What is the most common complication of cataract surgery?

A long-term consequence of cataract surgery is posterior capsular opacification (PCO). PCO is the most common complication of cataract surgery.


What percentage of cataract surgery has complications?

The Ophthalmology journal writes that despite all the precautions, 20 percent of patients who get cataract surgery experience a problem in this process.

What are the negative side effects of cataract surgery?

10 Cataract Surgery Side Effects, and How to Cope
  • Blurry vision. It is very common to have blurry or unclear vision in the days and sometimes even weeks after cataract removal. ...
  • Dry eye. ...
  • Glare, halos and other unwanted images. ...
  • Light sensitivity. ...
  • Nausea or disorientation. ...
  • Floaters or flashes of lights.


What causes cataract surgery to fail?

In general, poor vision after cataract surgery is caused by: inadequate correction of post-operative refractive error (lack of spectacles); failure to detect pre-existing eye conditions, e.g. macular degeneration or amblyopia (selection); or surgical complications (surgery).

Why is my eyesight getting worse after cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery removes the front part of the lens but leaves the back in place. That's where you may get a secondary cataract, also called posterior capsule opacification (PCO). When that happens, your vision may get cloudy again. It usually happens eventually after cataract surgery.


THE MOST COMMON COMPLICATION AFTER CATARACT SURGERY: What is Posterior capsular opacification.



How do you know if something is wrong after cataract surgery?

If there is progression to pain, decrease in vision, or any discharge from the eye, patients are advised to seek medical attention. A long-term consequence of cataract surgery is posterior capsular opacification (PCO). PCO is the most common complication of cataract surgery.

Can your eye fall out after cataract surgery?

It is estimated that between 0.05% and 3% of patients who have undergone cataract surgery will suffer from a spontaneous dislocation of the IOL. Some studies show that its incidence is higher 5 years after surgery.

How long does it take for the lens to settle after cataract surgery?

Depending on the IOL you choose for your cataract surgery, it may take three to six weeks before your vision fully stabilizes. You may find it especially difficult to adjust to monovision. Typically, cataract surgery is performed separately on each eye, about a week apart.


How long does it take for eyes to feel normal after cataract surgery?

Your eye will feel normal again 24 hours after surgery. However, your sensitivity to light may persist for a few more days. It will take four to six weeks for your eye to fully heal.

What not to do after cataract surgery?

7 Things Not To Do After Cataract Surgery
  1. Drive. You shouldn't drive at least 24 hours after cataract surgery. ...
  2. Wear Makeup. Makeup is full of bacteria! ...
  3. Perform Any Strenuous Activity. Until your surgeon says you can stick to light activity only. ...
  4. Go Near Dusty Areas. ...
  5. Swim. ...
  6. Forget To Wear Sunglasses Outside. ...
  7. Rub Your Eye.


How long to wear eye shield at night after cataract surgery?

While home, you may be allowed to remove your eye shield, but you should wear it when sleeping for at least a week to prevent eye injury. Full recovery from cataract surgery should be complete in about a month, although it can take up to three months for your eye to be completely healed.


What is the fastest way to recover from cataract surgery?

Avoid Irritants At All Costs

By far, the most important thing that you can do to guarantee a speedy recovery after cataract surgery involves avoiding irritants at all costs. This means limiting your exposure to dust and chlorine in particular.

What is the average age of cataract surgery patients?

In most people, cataracts start developing around age 60, and the average age for cataract surgery in the United States is 73.

What is the most successful cataract surgery?

Laser-assisted cataract surgery is the latest and most advanced method of performing cataract surgery. And many ophthalmologists prefer laser cataract surgery over traditional cataract surgery as a pre-treatment to “soften” cataracts.


Is cataract surgery worth the risk?

While many age-related eye conditions can irreparably damage your vision, like glaucoma or macular degeneration, having cataract surgery will restore your clear vision. If you can't see well because of cataracts, there's little reason not to have cataract surgery.

What happens if you bend over too soon after cataract surgery?

Limit Strenuous Activity

“High eye pressure can interfere with the incision before it fully heals,” says Eghrari. “Positions that put your head below your waist, such as bending over, can also increase eye pressure and should be avoided initially after surgery.”

When can I bend over to wash my hair after cataract surgery?

You can shower or wash your hair the day after surgery. Keep water, soap, shampoo, hair spray, and shaving lotion out of your eye, especially for the first week. Do not rub or put pressure on your eye for at least 1 week. Do not wear eye makeup for 1 to 2 weeks.


What happens if I get water in my eye after cataract surgery?

After cataract surgery, your eyes are more susceptible to infection and complications. Swimming is a bad idea because water is a place where bacteria can grow. Since your eyes aren't at their best, you're more likely to get an infection from the water.

How do I know if my lens has moved after cataract surgery?

What Are the Symptoms of a Dislocated Lens? The most common symptom of a dislocated intraocular lens implant is sudden, painless blurring of vision in one eye. The vision tends to be very blurry, but not blacked-out. Sometimes, the lens implant can be seen resting on the surface of the retina when laying on the back.

Do you get a free pair of glasses after cataract surgery?

Medicare will pay for one pair of post-cataract surgery glasses per lifetime per eye after cataract surgery.


Should I wear my old glasses after cataract surgery?

Protective glasses are prescribed after cataract surgery. But for the purpose of reading, you can use your old glasses for up to 3 weeks until the refractive power of the operated eye stabilises, after which your doctor will prescribe new glasses.

What holds the new lens in place after cataract surgery?

Your lens is held in place by delicate fibers called zonules. If you've had an eye lens replacement for cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange, your intraocular lens implant (IOL) is held in place by a small sac and these thin fibers.

What happens if you lift heavy objects after cataract surgery?

Don't lift heavy objects for the first two weeks after surgery. Strenuous activity (like lifting something) can increase your eye pressure levels. Elevated intraocular pressure is one of the most frequent complications for patients that have cataract surgery.


Can you see the edge of the new lens after cataract surgery?

Another complication of cataract surgery that can occur is a dislocated or a malpositioned intraocular lens. If this happens, patients will be able to see the edge of the lens implant in their vision. They might even have double vision. If the lens misplacement is not addressed, loss of vision is a certainty.

What time of year is best for cataract surgery?

Doctors suggest winter as a good time to get the surgery done as the season can help you recover quickly. But it is not really stringent, all you need to keep in mind is if the vision is getting excessively blurred and your daily activities are getting hampered, then get the cataract removed as soon as possible.
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