Cataract surgery is a common procedure and is generally considered relatively safe. Most patients who receive it receive improved vision without lasting side effects.

Despite the overwhelming majority of cataract surgeries being successful, complications can still arise. Keep reading to learn what to do if you experience complications after cataract surgery.

Itching

It’s normal to feel itchy as you heal from cataract surgery. But if the itching is severe, it could indicate an infection.

Contact your eye care professional if itching intensifies instead of going away on its own. Your eye doctor may give you eye drops to relieve the problem.

Dislocated IOL

A common symptom of an intraocular lens or IOL dislocation is a change in your vision. It may appear as double vision, blurry vision, or even seeing the edge of the IOL itself.

A dislocated lens can result in other complications, including:

Talk to your eye doctor as soon as possible if you’re experiencing any visual changes. A minimal dislocation that doesn’t impact your eyesight significantly may not need treatment.

If it affects your vision, another surgery will be necessary. The follow-up procedure will either reposition the IOL or exchange it for a new one.

Ocular Hypertension

Ocular hypertension is the name for increased pressure inside the eye. It most often occurs during the first seventy-two hours after your procedure.

On your own, you can’t detect high eye pressure. It’s usually found in follow-up visits and then treated.

That is one reason why you must attend all your follow-up appointments. Doing so ensures early detection and treatment of complications. To treat ocular hypertension, your ophthalmologist may prescribe pressure lowering pills or drops.

Infection

Signs of infections include discharge and redness. It’s important to note that you may have some small amounts of fluid coming from your eyes.

But if the fluid is milky, green, or yellow, that could be a sign of an infection and needs prompt attention. Eye infections can lead to vision loss, so inform your eye care specialist right away if you think you have one.

To reduce the risk of infection, always wash your hands before touching your eyes. It’s also important not to brush your eyelashes with the dropper when using eye drops.

Corneal Swelling

After cataract surgery, you might have corneal swelling that doesn’t go away for several months. One sign of a swollen cornea is blurry vision.

The swelling can also cause painful blisters. It’s important to let your doctor know about these symptoms. Steroid eye drops are the most common treatment for this type of swelling.

Retinal Detachment

Early warning signs of retinal detachment are floaters or flashes in your vision. A detached retina is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.

Otherwise, you risk permanent vision loss. The faster you receive treatment, the higher the chances of preserving your vision. 

Improve Your Vision and Quality of Life with Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery can give you your eyesight back if cataracts have taken it. Your eye doctor will help you determine when it’s time for you to undergo cataract surgery.

Any complications that could arise from cataract surgery are treatable. If you attend your follow-up appointments and regularly communicate with your eye doctor, you should not have any problems.

Ready to get your eyesight back? Schedule an appointment today at Joshi Eye Institute in Boynton Beach, FL. Discover if it’s time for you to have cataract surgery!