What are the Disadvantages of Cataract Surgery?
In simple terms, a cataract is a cloudy lens.
It primarily develops due to age or when an injury changes the tissue that makes up the eye’s lens.
The only effective treatment for cataracts is surgery.
As per the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS), 3 million Americans undergo surgery for it annually.
With all the advantages a patient experiences from cataract surgery comes some drawbacks as well.
But what are the disadvantages of cataract surgery?
Keep reading to know all that needs to be considered before deciding to go under the knife.
Inflammation
Itching and inflammation of the cornea and redness are common to see after cataract surgery.
This might be very uncomfortable for some people.
Hence, your doctor might prescribe eye drops to help soothe the discomfort.
One such prescription-based medication is NS Aid Eye Drops, which is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication.
It contains Diclofenac and treats post-operative eye pain and inflammation.
Allergic reactions
Allergies to the salts present in medications are not unusual.
A person supposed to undergo cataract surgery is always at risk of an allergic reaction to the anesthesia.
This might lead to complications during the surgery.
It is, therefore, important to let your doctor know your entire medical history to avoid it.
Retinal detachment
Retinal detachment is a medical emergency wherein the retina at the back of the eyes slips away from its actual position.
It detects light and communicates the signals to the brain to enable vision.
It is a serious post-surgery complication that might cause severe damage to the eyes, including vision loss.
The incidence of retinal detachment ranges between 0.2% to 3.6% and is generally higher in younger myopic patients.
It is advisable to see your doctor if you experience any of the following post-surgery:
- See flashes of light
- Have floating spots in your vision
- Feel like a curtain fell over a part of your eye
Eye infections
Eye infections could be caused due to the use of unsterilized surgical equipment.
It could be a serious problem leading to permanent vision problems.
The infection could be identified as eye pain and redness, along with swollen eyelids.
A dramatic decrease in vision can also be observed in the affected eye.
You should see a doctor immediately if you observe any of the symptoms.
Secondary Cataract
Also known as after-cataract, this eye condition is a very common occurrence after cataract surgery.
Medically known as Posterior Capsular Opacification (PCO), it can be seen in almost half the patients who had their cataracts surgically removed.
It occurs when the epithelial cells of the previous lens are still present. They accumulate over time and cause the artificial lens to cloud.
Its symptoms include
- Haloes around lights
- Blurred or hazy vision
- Light glares
- Difficulty in focusing on objects
It might require another quick surgery to restore your vision.
Droopy eyelid
Droopy eyelid, also known as ptosis, is a common condition that can be observed post-surgery.
Doctors have yet to figure out what causes it, but it typically goes away by itself.
However, if it lasts over six months, you might need surgery.
Prescription issues
Cataract surgery can lead to changes in the eye prescription.
It means that the focusing power of the eye changes to that of the artificial lens used in the surgery.
So you might need glasses to see what you could see without any prescription previously.
However, this can be discussed with your surgeon while choosing the kind of lens that they might use in the surgery.
Cost
The first disadvantage of any major surgery is the associated cost of the procedure.
Some factors that impact the cost of the surgery include:
- Type of surgery
- Intraocular lens
- Technology used
- Performing surgeon
Complications in surgery
There is an inherent risk of complications in all kinds of surgeries, and cataract surgery is no exception.
Following are some complications that patients experience after the surgery.
Light sensitivity
Sensitivity to light is a commonly observed complication post-cataract surgery.
It lasts for a few days but might also be a sign of inflammation of the iris, which might require treatment.
Your doctor might recommend steroid eye drops for the same.
High eye pressure
In some cases, surgery leads to an increase in ocular pressure.
Swelling, bleeding, and lens fragments left in the eye after surgery can cause increased pressure in the eye.
This increased intraocular pressure might lead to Glaucoma.
Other complications
Apart from those mentioned above, cataract surgery can cause more complications which are usually extremely rare.
Some such complications include:
- Fluid Buildup in the Retina
- Lens Dislocation
- Edema
- Hemorrhage
- Floaters and Flashes of Light
- Dysphotopsia
Takeaway
Every surgery comes with its own complications.
Some of these are temporary and can be dealt with, like inflammation and redness of the eyes.
While others might require corrective measures such as secondary cataracts.
Whether or not to perform a cataract surgery is a decision you need to take after weighing the pros and cons of the procedure.
Make sure you are well informed before making any decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can cataract surgery make your vision worse?
No, your vision doesn’t deteriorate after cataract surgery unless there is some other postoperative complication. Experiencing blurred or double vision after the surgery is normal. It goes away in 4-6 weeks with appropriate after-care.
How long can blurred vision last after cataract surgery?
Blurred vision is a common occurrence after cataract surgery. It can take between four and six weeks for it to go away. So, if you need glasses, you might want to wait until your eye has healed completely to get them.
How do I know if my lens has moved after cataract surgery?
Patients with dislocated lens often experience a change or decrease in vision along with glare. Additionally, they might report headaches and inflammation. Some patients also see the edge of the lens implant.
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