Halos around lights and increased glare sensitivity are among the most commonly reported symptoms in the weeks following cataract surgery, particularly in patients who have received multifocal or extended depth of focus intraocular lenses. ² These symptoms are frequently alarming to patients, but in the majority of cases they reflect a normal physiological process rather than a surgical complication.
The brain is accustomed to processing visual information through the natural lens, which has specific optical characteristics built up over a lifetime. When a new intraocular lens is implanted, particularly one that divides light across multiple focal points, the visual cortex must learn to interpret and prioritise the new optical signals. This adjustment process is known as neuroadaptation.
During neuroadaptation, patients may notice halos, starbursts, reduced contrast in low light conditions or a subtle sense that vision is not quite natural. These symptoms typically diminish progressively over several weeks to months as the brain adapts. ¹ They do not indicate that the lens has been incorrectly chosen or positioned.
Neuroadaptation is an expected part of recovery following premium lens implantation. It is discussed in detail during the Blue Fin Vision® preoperative consultation so that patients understand what to expect and are not alarmed by transient optical phenomena during the adjustment period.
References
1. Masket S, Fram NR, Cho A, Park SC. Pseudophakic dysphotopsia: review of causes and management. Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. 2011;37(3):557–567.
2. Pedrotti E, Bruni E, Bonacci E, Badalamenti R, Mastropasqua R, Marchini G. Comparative analysis of the clinical outcomes with a monofocal and an extended range of vision intraocular lens. Journal of Refractive Surgery. 2016;32(7):436–442.
3. Javitt JC, Steinert RF. Cataract extraction with multifocal intraocular lens implantation. Ophthalmology. 2000;107(12):2138–2146.
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- Toric Lens Rotation: When Post-Cataract Astigmatism Returns
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