Cataracts involve the lens of the eye becoming cloudy. The healthy lens of the eye is clear to allow the maximum amount of light into the eye, enabling a person to see clearly. When a cataract blocks the entry of light, the result is blurred vision. For severe cataracts, surgery is one treatment option. The Digital Journal of Ophthalmology at Harvard reports that 95 percent of surgeries, there are no complications. However, as with any surgery, this procedure is associated with the risk of certain complications.
Endophthalmitis
Endophthalmitis is the clinical term for an infection that affects the inner portion of the eyeball. The Digital Journal of Ophthalmology at Harvard notes that most people receive antibiotic eye drops on the day of the surgery, and to apply during the recovery period, that will help prevent infection. However, as with any surgery, there is a risk of infection associated with cataract surgery. Medline Plus adds that an infection in the eye after cataract surgery can lead to permanent vision problems.
Lens Fragments in the Eye
During the surgical removal of the lens for treatment of a cataract, a portion of the lens may fall back into the eyeball. The Digital Journal of Ophthalmology at Harvard indicates that small pieces often cause few signs and symptoms. If the portion of lens is larger, the surgeon may recommend a second surgery for the removal of the lens fragment and the prevention of any inflammation it may cause.
Retinal Detachment
The National Eye Institute, or NEI, describes the retina as a piece of tissue in the rear of the eyeball that is light sensitive. Vision occurs when the lens focuses light on the retina, and the information is then transmitted to the brain via the optic nerve. Cataract surgery slightly increases a person's chances of the retina detaching from the rear of the eyeball, according to the NEI. Though there is no pain associated with a detached retina, it can lead to serious vision impairment and even vision loss. The principle sign of retinal detachment includes a sudden increase in the number of "floaters" that cross a person's vision. Floaters are actually small pieces of detached tissue that float in the vitreous fluid and transiently block light from hitting the remaining portion of the retina. The Digital Journal of Ophthalmology at Harvard reports that retinal detachment occurs in approximately 1.5 percent of cataract surgery cases. The NEI advises seeking immediate medical attention if there is sudden increase in floaters after cataract surgery.
Other Complications
Some of these complications, described by Eye Care America, the foundation for the American Academy of Ophthalmology, include pain that does not go away with over-the-counter pain relievers, vision loss, nausea, vomiting and excessive coughing. Eye Care America recommends seeing an eye doctor immediately if any of these complications do occur. Another severe but rare complication, according to the Digital Journal of Ophthalmology at Harvard, is choroidal hemorrhage, which is bleeding of the blood vessels beneath the retina. Bleeding may be small and inconsequential or may be severe, resulting in vision impairment or loss.
