Cataract surgery is a highly successful procedure that can restore your vision and allow you to return to your normal activities. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and complications that can occur after the surgery. In this article, we will discuss what you should look out for after cataract surgery and how to ensure a successful recovery. If your vision does not improve after a week, it is important to see your ophthalmologist. This could be due to residual refractive error, which means that you may need additional correction with glasses.
It could also be due to eye dryness or the opacity of the back capsule (PCO). Many people experience a feeling of sand in their eyes or itchiness after the surgery, which is normal and should heal within a week. If you have dry eyes, the discomfort can last up to three months. Some patients may require sutures during the surgery, which should not cause any problems but may need to be removed afterwards. Blurred vision can also be caused by PCO, which is a common complication that can occur weeks, months or even years after cataract surgery.
This occurs when the lens capsule, which holds the new intraocular lens in place, becomes cloudy or wrinkled and begins to cloud vision. PCO is caused by cells growing in the membrane over time, similar to scar tissue.Ongoing dry eyes and blepharitis can also cause sensitivity to light. If you experience extreme sensitivity to light, it could be a sign of infection and you should contact your eye doctor immediately. For a few days after the surgery, you may experience itching or pain in your eye as well as tearing and difficulty seeing in bright light. It is important to use eye drops as prescribed by your doctor.
After resting for a few hours at home, it is safe to watch TV, shower or bathe and work on the computer. For at least a week, you should avoid swimming pools and hot tubs as well as activities that could cause dirt or dust to get into your eyes such as gardening or dusting. We also recommend that patients refrain from cooking for at least one week after cataract surgery. Finally, if you experience any sudden flashes of light or floaters in your vision, these could be signs of retinal detachment - a rare complication of cataract surgery that occurs when the retina separates from the back of the eye. As you prepare for cataract surgery, make sure to talk to your ophthalmologist about what your recovery will be like afterwards.
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