Cataracts Health Center

Are there any common complications of cataract surgery?

• Cataract surgery is considered one of the safest surgeries. However, as with any medical procedure, complications can arise, even if they are rare. These possible complications may include infection, bleeding, inflammation, pain, redness and swelling, loss of vision, double vision and high or low eye pressure. With prompt medical attention, these problems can be treated quickly and effectively. Occasionally after surgery, the eye tissue that encloses the intraocular lens (the artificial lens inserted during surgery) becomes cloudy and may cause blurry vision. This complication is known as an after-cataract. After-cataracts may develop months or sometimes even years following cataract surgery. These cataracts can be treated by laser. Your eye doctor will use a laser to create a tiny hole in the eye tissue behind the lens to allow light to pass through. This is an outpatient procedure known as a YAG laser capsulotomy. It is painless and rarely results in further complications.

When will my vision return to normal after cataract surgery?

• You can return to many everyday activities immediately following cataract surgery, but you may feel that your vision is still slightly blurry — this is to be expected as you heal. The healing eye needs time to adjust so that it can learn to focus properly with the other eye, especially if the other eye has a cataract still. You should ask your eye doctor before you resume driving and other potentially hazardous activities. If you received an artificial lens, you may notice an increased brightness in colors because the new artificial lens is clear, unlike your natural lens, which may have developed a yellowish/brownish tint to it. Within a few months, you are likely to become accustomed to this improved vision. Once your eye heals completely, you may wish to talk to your doctor about new glasses or contact lenses to balance out any changes.