Post-Cataract Surgery: Why Am I Seeing Double Circles? - Ophthalmology

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After cataract surgery and receiving an injection of anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor)?


Dear Doctor, I just had cataract surgery and vitrectomy two days ago, and I noticed that when I look at things, I see one large and one small circle.
Could you please explain why this is happening? Is it a sign of surgical failure, or will it improve after some time? Thank you.

Xiao Xian, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/08/21

Dr. Liang Ce reply Ophthalmology


Recommendations: 1.
Discuss the above situation further with your attending physician.
2.
Alternatively, seek consultation at another ophthalmology medical facility.
Thank you.
Wishing you good health!

Reply Date: 2023/08/21

More Info


After cataract surgery, experiencing visual disturbances such as seeing double circles can be concerning, but it is not uncommon. There are several potential reasons for this phenomenon, and understanding them can help alleviate your worries.

1. Postoperative Healing: After cataract surgery, your eyes are in a healing phase. The surgical procedure involves making incisions and manipulating the eye's internal structures, which can temporarily affect your vision. It is common for patients to experience visual distortions, including double vision or halos around lights, as the eye adjusts to the new intraocular lens (IOL) and heals from the surgery.

2. Visual Adaptation: Your brain needs time to adapt to the new visual input from the operated eye. This adaptation process can lead to temporary visual anomalies, including seeing circles of different sizes. As your brain processes the new visual information, these symptoms often diminish over time.

3. Corneal Edema: Sometimes, fluid can accumulate in the cornea after surgery, leading to corneal edema. This condition can cause blurred or distorted vision, including seeing double images. If this is the case, it usually resolves as the cornea heals and the fluid dissipates.

4. Lens Positioning: The positioning of the intraocular lens can also affect your vision. If the lens is not perfectly centered, it may cause visual distortions. However, this is typically assessed during follow-up appointments, and adjustments can be made if necessary.

5. Residual Refractive Error: After cataract surgery, some patients may still have a refractive error, such as astigmatism, which can lead to seeing double or distorted images. If this is the case, corrective lenses or further surgical options may be considered.

6. Other Complications: While rare, complications such as posterior capsule opacification (PCO) can occur after cataract surgery. PCO can cause blurry or double vision and may require a simple outpatient procedure called YAG laser capsulotomy to correct.


Recommendations:
- Follow-Up Appointments: It is crucial to attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your ophthalmologist. They will monitor your healing process and assess any visual disturbances you are experiencing. Be sure to communicate any changes in your vision, including the double circles.

- Patience: Give your eyes some time to heal. Many patients notice improvements in their vision within a few weeks post-surgery as the eye adjusts and heals.

- Avoid Strain: Try to avoid straining your eyes during the healing process. Limit activities that require intense focus, such as reading or using screens, until your doctor advises otherwise.

- Seek Immediate Help if Necessary: If you experience sudden changes in vision, increased pain, or other concerning symptoms, contact your ophthalmologist immediately. These could be signs of complications that require prompt attention.

In summary, seeing double circles after cataract surgery is often a temporary issue related to healing and adaptation. Most patients find that their vision improves significantly over time. However, it is essential to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider to ensure a smooth recovery and address any concerns you may have.

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