Pseudodonesis and Image Vibration after Phacoemulsification: A New Non-Refractive Subjective Visual Complication in Post-Cataract Patients

Background

Age-related cataract is the leading cause of visual impairment worldwide [1], accounting for 50% of blindness globally [2]. With an estimated 19.5 million procedures carried out in 2011 [3], cataract surgery is the most common ophthalmic surgical procedure. The past half-century has seen dramatic changes in the surgical techniques, which have translated to improvements in outcomes and safety [4]. Phacoemulsification (ultrasound) lens extraction and intraocular lens implantation was introduced 40 years ago and is now the standard method of cataract surgery in higher-income countries [5].

Dysphotopsiae are visual disturbances reported in up to 1 in 10 patients with uncomplicated cataract surgery and monofocal intraocular pressure (IOL) implantation [6]. Patients complain of dark shadows (dark dysphotopsia) or scintillations, haloes, peripheral or central flaring, or flashes (positive dysphotopsia). The improvement and adaptation to these symptoms may require several months without complete resolution and have a negative impact in the quality of life of a patient with an otherwise uncomplicated surgical procedure. Here we report the case of a bilateral pseudodonesis causing visual impairment as a new non-refractive, subjective visual complaint in a post-cataract patient.

• References

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