Long-term prevalence of pseudophakic photic phenomena.

PURPOSE: To describe the types and prevalence of long-term, established pseudophakic dysphotopsia in a typical population more than a year after cataract extraction.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional observational study.

METHODS

Fifty-five patients who had undergone cataract surgery more than a year before were administered a questionnaire that was based on photographic images of photic phenomena.

RESULTS

Dysphotopsia were found in 18 of 55 patients. There was a predominance of halos and starburst effects but also substantial symptoms of arc effect, streams of light, and central flash. There was no correlation between measured dysphotopsia and age, final attained acuity, or contrast sensitivity.

CONCLUSIONS

Dysphotopsia in the operated eye was still a common symptom in its many forms more than a year after uncomplicated cataract surgery. There was no correlation of symptoms with age or visual function.