Cataract Surgery Side Effects
Approximately 10 million Cataract surgeries are performed in the world every year.
In cataracts, proteins build up in the eyes. These proteins break down, forming clumps before the eye lens.
This creates cloudiness that makes your vision blurred or blocked.
To remedy that, the doctors must replace the natural eye lens with an artificial lens.
The doctor may recommend surgery if the cataract interferes too much with daily activities.
Cataract surgeries are common and generally safe.
However, like any other surgery, there may be a risk of complications along with cataract surgery.
Cataract Surgery Options
The few surgery options you can pursue include the following:
Phacoemulsification
A tiny incision is made in the front of the eye. A tool makes ultrasound waves to break apart the older lens having Cataract.
A new lens is inserted in place of the old one.
To know about the kind of lenses used in Cataract surgery, read Types of Lenses for Cataract Surgery: A Comprehensive Guide.
Intracapsular surgery
Intracapsular surgery is the oldest cataract surgery method and the least used one today. It uses a large incision and requires manual removal of the old lens.
This method has the highest complication rate due to the big incision size.
Extracapsular surgery
In an Extracapsular surgery, a long incision is made into the cornea, and the natural lens alongside the cataract is removed.
The natural lens can then be replaced with an artificial lens placed into the eye.
Variations of this method include lasers for faster healing and micro incisions.
Complications due to Cataract surgery
Some common complications of Cataract surgery include pain, swelling, reactions to anesthetic medications, and infections.
Given below are some more complications due to cataract surgery:
Edema
It is a to-be-expected complication in most surgeries.
Since cataract surgery involves only the above layers of the eye, over-the-counter medicines, and pain relievers will help.
If this pain persists or worsens, you must call your doctor immediately.
Bleeding
Suprachoroidal bleeding may also occur.
The risk is exceptionally high for people with high blood pressure, diabetes, or other existing conditions after cataract surgery.
This complication, although rare, requires immediate care. This is to avoid vision loss.
Infection
Most procedures have some risk of infection due to the surgery tools, wound care of the surgery, or the surgeon’s technique.
For instance, Endophthalmitis is an infection in people after cataract surgery.
Floaters
Floaters after a Cataract surgery are another complication that is often observed.
It is the term given to tiny particles of collagen, or protein, that cross the field of vision and cast shadows there.
Treatment is not always required for floaters. However, sometimes, it can be a sign of a severe problem.
New or continued vision problems
In some cases, cataract surgery may not always be effective. Vision problems or worse vision after surgery is possible.
While the brain adjusts to clearer vision, temporary double vision can also occur.
Inflammation
Inflammation is an unexpected result of cataract surgery. ‘Cell and flare’ is an inflammation due to a wound to the eye after surgery.
After the surgeon contacts your eye, proteins or white blood cells may build up in the eye’s front chamber.
This creates light sensitivity or blurred vision. The doctor can also treat it with topical steroids.
Allergic reactions
It is rare to use general anesthesia for cataract surgery.
Typically, topical anesthesia may be used by putting it in through eye drops or with an injection to numb the eye.
Talk to your doctor before the surgery if you have any medication allergies.
Risk factors for complications
Surgery complications can happen to anyone. However, they are more common in situations such as:
- People over the age of 60
- Those who have cataract surgery at the same time as other eye procedures
- Persons with Diabetes
- Those with other eye disorders, such as Glaucoma
- People taking other medicines, such as Tamsulosin
Recovery time
In most cases, improvements can be seen in the vision in a few days.
However, it may take months for the eyes to heal fully after surgery.
Once the eye adjusts, you will need to revise your eyeglasses prescription.
Most people can return to work and begin driving within a few days of the surgery.
However, it would be best if you avoided some activities.
Mainly, these restrictions involve reducing exposure to things that can irritate the eyes and slow their healing.
It also includes reducing the pressure on the eyes.
Cataract surgery side effects
Most of the side effects of cataract surgery last briefly after the surgery and are no cause for alarm.
Severe treatment is also needed for the same.
Some of these side effects include:
- Dryness
- Itching
- Blurry vision
- Redness
- Swelling
- Floaters
- Pain or soreness
- Light sensitivity
- A visual ‘halo’ effect around the lights
Your doctor may prescribe eye drops after surgery to help with these side effects.
When to approach your doctor
The symptoms of expected side effects and serious complications are similar. It is common to wonder when to call your doctor after the cataract surgery.
Even though the doctor will also tell you when to ask for help after the procedure, some signs for which to call the doctor include:
- Fever
- Vision loss
- Nausea or vomiting
- Pain that is not treated by prescribed or over-the-counter medicines
- Dark spots in the vision
Takeaway
Improvements have been made to surgical techniques, and lens implants have also reduced the risk of complications.
Like any other surgical procedure, though, cataract has some side effects, such as dryness, itching and blurry vision.
Before this procedure, talk to your surgeon about what to expect and when you can seek help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do side effects last after cataract surgery?
Although the side effects due to the cataract surgery take about a few days to improve, it may take 4 to 6 weeks for the eye to recover fully.
What should I worry about after cataract surgery?
You may feel itching in the eye or mild discomfort for some days after the surgery. It would be best to avoid rubbing and pushing in on the eye. The doctor may also ask to wear a protective shield or eye patch after the surgery.
Why did my vision get worse after cataract surgery?
Blurry vision may happen due to eye swelling, which may happen due to the surgery. Its occurrence is quite normal. Patients whose cataract is dense, large and firm have more chances of inflammation.
What are the adverse side effects of cataract surgery?
The adverse side effects of cataract surgery include inflammation, infection, bleeding, swelling, drooping eyelid, and dislocation of artificial lenses. Even though the cataract surgery improves vision, it may lead to these side effects.
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