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- Blurry vision. It is very common to have blurry or unclear vision in the days and sometimes even weeks after cataract removal. Most of the time, this is caused by normal swelling in the eye which occurs as a part of surgery.
- Dry eye. After cataract surgery, almost all patients experience some level of dryness in the eye. A small number of nerves on the surface of your eye get cut when your surgeon makes the incisions necessary to reach your lens.
- Discomfort/feeling that something is in the eye. Many people complain that they feel like there is sand in the eye or that the eye feels scratchy after surgery.
- Posterior capsule opacity (PCO) Sometimes blurry vision is caused by PCO, a fairly common complication that can occur weeks, months or (more frequently) years after cataract surgery.
- Infection. Germs that get in your eye during surgery can lead to an infection. You might feel sensitive to light or have pain, redness, and vision problems.
- Inflammation. A little swelling and redness after surgery is normal. If you have more than usual, you'll get eye drops or other medicine to take care of it.
- Retinal Detachment. The retina sits way back in your eye, sensing light and sending messages to the brain. After surgery, you have a slightly higher chance that it pulls away from the back of the eye -- a problem called retinal detachment.
- Lens Fragments. When your doctor removes your cloudy lens during cataract surgery, some pieces may fall into your eye and get left behind. Small ones aren't a problem, but bigger ones can be.
Feb 27, 2019 · Cataract surgery complications are rare, but they can happen. Learn which side effects are normal and when you should call your eye doctor. Find out which drugs make the list and if you are at risk for a cataract surgery complication.
- One of the most common cataract surgery complications is a posterior capsule opacity (also called posterior capsule opacification or PCO).Although...
- Fortunately, a YAG laser can treat posterior capsule opacity safely, effectively and painlessly. This procedure, known as YAG laser capsulotomy, of...
- Although a YAG laser capsulotomy poses slight additional risk, overall the procedure is extremely safe. The most important risk is that the retina...
- Another example of cataract surgery complications is malpositioned or dislocated intraocular lenses. You may see the edge of the lens implant, or y...
- Other potential cataract surgery complications range from minor eye inflammation to devastating vision loss. The risk of severe vision loss is very...
- According to ASCRS, studies show that 95 percent of patients who choose a standard IOL for cataract surgery have their vision fully restored to its...
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Cataract surgery is a procedure to remove the lens of the eye and, in most cases, replace it with an artificial lens. A cataract causes the lens to become cloudy when it is typically clear. Cataracts can eventually affect vision. Cataract surgery is performed by an eye doctor, also called an ophthalmologist. It's performed on an outpatient basis, w...
Cataract surgery is done to treat cataracts. Cataracts can cause blurry vision and increase the glare from lights. If a cataract makes it difficult for you to carry out your usual activities, your health care team may suggest cataract surgery. When a cataract interferes with the treatment of another eye problem, cataract surgery may be recommended....
Complications after cataract surgery are uncommon, and most can be treated successfully. Cataract surgery risks include: 1. Swelling. 2. Infection. 3. Bleeding. 4. Drooping eyelid. 5. Artificial lens moving out of place. 6. Retina moving out of place, called retinal detachment. 7. Glaucoma. 8. Secondary cataract. 9. Loss of vision. Your risk of com...
Food and medications
You may be instructed not to eat or drink anything 12 hours before cataract surgery. Your eye doctor also may advise you to stop taking any medicine that could increase your risk of bleeding during the procedure for a short time. Let your doctor know if you take any medicines for prostate problems, as some of these medicines can interfere with cataract surgery. Antibiotic eye drops may be prescribed for use one or two days before the surgery.
Other precautions
You can typically go home on the same day as your surgery. However, you won't be able to drive, so arrange for a ride home. Also arrange for help around home, if necessary, because your eye doctor may limit activities, such as bending and lifting, for about a week after your surgery.
Before the procedure
A week or so before your surgery, your eye doctor performs a painless ultrasound test to measure the size and shape of your eye. This helps determine the right type of lens implant, called an intraocular lens, orIOL. Nearly everyone who has cataract surgery will be given IOLs. These lenses improve your vision by focusing light on the back of your eye. You won't be able to see or feel the lens. It requires no care and becomes a permanent part of your eye. A variety of IOLs are available. Befor...
During the procedure
Cataract surgery, usually an outpatient procedure, takes an hour or less to perform. First, eye drops are placed in your eye to dilate your pupil. You'll receive medicines to numb the area. You also may be given a medicine to help you relax, called a sedative. If you're given a sedative, you may remain awake, but groggy, during surgery. During cataract surgery, the clouded lens is removed, and a clear artificial lens is usually implanted. In some cases, however, a cataract may be removed with...
After the procedure
After cataract surgery, expect your vision to start getting better within a few days. Your vision may be blurry at first as your eye heals and adjusts. A cataract is usually yellow- or brown-tinted before surgery. This causes colors to look dull. After your surgery, colors may seem brighter because you are looking through a new, clear lens. You'll usually see your eye doctor a day or two after your surgery, the following week, and then again after about a month to monitor healing. It's normal...
Cataract surgery restores vision in most people who have the procedure. People who've had cataract surgery may develop a secondary cataract. The medical term for this common issue is known as posterior capsule opacification, also called PCO. This happens when the back of the lens capsule becomes cloudy and impairs your vision. The lens capsule is t...
Explore Mayo Clinic studiesof tests and procedures to help prevent, detect, treat or manage conditions.
Cataract surgery is a common and generally safe procedure to remove the cloudy lens of the eye and replace it with an artificial one. However, it may have some risks, such as swelling, infection, bleeding, retinal detachment, glaucoma and secondary cataract.
Aug 17, 2021 · One study showed that of 221,000 cataract surgery patients, 99.5 percent had no serious complications after their surgery. But, Starr warns, “It's real surgery...and with any surgery there are always potential risks.”
Apr 1, 2021 · Learn about the possible complications of cataract surgery, such as infection, inflammation, swelling, and vision problems. Find out how to prevent, recognize, and treat these complications with your doctor's help.
Nov 15, 2023 · Learn about the benefits and risks of cataract surgery, how to prepare and recover, and what to expect from the procedure. Find out how to deal with complications such as infection, swelling, retinal detachment, and posterior capsular opacification.
