Cataracts is a medical condition in which there is clouding of the normally clear lens of the eyes. This condition typically develops over years and is common in older people over the age of 55. The major symptoms are blurry vision, seeing colors as faded, double vision in the affected eye, increased sensitivity to light, etc. These worrying symptoms are what make people want to undergo surgery. But is blurry vision after the surgery normal?
Is Blurred Vision After Cataracts Surgery Normal?
Blurred vision after cataract surgery is quite normal. Although many patients are back to their normal activities the day after, blurry vision is expected immediately after the surgery. The procedure consists of removing the patient’s eye lens and swapping it with an artificial lens. This substitute works just as well as the natural eye lens.
The eyes take a bit of time to their new lens and then heal. It should typically resolve within a few days and you should be back to your regular activities in no time.
What Causes Ongoing Blurred Vision After Cataract Surgery?
Even though not all patients recover at the same rate, the blurred vision should go away after some days. If the blurred vision is ongoing then there is a problem that could be caused by a number of conditions.
Inflammation
While cataract surgery is a safe procedure, it is still a surgery. This means that the body’s immune system may respond to the removal of the eye lens with inflammation. This can vision making it blurry temporarily. It is also accompanied by a bit of discomfort in the eye. Inflammation should go away with medication after some days.
Dry Eyes
After cataract surgery, dried-out eyes are a common complication. This is due to decreased production of lubricants and tears in the eyes or disturbance of the eye film which can happen during cataract surgery.
Long-term use of steroid antibiotic eye drops before and after the surgery can also contribute to dry eyes in patients. Having dry eyes can cause blurry vision after cataract surgery treatment. Dry eyes symptoms can be relieved by using artificial tears gotten over the counter at pharmacies.
Cystoid Macular Edema
The central retina, also called the macula, can become swollen after cataract surgery. This swelling can cause blurred and contorted vision. Blurred vision following cataract surgery typically appears around 6 to 8 weeks after surgery. CME normally resolves within a few months after treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) eye drops.
Posterior Capsular Opacification
Posterior Capsular Opacification is also called secondary cataracts and it is one of the rare complications of cataracts surgery. This is because it presents with blurry or cloudy vision similar to cataracts. However, it is not cataracts. It is a murky film of cells that accumulates over the eye membrane. This membrane keeps the new artificial lens, so it doesn’t move.
The complication is quite prevalent after cataract operation and has a higher occurrence in younger people. Treatment is a quick laser capsulotomy at the ophthalmologist’s office.
When To See Your Doctor
If symptoms of any of the complications do not go away after treatment do not hesitate to contact your doctor. You should also seek medical attention if you experience an increase in pain or swelling, eye discharge, or sudden loss of vision. Although complications from cataracts surgery might be rare they can also be very serious.