The majority of the time, cataract surgery is painless. You recover without any long-term problems and end up with better vision. However, there are dangers with any operation, particularly if you have other eye issues or a significant medical condition.
So it's useful to be aware of potential problems. Keep a watchful eye on any symptoms and contact your doctor if something doesn't look right.
Infection
During surgery, germs that enter your eye could cause an infection. You can have pain, redness, and visual issues, as well as a sensitivity to light. Make a quick call to your doctor if this occurs to you.
Although infections following cataract surgery are uncommon, you will receive an injection of antibiotics into your eye if you do. To prevent the infection from spreading, your doctor may occasionally also remove the vitreous, the translucent gel in the center of the eye.
Inflammation
After surgery, some edema and redness are typical. You will receive eye drops or other medication to treat it if you have more than normal.
Retinal Detachment
The retina, which is located far back in the eye, senses light and communicates with the brain. Following surgery, there is a tiny increased risk that it would tear away from the retina, a condition known as retinal detachment.
It's an urgent situation that might result in visual loss. If any of the following apply to you:
Feel like a curtain has fallen over part of your eye
Have new floating spots in your vision
See flashes of light
Lens Fragments
During cataract surgery, your doctor may remove some of your hazy lens, but some bits may fall into your eye and be left there. Larger ones can be problematic, while smaller ones usually aren't.
To remove the vitreous and prevent swelling, surgery might be required.
Fluid Buildup in the Retina
Occasionally, blood vessels in the retina leak following surgery. Your vision becomes clouded as fluid builds up in your eye.
Eye drops prescribed by your doctor will be used to treat it, and recovery could take weeks or months. Usually, things go totally better. You might require surgery or a steroid injection behind the eye in more severe circumstances.
Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL)
The IOL is a synthetic lens that the surgeon inserts into your eye during surgery. It could move and lead to double or blurry vision.
Additionally, it may result in more significant problems like bleeding and swelling. To replace it with a new one or to put it back in place, surgery may be required.
Secondary Cataract
The lens of the eye is encased in a capsule. The front portion of the lens is removed during cataract surgery, but the back remains in situ. You could develop a secondary cataract there, also known as posterior capsule opacification (PCO). Then, your vision can become foggy once more. Eventually, it frequently occurs following cataract surgery.
You require a technique known as YAG laser capsulotomy to correct it. Your doctor makes a hole in the lens capsule's rear using a laser. That permits light to flow through, allowing for normal vision. It takes around 5 minutes and is painless. Everyone who has had cataract surgery experiences this; it is a natural procedure.
Swelling in the Cornea
The front, transparent portion of the eye is called the cornea. After surgery, it could become swollen and foggy, making it more difficult to see.
Almost typically, this issue is short-lived and resolves itself within a few days or weeks. Eye drops may be used to treat it by your doctor.
Bleeding
Although it is uncommon, blood vessels that supply the retina may spontaneously begin bleeding during surgery. A small amount of blood is not harmful, but higher amounts could cause visual loss.
Following surgery, blood may accumulate and obstruct your vision between the colorful iris and cornea of your eye. You'll need to rest in bed with your head up and use eye drops if necessary.
You might require surgery if the blood doesn't drain or puts too much strain on your eye.
Floaters and Flashes of Light
The posterior vitreous detachment, in which the vitreous separates from the retina, can be brought on by surgery. It causes light flashes and moving clouds and spider webs to appear in your field of view.
Usually, after a few months, it gets better on its own. Call your doctor immediately to get examined because the symptoms could indicate retinal detachment.
High Eye Pressure
Some people have increased ocular pressure following surgery. Ocular hypertension is a condition that could harm your vision. Your doctor might advise using eye drops, injections, or pills to treat it.
Greater pressure in your eye can result from swelling, hemorrhage, or lens pieces that are still present, which can cause glaucoma.
The precise cause of it determines how it is handled. You can also require glaucoma surgery if your optic nerve is injured.
Light Sensitivity
This might be typical, but if it persists for more than a few days, consult your doctor.
Sometimes the only solution is to put on sunglasses for a few months till the problem goes away. However, it could also be a symptom of another problem, such as excessive eye inflammation, in which case you would require eye drops.
Droopy Eyelid
This condition, also known as ptosis, is typical following eye surgery.
Although doctors are unsure of the reason, it usually fades away on its own. You might require surgery if it persists for more than six months.
Dysphotopsia
You experience two different kinds of visual effects as a result of this:
Negative, which gives you a curved shadow at the edge of your vision
Positive, which you see as halos, starbursts, flashes, or streaks of light
It frequently goes away on its own, and doctors don't know why it occurs. When it's negative, it has a greater chance of lasting. Usually, you just wait and hope for the best. You could try eye drops or even thick-rimmed glasses to make the shadow less noticeable.
If it persists for several months, your doctor might advise surgery. You might try a different lens or layering two lenses.
Complications of Cataract Surgery
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