Why do I see wavy lines after cataract surgery?
Dr Rajeev Raut Eye Clinic Raut Eye Care
The appearance of wavy lines after cataract surgery is a common post-surgery side effect
that troubles most eye patients. Though the success ratio of cataract removal surgery is
overall satisfactory, the post-operative experiences, such as seeing wavy lines, trigger fear
and discomfort among patients and their families. If your dear or near ones are also
experiencing such post-surgery visual discomforts, then this article can be your ultimate
guide to verified information.
Possible causes of seeing wavy lines after cataract surgery
There are many reasons behind such a usual phenomenon after undergoing a cataract
surgery. These discomforts such as wavy lines, blurry vision, and haziness persist for some
days or even a couple of months after surgery.
The possible reasons are neural adaptations (brain adjusting with the new lens), presence of
Epiretinal membrane, and reduction in contrast sensitivity, which are common in patients
with multifocal intraocular lens (IOL). All these post-cataract surgery symptoms are termed
as dysphotopsia.
However, 3 major factors contributing to the wavy vision are as follows:
1. Cystoid Macular Edema involves swelling of the centre of the retina known as the
macula. This mostly happens after cataract removal, which is a post-operative
inflammation. This causes the blood vessels in the macula to swell and leak fluid,
making straight lines appear wavy
2. Dislocation of the Intraocular lens that you have surgically placed can lead to such
vision distortion
3. Retinal detachment, as just after the cataract surgery the tissue from the surrounding
sides of the retina pulls away from it. The retinal tissue is responsible for processing
the light.
Why is cataract surgery done and what is the success ratio?
Cataracts generally develop with ageing. Most ageing lenses suffer this vision discomfort; as
the eye protein starts to break down and clump to form cloudy patches on the lens. This
cloudy formation on the lens weakens the vision of the patient and may even lead to
permanent blindness on delay or mere ignorance.
To relieve the patient from this vision discomfort, ophthalmologists perform cataract surgery,
which hardly takes an hour. In this painless process, an ophthalmologist replaces the cloudy
natural lens with an artificial lens, known as an intraocular lens (IOL). While maximum cases
lead to successful outcomes, very less complain about seeing wavy lines after cataract
surgery.
Doctor’s perspective on the appearance of wavy lines post cataract removal
According to experienced ophthalmologists, these usual vision distortions are a part of the
recovery process. Before jumping to a conclusion, patients and their family needs to hear
from other patients with similar post-surgical vision discomforts to stay informed and
confident. Besides, patients are also advised of some must-follow precautions and
guidelines to speed up the healing process, which includes changes in diet, medication, and
lifestyle.
Remember, eye care is not just a post-surgical ritual for a few days or months. One must
adopt certain precautionary measures, as prescribed by the doctor, and go for regular eye
check-ups to ensure optimal protection and problem-free healing.
Seeing wavy lines after cataract surgery is common which cures with time. Most patients
even gain clear vision within an hour or a day right after the cataract removal procedure. In
case you are experiencing vision distortions along with pain, don’t delay in consulting a
doctor to prevent further deterioration. Hope you found this piece of information insightful.
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Absolutely love how understanding Dr. Kumud Raut is. The only place where I have not been told about only the process of getting a surgery, but rather they insist on educating about how the eye functions and the importance of having a healthy eye before any surgery.
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Anupama Naidu
2023-02-02
This is the best eye clinic ever. It's amazing how every staff is so caring. The faculty is simply top class and Dr. Aditya Raut is the best. His treatment is par excellence, but even more than more than that, he is a great human being.
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Atharva Badhade
2023-02-05
Excellent doctor! We are extremely happy and satisfied with the treatment ,the concern and friendly staff, very caring attitude of all!! Your are half cured even before the treatment starts!! The cleanliness and precautions are also upto the mark!!Recommending to all , family and friends!!
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Preeti Gosavi
2023-01-10
My cataract surgery is done by Dr Rajeev Raut. I am very satisfied with my surgery. Dr. Bhargav is an excellent doctor and is very calm and polite. I was also operated for my retina by Dr. Nilesh. He too is a great doctor. I am Very satisfied. And all the staff here is very cooperative and accommodating. Thanks
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