Cataract surgery is a relatively routine outpatient process, often lasting less than 30 minutes and being safe for most patients.

At cataract surgery, your surgeon uses an instrument to break apart and then extract your cloudy lens before replacing it with an artificial one known as an intraocular lens (IOL).

Lenses come in various varieties, such as monofocal lenses that provide vision at multiple distances. Unfortunately, like any surgical procedure there may be complications.

1. Loss of Vision

Though cataract surgery has an impressive success rate, complications associated with it may still cause significant harm or lead to permanent loss of vision. Luckily, many complications of surgery are treatable or avoidable.

At cataract surgery, your eye will be numbed using drops or injection (local anesthesia). In addition, light sedation administered by an anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist may also be administered. Anesthesia and sedation can cause side effects including injuries to both heart and breathing systems as well as memory issues.

Your surgeon will make a small incision in your cornea to insert an artificial lens. Next, he/she uses an instrument emitting ultrasound waves to emulsify and suction out your natural lens before replacing it with a premium artificial lens that lets light pass through and focus on the retina, giving you clear vision again.

Ophthalmologists perform various procedures during cataract surgery, such as limbal relaxing incision (LRI). Although LRI reduces risks of complications, it still may result in adverse reactions such as an eye infection.

Sometimes the back of your lens capsule – the thin membrane that holds your IOL implant – may become cloudy after cataract surgery, a complication known as posterior capsule opacification (PCO) which affects less than 0.5 percent of patients who undergo this process. Common symptoms associated with PCO include blurry or dimmed vision, light sensitivity, tear production or drainage from your eye(s), drainage out of eye(s), and pressure on eye(s).

If you exhibit symptoms of PCO, an ophthalmologist can perform a noninvasive outpatient procedure known as yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser capsulotomy to create a tiny opening in the clouded lens capsule and restore your vision with remarkable success. This procedure may even improve overall eye health!

2. Droopy Eyelid

Cataract surgery entails extracting an eye’s natural lens and replacing it with an artificial one, creating cataracts. Modern cataract surgeries tend to be quick, safe and painless – however as with any medical procedure there may be risks involved.

Your surgeon will make a small incision on your cornea and use ultrasonic waves emitted by a probe to soften and break apart your old lens, enabling the surgeon to suction it out and replace it with the new artificial lens – unfolding and securing it to secure it once inserted in place. After completion, most incisions seal themselves without the need for stitches.

Most cataract surgery patients receive an intraocular lens implant (IOL). This clear plastic lens improves your vision by focusing light on the back of your eye. While you won’t experience its presence or movement like your natural lens, its presence becomes permanent part of your eye without needing care and maintenance.

Posterior Capsule Opacification (PCO) occurs when the clear membrane that holds your IOL becomes clouded with cloudiness, leading to blurry vision similar to that experienced with cataract. PCO may occur as a result of surgical trauma, pseudoexfoliation syndrome or Marfan’s disease or at any other time during life.

Ptosis (drooping of the eyelid), can occur as an unexpected side effect of cataract surgery. Most commonly caused by issues with the levator muscles – though congenital or other causes such as age or injury may also contribute. Furthermore, neurological conditions or diabetes could also play a part.

3. Retinal Detachment

The retina is the innermost layer of your eye that converts light into images for your brain to understand. It’s loosely attached to the back wall, so if it detaches it could create blind spots and blurriness in your vision if detached. While not usually painful, if left untreated this condition could lead to permanent blindness if not addressed immediately; symptoms include flashes of light or shadowy curtains across vision; any symptoms should be reported to a retinal specialist or NABH accredited hospital immediately for diagnosis and treatment.

Retinal detachment occurs when the force that holds your retinal attachment to the back wall of your eye fails, allowing fluid from the vitreous cavity into the space between your retina and back wall of eye. Most retinal detachments result from retinal tears or breaks; however, they may also develop due to age, cataract surgery complications or simply wearing down over time. There are three different kinds of retinal detachments: rhegmatogenous, tractional and exudative.

Retinal detachment requires surgery that involves extracting vitreous gel and replacing it with saline solution, usually performed in an operating room; some cases may also be managed outpatient using laser clichettomy (YAG capsulotomy). While retinal detachments can be an unpleasant complication of cataract surgery, they are treatable with prompt medical care.

4. Swelling

Swelling is a common side effect of surgery and treatment of any kind. This complication may be brought on by preexisting eye conditions and medications being used, or from trauma occurring to the eye requiring healing time to recover; swelling can usually clear within a week post surgery with medication treatments.

Ocular hypertension, also known as cataract surgery complications, is another risk associated with cataract removal surgery. It occurs when fluid that normally sits behind the lens’ natural bag breaks during surgery and causes its contents to spill onto your retina and disturb your vision. Medication can treat this condition; but to reduce its likelihood, avoid rubbing or excessive squeezing of your eyeballs.

One of the more serious complications associated with cataract surgery is disruption of posterior capsule, or zonular disruption. This occurs when thin posterior capsule is compromised during removal process by phacoemulsification power used to remove cataract and pieces fall backward into vitreous cavity, necessitating additional surgeries with retinal surgeon to retrieve pieces and restore vision.

If you are considering cataract surgery, it is essential that you discuss all potential risks with your eye doctor. While most cataract procedures are safe and effective, all surgeries have risks associated with them. If any symptoms appear as described above, make sure to reach out as soon as possible and contact a healthcare provider immediately for advice on whether it would be safe to proceed with cataract surgery as soon as possible and any necessary eye drops or medications for treating any potential issues that may arise from it.

5. Infection

Cataract surgery is generally safe, yet some patients can experience infections after cataract surgery. Infection may occur from either the surgical site itself or from preexisting eye conditions that were predisposed before cataract surgery; symptoms of infection after surgery could include pain, blurred vision, light sensitivity, redness of the eye or watery eyes. Furthermore, infection could stem from any anesthesia used during or medications taken prior to and post surgery.

Secondary cataract formation can also arise as a complication of cataract surgery, when scarring occurs on the capsule that held in place a new lens implant during cataract removal surgery, leading to blurred vision similar to that caused by its predecessor cataract. It can be treated using laser procedures known as YAG capsulotomy for effective relief.

On rare occasions, pieces of cataract may migrate into the drainage system in your eye or behind your iris and cause irritation or pressure build-up. While most fragments will reabsorb on their own over time, if inflammation or pressure build-up arises due to them your doctor may require you to return for another short procedure at their operating room.

Intraocular Lens (IOL) infections may also arise from its placement within a thin membrane known as the lens capsule, and on occasion this membrane can rupture, break open, or dislocate with potentially disastrous results for vision or retinal detachment. Dislocation can lead to changes in vision as well as produce traction on retina, leading to retinal detachment if it causes changes.

Infections rarely result from cataract removal surgery and only occur in less than 0.5 percent of patients who undergo it. Other possible side effects may include swelling of cornea and retina as well as an increase in pressure in the eye; if these symptoms appear after cataract removal surgery please seek medical advice immediately.