After a cataract surgeryMany patients report in the consultation room that "I have had cataract surgery and my vision is blurred". Although the appearance of side effects during the first hours or days after surgery is common, it is important to be clear about what is considered normal in these cases and what is not.
Blurred vision after cataract surgery
After cataract surgery, one of the most frequent symptoms is blurred vision, because during the surgery, the crystalline lens, which is the eye's natural lens, is directly affected.
When a cataract appears, the only treatment is to replace the crystalline lens with an artificial lens that is implanted in the eye and allows the patient to focus normally. However, it is normal for the eye to take some time to adapt to this situation and, for this reason, some vision problems may appear in the first few days.
Blurred vision after the operation is a direct consequence of having operated on the lens, but it can have different causes:
Inflammation
In most cases, blurred vision is caused by inflammation in the eye after the opaque lens has been removed and replaced by the artificial lens. Precisely for this reason, in the post-operative cataract surgery patients are prescribed anti-inflammatory drops.
Intraocular lens fitting
The eye needs some time to adjust to the presence of the implanted intraocular lens and, during this time, vision may fluctuate somewhat.
Opacification of the posterior capsule
In some cases, months or years after the operation, clouding of the back capsule of the eye, which holds the artificial lens, can occur. This is known as a secondary cataract and can cause blurred vision, but can be treated with a laser procedure.
Dry eyes
After the operation, it is common for the eye to become drier than usual, which affects the clarity of vision. Artificial tears are the best solution to avoid this problem.
Refraction problems
Surgery can cause changes in the way light enters the eye, and some patients may need glasses to improve their vision.
Blurred vision is a normal symptom, but it is not serious. In fact, the day after the operation, the patient can resume daily activities. You can watch television after cataract surgery, read, cook and even go for a walk.
Normal symptoms after cataract surgery
In addition to blurred vision, other symptoms may occur:
Light sensitivity
Eyes are more sensitive to bright light in the first few days after surgery, so it is advisable to wear sunglasses when outdoors.
Gritty sensation
Dry eyes cause the sensation of having grit or a foreign body in the eye. In this case, avoid touching the area and apply artificial tears to relieve this discomfort.
Redness
It is perfectly normal for the eye to be red for a few days due to the surgical manipulation it has undergone.
Vision of flashes or halos
Some people report noticing flashes of light, halos or floaters, especially at night. This symptom usually appears in the first few weeks after surgery and improves over time.
Increased tearing
In some cases, the eye may tear more than usual, but this is also normal after surgery and is a temporary symptom.
For a speedy recovery, it is best to follow the instructions given by your ophthalmologist to the letter. If you notice any unusual symptoms or severe eye pain that does not improve with painkillers, see your doctor immediately.
"I've had cataract surgery and my vision is blurry" is a very common phrase among our patients, but in the vast majority of cases this is not synonymous with something being wrong. If you have cataracts and wish to recover your vision, our team of professionals is at your disposal.