Cataracts are an eye condition in which the lens gradually becomes cloudy to the point where vision is compromised. The only treatment other than environmental adaptations such as improved lighting---is surgery. According to the National Institutes of Health, cataract surgery is one of the most common and safest operations performed in the United States. However, complications---although rare---include infections, inflammation, changes in vision and retinal detachment.
Infections
Patients may be given antibiotics before surgery to prevent infections. Wearing a patch to protect the eye after surgery and scrupulous hygiene help to prevent infections. According to the Eye Surgery Education Council, topical antibiotic eyedrops are given to prevent "endophthalmitis," which is an infection inside the eye. This complication affects about 1 in 3,000 cases. According to Drs. Gary Cassel, Michael Billig and Harry Randall, authors of "The Eye Book," endophthalmitis causes red and painful eyes and possibly decreased vision. Other possible less serious postoperative infections include bacterial conjunctivitis and allergic reactions to topical medications.
Inflammation
Cassel, Billig and Randall report that a complication called "cystoid macular edema" may occur after cataract surgery. Fluid accumulates in the small spaces in the area around the retina, causing swelling and possibly blurred vision during the weeks following surgery. Suture abscesses may also cause inflammation, discomfort and changes in vision. The edema usually goes away within a month or two but may be treated with anti-inflammatory eyedrops and sometimes steroid injections or further surgery to resolve the problem.
Changes in Vision
According to Mitchell Scheiman, Maxine Scheiman and Stephen Whittaker, authors of "Low Vision Rehabilitation," one potential complication of cataract surgery is a condition called posterior capsule opacification. The part of the lens capsule that is not removed becomes cloudy---causing blurriness. This can develop months or even years after the cataract surgery. YAG laser surgery usually corrects this problem painlessly and safely. However, according to the authors on the All About Vision website, YAG laser capsulotomy poses a small risk of retinal detachment. Cassel, Billig and Randall report other possible changes in vision after cataract surgery, including double vision, astigmatism, corneal damage that causes blurriness and floaters.
Retinal Detachment
One of the most serious but rare complications from cataract surgery is retinal detachment. The risk is greater if there is previous weakness in the retina such as that experienced by diabetic patients. According to the National Institutes of Health, patients with a high degree of myopia---nearsightedness---increases risk of retinal detachment after cataract surgery. Symptoms of retinal detachment such as a sudden abundance of floaters or flashing lights may occur weeks or months after the surgery. Therefore, patients should be ready to seek medical attention whenever these symptoms occur.
References
- Eye Surgery Education Council: What Are the Risks of Cataract Surgery?
- Cataract.com: Complications
- All About Vision: Cataract Surgery Complications
- "Cataracts: What You Should Know"; National Eye Institute; 2003
- "The Eye Book"; Gary H. Cassel, M.D., Michael D. Billig, O.D., and Harry G. Randall, M.D.; 1998
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