Learning about cataract surgery complications is important, because just like any other surgery, cataract surgery comes with inherent risks and side effects of its own. Ocular pressure fluctuations, loss of vision, and bleeding are some of the possible side effects of the cataract surgery procedure, but only about 5% of cataract surgery patients develop such complications.

Prompt medical attention can help counter all cataract surgery complications

Common Cataract Surgery Complications

After cataract surgery, doctors often provide tips that are designed to prevent post surgical problems and these need to be followed religiously.

To stay safe, you’ll have to be aware of common cataract surgery complications that patients face, and these have been given below.

Partial Blindness

In rare cases, patients experience posterior capsular opacification, also known as the after-cataract. This condition brings about the opacification and smudging of the posterior lens, leading to reduced visual acuity. This problem can be addressed by making small holes using laser treatment.

Tear or Rupture

Posterior capsular tears or ruptures may occur too. In such cases, a tear develops in the postular capsule natural lens.

Retinal Detachment

Retinal Detachment is a possible complication, though it is extremely rare. This can happen at any point of time, even after years. It takes place when aqueous humour, the fluid within the eyeball, permeates through a small tear.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma, usually associated with inflammation, is one of the possible cataract surgery complications, and this condition might be difficult to address. Many surgeons recommend early intervention for glaucoma, because there have been rare reports of glaucoma resulting in high ocular pressure, leading to blindness.

Macular Edema

Macular Edema is the distension in the central region of the retinal membrane. This is a possible after effect of the operation and can result in moderately distorted central vision.

Choroidal Hemorrhage

Patients who suffer from high blood pressure or acute cases of glaucoma are prone to choroidal hemorrhage or bleeding from the choroids, a gossamer network of blood vessels, during the operation.

Choroidal Hemorrhage might interfere with post surgery vision, but minor instances can be resolved with modern surgical techniques.

Other Rare Cataract Surgery Complications

In a few cases, sutures might be required to seal off small leakages in the corneal discission. This might result in astigmatism due to distortions in the cornea. These defects disappear over time if they are caused by an edema of the membrane or after the stitches are removed.

Rarely, cataract surgery patients might develop infections in the intraocular tissues. This condition is called Endophthalmitis and it can result in turgidity, pain, and in some cases, partial reduction of eyesight.

It is imperative to weigh your options and consider all the risks involved right before the surgery. Keep in mind, though, that doctors will be able to help you counter most of the cataract surgery complications.