Complications Of Cataracts

Individuals who suffer from cataracts experience the symptoms of blurry or cloudy vision that can sometimes be helped with visual aids such as magnifying or prescription glasses - particularly in the beginning stages. The clouding of the lens that is the cause of cataracts tends to progress gradually decreasing vision over time.

In some individuals, this loss of vision can become significant enough to affect their daily lives and they will elect to undergo surgery that will remove the cataracts. While the majority of individuals will experience a full recovery and restoration of vision, in rare cases serious complications may occur as a direct result of this surgery. 

Some of the Complications that may occur Within Twenty Four Hours of Cataract Surgery 

Although it is rare, bleeding can occur right after cataract surgery in the back of the eye or in the front of the eye near the area of incision. This complication typically occurs very close to the surface of the eye and can be resolved by cauterization.

Bruising around the eye is also very rare but does happen in some cases where when an injection had to be used as opposed to anesthetic eye drops because of other health conditions.  It is also possible for leaking to occur around the incision when it has not healed properly and this condition can cause infection if it is not taken care of. 

Complications that may Arise One Week or up to Six Months after Surgery 

A rare but potential occurrence after cataract surgery is when the replacement lens that was implanted becomes decentered or dislocated. This condition is typically corrected by surgery to replace the lens implant.

Cystoid macular edema is the swelling of the central part of the retina that causes a blurriness or decrease in vision that can be mild to severe and is typically treatable with anti-inflammatory medication.

The most common complication that may occur after cataract surgery is the condition of "secondary or after cataract". This condition can be corrected with a "YAG" or   "yttrium-aluminum-garnet" laser.