To investigate the clinical characteristics of patients with pseudophakic negative dysphotopsia after cataract surgery and to analyze the risk factors of pseudophakic negative dysphotopsia as well as the postoperative effects on patient's satisfaction.

This study included 1,020 eyes of 690 patients who underwent phacoemulsification and posterior chamber lens insertion between January 2010 and March 2012. Retrospective chart review was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of negative dysphotopsia according to the site of clear corneal incision during cataract surgery and the type of implanted intraocular lens (IOL). The clinical outcome of Neodymium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser anterior capsulotomy in negative dysphotopsia patients was evaluated. Using a telephone survey, patients were asked to subjectively answer 18 questions regarding satisfaction after cataract surgery, the severity of visual symptoms and the effect of negative dysphotopsia in their daily life.

Negative dysphotopsia developed in patients who underwent uneventful cataract surgery and successful implantation of IOL in the bag. The patients' vision was corrected up to 20/20 (0.00 log MAR) and HVF P60-4 showed no abnormality in their visual field. There were significantly more patients with the SN60WF IOL who reported negative dysphotopsia but no other factors associated with the prevalence of negative dysphotopsia. During the telephone survey, patients complained of difficulties in their daily life related to the negative dysphotopsia symptoms and reported decreased satisfaction after cataract surgery.

Although negative dysphotopsia can decrease the patient's satisfaction after cataract surgery, the genesis of negative dysphotopsia and an objective method to test for negative dysphotopsia is necessary. Therefore, a prospective large study should be conducted to evaluate the cause and treatment of negative dysphotopsia.