surgery, many patients experience improved vision, but some may still have residual issues related to the underlying conditions, such as macular wrinkling. It is crucial to have realistic expectations regarding the outcomes of the surgery. While many patients report significant improvements in their quality of life post-surgery, some may still experience visual distortions or discomfort due to pre-existing conditions.
4. Consultation with Your Eye Care Provider: It is highly recommended that you discuss your symptoms and concerns in detail with your ophthalmologist. They can provide a thorough examination and assess the current state of your eyes, including the macular area. They may also suggest additional treatments or interventions that could help improve your visual comfort, such as specialized lenses or further monitoring of the macular condition.

In summary, your discomfort while wearing glasses is likely due to a combination of macular wrinkling and the significant difference in prescription between your eyes. Cataract surgery on your left eye may help reduce this discrepancy and improve your overall visual comfort, but it is essential to have a comprehensive discussion with your eye care provider to understand the potential outcomes and risks involved. They can guide you in making the best decision for your visual health. Thank you for your questions, and I wish you the best in your journey toward better vision!

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