Post-Cataract Surgery: Blurry Vision at Computer Distance and Solutions

Q: Post-Cataract Surgery: Blurry Vision at Computer Distance and Solutions

Hello： This situation is relatively common in the early postoperative period and is usually a normal response. <br>The removal of the natural lens and the implantation of an artificial lens alter the optical properties of the eye, which may lead to slight differences in focusing

About one month after surgery for early-onset cataracts, the image appears slightly blurred when viewing the computer at a working distance of 50 to 60 cm?

After undergoing surgery for early-onset cataracts (42 years old, left eye) about a month ago, the vision in the left eye during the follow-up appointment was approximately 0.8 to 0.9.
Distant vision is fine, but there is some blurriness when viewing the computer at a distance of 50 to 60 cm.
The doctor suggested further training to see if it improves.
Is this common? How can one train for this? Additionally, the right eye has a myopia of about -8.50 diopters.
Currently, daily activities and commuting can be done without glasses, but in the office, the right eye is relied upon for typing and reading documents.
What are some general strategies for managing significant monovision disparity? Thank you.

Fara, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/11/15

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello: This situation is relatively common in the early postoperative period and is usually a normal response.
The removal of the natural lens and the implantation of an artificial lens alter the optical properties of the eye, which may lead to slight differences in focusing ability at various distances.
Training the eyes to improve this blurriness may be helpful.
It is recommended that you engage in the following training:
1.
Eye rest and appropriate exercises: Take breaks from the computer screen periodically to rest your eyes, and try to look at distant objects outside or elsewhere to help relax your eyes.
Additionally, you can perform eye movements and focusing exercises, such as quickly switching your gaze between near and far objects.
2.
Screen adaptation training: Help your eyes adapt to different focal points by gradually increasing the time spent reading and working in front of a computer screen.
Start by dedicating a small amount of time each day and then gradually increase it to longer durations.
For the case of myopia in your right eye, since you need to rely on your right eye for work in the office, this monocular vision difference may affect your comfort and visual experience.
Here are some suggestions:
1.
Use glasses or contact lenses: You may consider wearing glasses or contact lenses to correct the monocular vision difference, which can help balance the vision between both eyes.
2.
Adjust your work environment: Try to rearrange your desk, computer screen, or the placement of materials so that it is easier for you to use your right eye to view documents or screens, thereby reducing discomfort and fatigue.
You may consult your attending physician for appropriate eyewear based on your current condition.

Reply Date: 2023/11/15

More Info

Post-cataract surgery blurry vision, especially at intermediate distances such as when working on a computer, is a common issue that many patients experience. This phenomenon can be attributed to several factors, including the healing process of the eye, the type of intraocular lens (IOL) used, and the natural adjustments the brain makes to visual inputs from both eyes.

Understanding Blurry Vision After Cataract Surgery
After cataract surgery, the eye undergoes a period of adjustment as it heals and adapts to the new artificial lens. The IOL may not provide the same visual acuity across all distances as the natural lens did. In your case, while distance vision seems to be satisfactory, the intermediate range (50-60 cm) may still be blurry due to several reasons:
1. Healing Process: The eye may still be healing, and the visual system is adjusting to the new lens. This can take several weeks to months.

2. Lens Type: If a monofocal lens was used, it is typically optimized for either distance or near vision, but not both. If you require clear vision at multiple distances, a multifocal or accommodating lens might be more suitable.

3. Visual Training: The brain needs time to adapt to the new visual inputs, and visual training can help improve clarity.

Training and Exercises
To help improve your vision at the computer distance, consider the following strategies:
1. Eye Rest and Breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This helps reduce eye strain.

2. Focus Exercises: Practice focusing on objects at different distances. For example, hold a pen at arm's length and slowly bring it closer to your nose while maintaining focus. This can help improve your eye's ability to adjust focus.

3. Adjust Screen Position: Ensure that your computer screen is at eye level and about an arm's length away. This can help reduce strain and improve clarity.

4. Lighting: Ensure that your workspace is well-lit to reduce glare and improve visibility.

5. Consultation with an Eye Care Professional: If blurry vision persists, it may be beneficial to consult with your ophthalmologist. They can assess your specific situation and may suggest additional treatments or corrective lenses.

Managing Significant Anisometropia
Regarding the significant difference in vision between your two eyes (right eye with -8.50 diopters), this condition, known as anisometropia, can lead to difficulties in visual comfort and coordination. Here are some strategies to manage this:
1. Corrective Lenses: Wearing glasses or contact lenses that correct the vision in your right eye can help balance the visual input from both eyes. This is especially important for tasks that require precision, like typing or reading.

2. Monovision Correction: Some patients opt for monovision correction, where one eye is corrected for distance and the other for near vision. This can be beneficial, but it requires careful consideration and adaptation.

3. Visual Therapy: If you experience significant discomfort or difficulty in visual tasks, visual therapy may help improve coordination between the two eyes.

4. Regular Eye Exams: Regular follow-ups with your eye care provider are essential to monitor your vision and make necessary adjustments to your corrective lenses.

Conclusion
Experiencing blurry vision at intermediate distances after cataract surgery is not uncommon and can often be improved with time and appropriate training. Managing significant differences in vision between your eyes may require corrective lenses and possibly visual therapy. Always consult with your eye care professional for personalized advice and treatment options tailored to your specific needs.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Post-Cataract Surgery Recovery and Near Vision Challenges

Hello doctor, during my school years, I had high myopia close to 1000 degrees. At the age of 25, I discovered cataracts, and the pre-operative examination showed no significant issues with my retina. For convenience at work, I opted for an optical aspheric intraocular lens, and t...

Dr. Wang Zhishun reply Ophthalmology
Hello, if you have undergone cataract surgery with a monofocal intraocular lens and achieved full correction, you will generally need to use reading glasses for near vision after the procedure. This is not a matter of recovery, as the accommodative ability of the lens post-surger...

Post-Operative Questions on Multifocal Intraocular Lens Performance

Hello Doctor: Over a month ago, I underwent cataract surgery with the implantation of a full-range intraocular lens. Prior to the surgery, I was examined and found to have no other ocular diseases. The lens was chosen for its ability to provide better vision at near, intermediate...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello, Mr. Chuan: The full-range intraocular lens allows for both distance and near vision, but it does not guarantee clarity at every distance. For example, vision may be blurry at three meters, which could indicate some residual myopia. A refraction test can confirm this. The p...

Challenges After Cataract Surgery: When Artificial Lenses Fall Short

Hello, Director Gao. I underwent cataract surgery on my right eye at Cheng Kung University Hospital in 2010, where a variable focus intraocular lens, AMO (ZM900 +11.0D +4D) Foldable Intraocular Lens, was implanted. The recovery was good, but the only drawback is that I experience...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello: Based on your situation, it seems you can see well up close but have difficulty seeing far away. This may indicate that the prescription for your right eye has shifted further towards myopia, as you already have high myopia, and your prescription can still change. If you g...

Managing Post-Cataract Surgery Vision Discrepancies: Tips and Solutions

Hello, I just had cataract surgery on my left eye. I can see clearly at a distance with the monofocal lens. However, after the surgery, I am unable to adjust the focus between my operated left eye and my normal right eye. The view from my left eye appears closer, while the view f...

Dr. He Jianxian reply Ophthalmology
Hello Mr. Chen: It is recommended that you wear a monocular contact lens for your right eye, which should help resolve your issue. Director He Jianxian, Ophthalmology Department, Nantou Hospital.