When a person develops Cataracts, it happens due to clumps of protein in one’s eyes, which can even lead to blindness.
Since it is a serious condition, doctors often suggest Cataract surgery as the solution.
However, just like any other surgery, one may experience several side effects of Cataract surgery.
While some of these side effects are quite common and temporary, others might be uncommon and have long-term effects.
This article will discuss the types of Cataract surgery side effects and ways to manage them.
Side Effects of Cataract Surgery
There are several side effects of Cataract surgery, which depend on its duration and severity.
Individuals may experience common and temporary side effects like sensitivity to light and blurred vision.
Some people may face uncommon side effects such as infection, bleeding, and inflammation.
Some of the long-term effects of the surgery include lens dislocation or persistent inflammation.
This section will discuss the above-mentioned side effects of Cataract surgery in detail.
Common and Temporary Side Effects
Source: pixelshotAccording to research, it is quite common to experience blurry vision after the Cataract surgery, although it goes away after recovery.
It is also natural to experience faint pain after the surgery, like any other similar procedure.
The pain often leads to mild discomfort, which usually gets better once a person recovers.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) states that almost all patients might experience dry eyes at some instance after the surgery.
The dryness of the eyes generally takes about three months to heal after the surgery.
Another common side effect of Cataract Surgery is photophobia or increased sensitivity to light, which usually goes away after the eye is healed.
Uncommon but Possible Side Effects
People may often experience uncommon side effects like eye infections, bleeding in the eye, and inflammation.
Research states that individuals may experience long-term infections like Endophthalmitis.
This infection may happen due to using corticosteroids for a long period and happens after six weeks of the surgery.
The infections may also happen if the incision during the surgery does not heal properly.
The improper healing can cause swelling inside the eyes and sometimes also result in bleeding in the eye.
In some cases, a surgical tear in the retina can result in retinal swelling.
Under rare circumstances, some residual pieces of the patient’s original eye lens may be within the eye.
It can cause red eyes, blurry vision, constant tearing, and sensitivity to light.
Long-term Side Effects of Cataract Surgery
One of the most common long-term side effects of Cataract surgery is Posterior Capsular Opacification (PCO).
It is also known as the Secondary Cataract and clouds the lens capsule that surrounds the new IOL.
A person may experience this side effect after months or years of Cataract surgery.
Some people can experience retinal detachment, which can happen about 0.4% to 3.6% of the time.
There can also be dislocation of the lens or persistent inflammation due to swelling in the cornea (Corneal Edema).
Managing and Minimizing Cataract Surgery Side Effects
Source: signature_imageIt is important to be aware of managing and minimizing the Cataract surgery side effects to increase its success rate.
In order to minimize the side effects, people can undergo regular eye checkups after the surgery.
It is also important to stick to the suggested medications in order to manage the side effects.
Doctors may suggest using lubricating eye drops to deal with the discomfort and dry eyes after the surgery.
However, it is always best to consult your doctor before using any management methods.
Conclusion
Although a safe procedure, a person can experience several Cataract surgery side effects.
Individuals commonly experience blurry vision, mild discomfort, floaters, dry eyes, and photophobia after the procedure.
In rare cases, one can observe uncommon side effects like eye infections, inflammation, and eye bleeding.
Some of the long-term side effects of the surgery include Secondary Cataracts, retinal detachment, Corneal Edema, and lens dislocation.
However, it is important to consult with a doctor if you are experiencing any of these post Cataract surgery side effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do side effects last after Cataract surgery?
The side effects after Cataract surgery usually last for a short time. While the side effects, like blurry vision or discomfort, last only a few days, the severe complications may take months or years to go away.
Are there alternative treatments to Cataract surgery?
Yes, there are alternative treatments to Cataract surgery, but they are not a permanent solution. Doctors may suggest changing eyeglasses or contact lenses to improve vision, but it is only applied in Early Cataracts.
Why did my vision get worse after Cataract surgery?
You may experience a temporary worsening of vision after Cataract surgery since your eyes take time to adapt to the new Intraocular Lens (IOL). It may take some time for vision to be stable. However, if the vision worsens, it is important to consult a doctor.
What should I worry about after Cataract surgery?
Although Cataract surgery is usually safe, it is important to be careful about the signs of infections, bleeding, swelling, or excessive redness of the eyes.
What role does the choice of Intraocular Lens (IOL) play in side effects?
The choice of Intraocular Lens (IOL) can impact the vision quality post-cataract surgery and can influence side effects. Premium IOLs that offer blue light filtering may increase visual disturbances or cause halos compared to standard IOLs.
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