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Dysphotopsia describes unwanted visual effects that appear after cataract surgery. Positive types create arcs or bright streaks. Negative types create dark edges or shadows in the side view. These effects relate to how light interacts with the new lens. Patterns vary from person to person.
read more about dysphotopsia positive or negative ...The lens edge can cause light to scatter. Lens position can change how light enters the eye. Pupil size affects the shape of the artifact. Surface dryness can exaggerate glare. Each factor creates its own pattern.
People notice arcs, shadows, or side flickers. Bright light can reveal the patterns more clearly. Night driving becomes harder when glare increases. Symptoms change with lighting and pupil size. Some cases improve with time.
Doctors review symptoms in detail since the effect cannot be seen directly. Pupil testing helps reveal pattern changes. Slit lamp exams check the intraocular lens position. Corneal and tear layer exams help rule out glare from dryness. A full history guides evaluation.
Dysphotopsia (positive or negative) can cause glare, arcs, or dark shadows after cataract surgery, and symptoms can change over time. Follow-up helps confirm the cause and rule out issues like lens position problems or dry eye that can worsen visual disturbances. Many cases improve as the brain adapts, but persistent symptoms have treatment options that your surgeon can review. If symptoms start suddenly with pain, redness, or a fast drop in vision, get urgent care.
Some people notice improvement as the brain adapts.
Yes. Light behavior around the lens creates both patterns.
Yes. Bright or dim light can alter the way patterns appear.
Surgery is considered only when other options do not help.
Managing Dysphotopsias From Cataract Surgery. American Academy of Ophthalmology (EyeNet). https://www.aao.org/eyenet/article/managing-dysphotopsias-from-cataract-surgery. Published on January 1, 2023
Dysphotopsia. EyeWiki (American Academy of Ophthalmology). https://eyewiki.org/Dysphotopsia. Updated in January 2026
Dysphotopsias or Unwanted Visual Phenomena after Cataract Surgery. Pusnik A, et al (Journal of Clinical Medicine, PMC). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9866410/. Published in 2022
What is Negative Dysphotopsia. American Academy of Ophthalmology. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-negative-dysphotopsia. Published on March 4, 2019
Pseudophakic Dysphotopsia. Masket S, et al (Ophthalmology). https://www.aaojournal.org/article/S0161-6420%2820%2930787-9/abstract. Published in 2021