Complications following cataract surgery are rare
Dear Doctor K: I am having cataract surgery in a few weeks. Can you describe the possible complications?
Answer: A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. As the condition worsens, you may experience blurred or dim vision, increased glare, double vision, nearsightedness and worsening night vision.
Surgery is the only effective cure. During cataract surgery, the doctor removes the clouded lens and replaces it with a clear artificial lens. (I’ve put an illustration of the procedure on my website, AskDoctorK.com.)
Cataract surgery is generally very safe. I know, because I’ve had it. But all operations involve some risk. Following are some potential complications:
Eye infection. You will receive antibiotics before, during and after surgery to minimize this risk. If you do develop an infection (symptoms include red, swollen, painful eyes and a decline in vision), see your doctor right away.
Swelling and fluid in the retina. Symptoms include blurred or reduced central vision. This can be treated with steroid injections or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drops.
Swelling of the clear covering of the eye (the cornea). You may notice blurred vision or halos around lights. This complication is often temporary.
Bleeding inside the eye. You may see blood or have blurred vision and floaters. Bleeding often clears on its own. Occasionally, surgery is needed to clear the bleeding.
Retinal detachment. This rare complication, in which the retina pulls away from the blood vessels that supply it, is an emergency. It can be treated successfully if brought immediately to the attention of the eye doctor.
Increased glare. This can be temporary or permanent.
Dislocation of the replacement lens. If the lens shifts out of place, it may need to be repositioned during a second surgical procedure.
Clouding of the lens capsule. The capsule is the thin, clear membrane that surrounds the lens. It’s the pouch inside of which the lens sits. Clouding of this membrane is usually not
a significant problem and can be treated with laser surgery, if needed.
Increased pressure in the eye. Medications can usually control the pressure.
Astigmatism. Distorted images, caused by irregular curving of the cornea, can be managed with glasses or surgery.
Strabismus. Your eyes will be crossed, they won’t focus on the same object at the same time, or you’ll have double vision. This is sometimes temporary. If it is permanent, it can be treated with eyeglass modifications or, rarely, eye muscle surgery.
Drooping of the upper eyelid. If the drooping is severe, it can be treated with lid muscle surgery.
Maybe you read this list of possible complications and thought, “It sounds like the surgery does more harm than good!” Don’t get cold feet. These complications are unusual and treatable. When I had cataract surgery, I didn’t have any of these complications — and nor do most people.