Cataract surgery is a common and safe procedure that can help restore vision and improve quality of life. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and complications that can occur after the surgery. Some immediate complications that may arise include discomfort, bruising and swelling of the eyelid, increased intraocular pressure, and an allergic reaction to gout with steroids or antibiotics. These complications are usually managed over time after surgery.
If blurred vision persists after a week, it is important to consult an ophthalmologist. Other causes of continuous blurred vision include residual refractive error (the eyes still need additional correction with glasses), eye dryness, or opacity of the back capsule (PCO). Many people may experience a feeling of sand in their eyes or itchiness after surgery, which is normal and should heal within a week. If you have dry eyes, the discomfort may last up to three months. In some cases, a suture or suture may be required during cataract surgery.
This should not cause any discomfort, but it may be necessary to remove the suture after surgery. Blurred vision can also be caused by PCO, which is a fairly common complication that can occur weeks, months, or even years after cataract surgery. PCO occurs when the lens capsule, the membrane that holds the new intraocular lens in place, becomes cloudy or wrinkled and begins to cloud vision. This is caused by the growth of cells in the membrane over time, similar to scar tissue.
Dry eyes and blepharitis can also cause ongoing sensitivity to light. If you experience extreme sensitivity to light, it may be a sign of infection and you should contact your ophthalmologist right away. It is important to allow your eye to heal from surgery before returning to activities such as driving. The eye should structurally heal from surgery in about a month, but it is best to follow your doctor's instructions for when recovery is complete. After cataract surgery, there is a chance that the intraocular lens that replaces the natural lens will shift or move.
This rare complication occurs in approximately 0.2 to 3 percent of all cataract surgeries and its frequency has decreased as lens design has improved over the years. Cataract surgery recovery usually takes a short period of time and you can return to many of your normal daily activities. However, it is important to be aware of rare complications such as retinal detachment which can occur up to 8 weeks after the procedure. It is more common in people who had eye conditions other than cataracts before surgery. You will also be provided with an eye protector that you must wear while you sleep for at least the first week after
cataract surgery
.Compared to other notable eye surgeries, the recovery time from cataract surgery is relatively fast and some of the complications are not as complicated as expected side effects. Because the symptoms of normal side effects and serious complications are so similar, it is important to know when it is worth calling your doctor after cataract surgery. Suprachoroidal bleeding can occur in people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or other conditions that exist after cataract surgery. If you are considering cataract surgery for yourself or a loved one, contact Heart of Texas Eye Care for a free consultation. Up to half of people who have cataract surgery will experience some increase in eye pressure after the procedure, but pressure levels usually return to normal within 24 hours.
