Potential Cataract Surgery Complications


Cataract surgery is one of the UK’s most common surgical procedures. Modern medical technology also makes it one of the safest. The procedure involves removing and replacing the lens in your eye (which is where the cataracts develop). Removing the lens means the cataract cannot come back and the replacement lens restores your vision.

Complications can occur with any operation — not just cataract surgery. Understanding how and what complications can arise is essential before having cataract surgery. Knowing the potential difficulties means you will know what signs to watch for during your recovery and seek medical assistance to protect your eye health after cataract surgery.

Common cataract surgery complications

Some cataract surgery complications are more common than others, although you won’t necessarily have any. You can avoid many complications by following proper aftercare advice and monitoring your eye health. However, difficulties occasionally occur, causing considerable discomfort and distorting your vision.

Let’s look at some of the most common cataract surgery complications.

Infection and inflammation

Infection is possible after any surgical procedure, especially if you do not keep your wounds clean and ignore aftercare guidelines. When an infection occurs inside your eye, it is called endophthalmitis.

Symptoms of an infection can include the following:

  • Eye pain
  • Redness
  • Vision problems
  • Pus or discharge from your eyes

Doctors and ophthalmologists can treat infections with antibiotics if they catch them early. If not, infections can cause permanent vision loss, so it is essential to spot signs of infection quickly.

Inflammation can occur after cataract surgery, mainly when removing larger or denser cataracts, but doesn’t necessarily mean you have an infection. Inflammation is often temporary and will resolve itself as you continue to recover.

Swelling and pain

Swelling and pain after cataract surgery are common complications but they can often be treated at home.

Pain after cataract surgery should be manageable with over-the-counter pain relief medications such as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). These can also help reduce inflammation.

If your swelling or pain doesn’t subside or worsens, then seek medical advice, as it could be a sign of further complications.

Light sensitivity

Light sensitivity is another common complication of cataract surgery, but it is rarely severe and should lessen after a few days. However, you might need to wear sunglasses for a few months until it resolves completely.

Light sensitivity can be a sign of other complications, such as inflammation. So, if it becomes severe, contact your doctor.

Blurred vision

Blurred vision is a routine side effect of cataract surgery. The artificial lens the surgeon places into your eye takes some getting used to, and the surgery causes swelling — both can blur your vision. However, this complication will improve as you recover.

Dislocated lens implant

The surgeon removes your cataract with the eye’s lens and puts an intraocular lens (IOL) implant in its place. This new lens could become dislocated because of the trauma of surgery or from previous damage to your eye. This complication is rare.

If the IOL dislocates, it can cause blurry vision, double vision and loss of sight.

Another surgery that moves the lens back into the correct position or replaces it with a new one can resolve a dislocated lens implant.

Retinal detachment

The retina, which is found inside the back of your eye, senses light and sends signals to your brain.

After cataract surgery, you have an increased risk of retinal detachment — a serious complication that can lead to vision loss. The condition means your retina pulls away from its usual position.

Retinal detachment is a medical emergency, so if you experience the following, seek help fast:

New floating spots in your vision

  • Flashes of light
  • Recent loss of vision in parts of your eye
  • Retinal detachment is a rare complication — if you have symptoms, you must seek help.

Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) or ‘second cataract’

In cataract surgery, the surgeon removes the lens of your eye. However, its removal leaves behind the lens capsule surrounding it, sometimes leading to cloudy vision (known as posterior capsule opacification or a ‘second cataract’) and only surgery will fix it.

The treatment for PCO is called YAG laser capsulotomy. The surgeon uses a laser to create a small hole in the lens capsule so light can pass through again, restoring your vision. The complication is reasonably common, but treatment is quick and painless.

Ptosis (droopy eyelid)

Ptosis can occur after cataract surgery and is a common complication. We don’t fully understand why your eyelid becomes droopy afterwards. However, it does usually resolve without intervention within six months.

Ocular hypertension

Some people can experience ocular hypertension (high eye pressure) when they have cataract surgery. As well as feeling pressure in your eye, you may also feel nauseous. If left untreated, it can damage your vision and lead to other eye conditions like glaucoma.

However, expert ophthalmologists (like our team at Eye Clinic London) will check your ocular pressure after surgery to minimise the risk of this complication.

Risks and factors contributing to complications

Some risk factors can increase your risk of complications developing. Common risk factors contributing to complications include the following:

  • Pre-existing eye conditions like glaucoma can cause elevated eye pressure, increasing the risk of ocular hypertension.
  • Pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes can slow your recovery and increase your risk of complications like poor wound healing and infection.
  • Surgery techniques — improper or outdated surgical methods can increase the risk of post-surgery complications.
  • Type of surgical technology used — outdated technology can increase the risk of complications. Employing the latest medical advances improves the chances of success and reduces the risk of difficulties.

Preventing complications before and after cataract surgery

It’s difficult to avoid some complications, such as swelling. However, you can take steps during your recovery to prevent severe complications and reduce the risk of them developing.

Follow any post-operative instructions we give you and ensure you recognise the signs of potential complications when they first arise. Knowing when to seek medical attention is vital for treating emergencies. If left untreated, some difficulties can lead to permanent vision loss.

A pre-operative assessment before your cataract surgery means the surgeon can check your risk of potential complications and decide whether cataract surgery is right for you. They can also advise you on how to minimise the risk of complications if your risk is already elevated, and answer any questions you may have about caring for your eyes after cataract surgery.

Book a consultation with Eye Clinic London

Cataract surgery is a simple outpatient procedure, but you must be proactive during your recovery and understand potential complications. Knowing what your recovery should look like means you will notice when things aren’t right.

If you have cataracts and want to restore your vision with an experienced ophthalmologist’s support, book a consultation with Eye Clinic London. We use the latest technology and surgical techniques to reduce your risk of complications. We also give you the knowledge required to care for your eye health during recovery and beyond.

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Book a consultation to see how to best tackle your eye condition. Call us or book a consultation online today

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About the expert

Mr Hamada | Consultant Ophthalmologist and Corneal Surgeon

MD, MSc, DO (hons), FRCSEd, FRCOphth I am Samer, founder and consultant ophthalmic surgeon with over 20 years’ experience in ophthalmology. I am a world-renowned specialist in cornea, cataract and refractive surgery. I’m not only a leading surgeon but also the only dual fellowship trained in corneal diseases in children from reputable institutions in the UK. At Eye Clinic London I work closely with other consultant ophthalmologists, optometrists and orthoptists to achieve the best outcomes for our patients. Our main aim is to make sure our patients get the safest and best treatments available to them. We put your safety before anything else so you can rest assured that if you choose us you will be in the best and safest hands.