Risks of Cataract Surgery

Today in the United States, cataract surgery is one of the most common and successfully-performed surgeries. Although the incidents of complications following this procedure are low, there are some risks you should be aware of before having your cataract removed.

Eyes.com is committed to providing thorough information about cataract surgery and its potential risks so that you can make the best decision about your vision.

Potential Complications

Complications that may result from cataract surgery include:

Endophthalmitis (an eye infection)
High pressure in your eye
Retinal detachment
Drooping eyelid
Choroidal hemorrhage (bleeding that occurs behind your retina)
Small fragments of lens that can become stuck behind the vitreous or back cavity of your eye
Vision loss
Loss of the eye

Common Side Effects

One of the most common side effects is an inflammatory reaction that includes several days of swelling and a sensitive ocular region. This side effect is most commonly treated with an antibiotic or anti-inflammatory prescription. The second most common side effect is macular edema. This happens when there is fluid retention in your retina. Macular edema is more likely among patients who have prior health problems like diabetes. Fluid retention usually resolves itself; if not, there are treatments to alleviate this condition.

Success Rate of Cataract Surgery

The success rate of cataract surgery (meaning no serious complications, resulting in good vision) is 95 percent. For the few patients who do not experience improved vision after cataract surgery, they often have an underlying eye condition like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that attributed to the unsatisfactory outcome.

There are significant advantages to cataract surgery, such as an improved quality of life and safety issues related to driving and even walking around safely. Patients who have undergone cataract surgery report advantages like the improved ability to:

Drive
Work
Read and work on a computer
Jog, walk and exercise
Enjoy favorite hobbies
Engage in social activities

Please visit our Eye Doctor Directory or contact us today to find an experienced eye surgeon near you.