Summary - over time cataract surgery has significantly improved, but besides the 100% successful rate, cataract surgery holds some risks, side effects, and complications. It’s important to look after a small symptom which can lead to serious damage to the eyes. Even some times delay in the surgery can cost the vision, but this surgery can effectively improve your vision. During the time of consultation, you should solve your queries for effective treatment. Even side effects like, infection is possible but the team always perform surgery under the safe and secure environment to reduce the chances of potential threat associated with the surgical procedure.
The most common procedure with a 100% success rate is Cataract surgery is performing these days. Surgery brings improvement in the vision of many people, as they become able to enjoy life. Recovery rate is good in cataract surgery, but still, complications are there, especially with those people who have a history of any previous eye issues along with other medical conditions. Even every surgery entails some side effects and risks, but knowing about the issues that might happen after the surgery can be helpful.
If you feel any of these signs or symptoms, you should immediately contact your doctor.
Complications and Risks of Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery can cause several side effects and complications which includes;
v Infection /endophthalmitis
v Retinal detachment
v Inflammation inside the eye
v Swelling in most of the parts of the eye
v Piece of cataract left inside the eye.
v Glaucoma
v Hemorrhage (bleeding)
v Worsening of the eye in certain cases like diabetic retinopathy
v Failure vision improvements if there is macular degeneration.
vEndophthalmitis/infection
After the cataract surgery, there are chances of developing the infection inside the eye, which is called Endophthalmitis. After taking so many precautions, the infection still develops after the surgery. Leading cause for Endophthalmitis is a bacterial infection, but thanks to the medical advancements as it can be treated with the antibiotics. Causing bacteria is staphylococcus and streptococcal which habitats normally in the human skin, but don’t ignore the opportunity to take advantage. Usually in the first week after surgery, the infection is developed, with these symptoms;
• Pain
• Redness
• Decreasing vision
• Rashes on eyelids
• Swelling
• Discharge of yellow or red color from the eyes.
Any of these symptoms if appears it's important to provide immediate care to the patient. Endophthalmitis should be treated as soon as possible for a better prognosis of vision. Antibiotics are injected into the eyes, to reduce the extent of the infection, because this infection can damage the permnent eyes and vision.
Retinal detachment – this condition is associated with the layers which surround the inside surface of the eye with the light-sensitive tissues. If a tear and hole develop in this lining, it causes it's tearing away from the wall of the eye. Thus, the separated part of the eye, loss of blood supply and the cells of the retina begin to damage, and they do not regenerate once die. The retina is an important and delicate part of the eye, sends all the visual information to the brain, any harm to this part eventually harms the normal vision. There are only 1% chances of retinal detachment after the surgery; though it can be treated with the laser photocoagulation is diagnosed in the early stages. You should be concern about the risks, benefits and other alternatives of the cataract surgery if you want to make a fully informed decision about the surgery.
Inflammation
Even inflammation is not a thing to worry about, it causes little redness along with the swelling, and it can be harmful if inflammation stays for a long time. And you will be treated with the standard medications or eye drops.
Itching
One of the feasible side effects of cataract surgery, moreover which is not complex until its extent raises from the mild level. If you feel its intensifying level, you should immediately seek medical attention because this can be intolerable after the surgery.
Blurriness
A common problem after the surgery, this condition is supposed to subside with the time. But if you feel delaying in its improvement after the time, you must consult with the doctor. Make sure you avoid driving and other restricted activities until the improvement of vision.
Light Sensitivity
Light sensitivity after the cataract surgery is normal, and it lasts for a couple of days. But if you feel no improvement in this condition, then consulting your ophthalmologist is a much better option. You should wear sunglasses and you need to avoid direct exposure to the sun for some days or until when you feel sensitivity is gone. Because prolonged sensitivity to the light shows the symptoms of severe inflammation of the underlying tissues.
Droopy Eyelid (Ptosis)

Droopy eyelid this condition can be stimulated by the cataract surgery. Even experts are not sure about the reason behind this condition. But the chances of its improvement are high. But if it is taking so long then you don’t have to wait long to see your doctor. sometime. If it’s still there after 6 months of the surgery, going to an ophthalmologist would be the best decision.
Corneal Edema
Swelling in the cornea is called as “Corneal Edema”. After the cataract surgery, there are possible chances of developing, edema because of an infection, inflammations or due to the trauma to the eye which can damage the cells of the endothelium. But this can be treated with the shots of steroids.
(Author bio) – FRIENDS EYE & CHILD CARE CENTRE

FRIENDS EYE & CHILD CARE CENTRE in Delhi looks after the diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for patients. With high care quality, they work to restore the vision of patients. With the early detection, their experts provide a full range of ocular treatments. http://www.eyespecialistdelhi.com/cataract-surgery/