Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most effective surgery to restore clear vision. However, like any medical procedure, it has a few risks and drawbacks along with benefits. In this blog, we will explore the 7 critical risks and disadvantages associated with cataract surgery, which will help you understand the complications before deciding on cataract surgery.
Disadvantages of Cataract Surgery
1. Risk of Post-Surgical Complications
There is always a risk of post-surgical complications, which could be infections and inflammation. These issues could lead to eye discomfort and may take a longer period for recovery. You will require additional medical intervention for full recovery.
In a few cataract surgical procedures, bleeding within the eye can occur(Hemorrhage) or any other complication can occur during the surgical process, while these issues are infrequent there is always a potential risk that should be considered.
2. Potential for Vision Issues
Few patients may experience glare and halos around lights post-cataract surgery, mainly at night. These visual disturbances can lead to trouble while driving at night and other activities. Some patients may also experience double vision after cataract surgery, these double vision can persist for some time and may interfere with daily tasks.
3. Need for Glasses or Contact Lenses
In a few cases, even after cataract surgery, some patients may still have residual refractive errors due to which they still need to use glasses or contact lenses for clear vision.
Types of IOL and Vision Needs
During cataract surgery, the type of IOL (Intraocular lens) implanted in the patient’s eye influences the requirement of a corrective lens. Monofocal lenses might still require the use of glasses for certain activities. However, in the case of multifocal or accommodating lenses usage of glasses might reduce but cannot be eliminated.
4. Long-Term Effects and Further Vision Changes
One of the most common disadvantages of cataract surgery is posterior capsule opacification (PCO). In PCO lens capsule again becomes cloudy which leads to blurred vision. The condition can be treated with quick, non-invasive laser procedures.
In a few cases, vision changes post-cataract surgery due to age-related factors or other eye conditions, which require further monitoring and potential treatment.
5. Increased risk of Eye Problems
There are instances of Retinal Detachment in a few cases post-cataract surgery. Retinal Detachment requires immediate medical attention and it can affect vision if left untreated.
Another risk encountered by patients post cataract surgery is Macular oedema, or retina swelling. If a patient faces retina swelling then it needs to be treated immediately as it affects the central vision.
6. Recovery Time and Discomfort
Patients may feel temporary dryness, itchiness, or sensitivity post-cataract surgery. However, most of these symptoms are temporary and can be treated effectively but they still affect eye health during an initial recovery phase.
Complete recovery after cataract surgery can take up from a few weeks to months. Patients need to follow specific care instructions shared by Ophthalmologists. For proper healing of the eyes, you need to do regular follow-ups with your Ophthalmologist and obey the instructions and medicine routine shared by them.
7. Financial Consideration
Although, cataract surgery is mostly covered in standard insurance plans but cost of cataract surgery can increase in case you choose premium lenses and additional procedures that are not covered under your standard plan.
Even after cataract surgery, potential follow-up treatments require cost consideration as treatment can continue from a few weeks to months in case of any potential issue.
How likely are complications after cataract surgery?
Thanks to advancements in surgical technologies and techniques, complications after cataract surgery are rare. Most people who opt for cataract surgery experience improved and clear vision. However, like any other surgery, there are some risks associated with cataract surgery too:-
Common Complications after cataract surgery are:-
a. Infection:- Eye infections can occur after cataract surgery, although it is rare but easily manageable with antibiotics.
b. Inflammation:- Some swelling around the orbit or irritation is normal after cataract surgery and treated with anti-inflammatory drugs.
c. Posterior Capsule Opacification (PCO):- PCO is referred to as a secondary cataract, a condition when a thin membrane behind the lens becomes cloudy. To treat PCO a quick laser procedure YAG laser capsulotomy is followed.
d. Intraocular Pressure Increase:- Although rare, elevated pressure inside the eye can occur which needs to be controlled by the use of eye drops – Beta-blockers, Prostaglandin analogues, Alpha agonists, & Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.
Rare Complications after Cataract Surgery
a. Damage to Cornea:- This can happen but chances are very low.
b. Lens Dislocation
c. Bleeding inside eye
In order to get more details and processes to follow before and after cataract surgery you must read Top 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Cataract Surgery.
Conclusion
Cataract surgery can be life-changing for people suffering from the cloudiness of natural lenses. Like every medical surgery, cataract surgery also has a few risks and disadvantages but they can be easily overcome by discussing with your Ophthalmologist. By considering the above-shared risks & disadvantages of cataract surgery you can have a better situation analysis and plan your cataract surgery accordingly. Once your cataract surgery is completed follow our expert tips to train your eyes 20 Expert Tips for Training Eyes After Cataract Surgery: Regain Clarity and Focus
FAQ’s for Disadvantages of Cataract Surgery
1. What are the common disadvantages of cataract surgery?
The most common disadvantages of cataract surgery are post-surgical complications which the patient suffers. These complications require immediate medical attention.
The most common Disadvantages of cataract surgery are:-
a. Visual Disturbance
b. Dry Eyes
c. Infection in eyes
d. Inflammation
e. Bleeding
f. Retinal Detachment
g. Secondary Cataract (Posterior Capsule Opacification)
h. Visual Acuity Changes
I. Discomfort or Pain in the eye.
j. Displacement of the Intraocular Lens
k. Increased Risk of Other Eye Conditions
2. Is cataract surgery always successful?
Yes, cataract surgery is one of the most successful surgery in the world. 95% of patients will have improved visual acuity. 1 However, like any other surgery, cataract surgery also has some common complications such as posterior capsule opacification and cystoid macular edema.
Cataract surgery also has critical complications such as endophthalmitis and retinal detachment but they are very rare.
4. Can cataract surgery lead to vision problems like glare or halos?
Yes, few patients can experience the glare or halos around light, especially at night after cataract surgery. However, these issues are temporary and resolved automatically as you recover from the surgery.
5. Will I need glasses or contact lenses after cataract surgery?
The need for glass depends upon what type of IOLs are used during cataract surgery and individual needs. Most of the patients have improved vision after cataract surgery but as we know majority of the people affected with cataracts are of old age group they might still require glasses to perform tasks like reading, writing, driving, etc.
6. How can I minimize the disadvantages of cataract surgery?
To minimize the disadvantages of cataract surgery, discussing your eye condition, symptoms, risks, and benefits with your eye surgeon is essential. Always choose a skilled surgeon who has good experience in performing successful cataract surgery. Follow the guidelines shared by your Ophthalmologist about pre and post-cataract surgery. Choose the best lens for improved vision and less complications.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559253/ ↩︎
Reviewed By
Dr. Sonam Aggarwal
MBBS, MD(C.Medicine)