Blurred Vision After Cataract Surgery

In human eyes, a natural, clear lens is located behind the iris. The function of this lens is to focus light on the retina so that a clear image, without any distortion, can be formed. But in some people, especially those older than 60 years, clouding of the lens occurs. This defect is known as cataract. Many factors contribute to cause cataract. The most important ones are changes in the protein structure within the lens, hereditary enzyme defect, exposure to ultraviolet rays, excessive smoking and drinking, intraocular inflammation and eye injuries. Whatever be the reason, cataract can be treated well with vision correction surgery. The cataract surgery usually takes 15-20 minutes, and the patient is able to see the world clearly once again. However, there are a number of cases reported of patients suffering from blurred vision after cataract surgery. There can be several possible reasons behind such a post-surgery complication.

Causes of Blurred Vision Post Cataract Surgery

Clouding of Artificial Lens: In cataract surgery, the natural and deteriorated lens is replaced by an artificial lens. A capsule is left in your eye to provide support to the artificial lens. This capsule may thicken and become cloudy. This results in reduced or blurred vision. However, this condition can be corrected with laser eye surgery treatment.

Tearing of Capsule: After cataract surgery, lifting of heavy weights and direct exposure to sunlight is not allowed for a few days. This is because, these factors can cause tearing or rupturing of the eye capsule. When the capsule is not able to perform its functions, in a right manner, blurred vision is one of the probable eye problems.

Displacement of Lens: In some cases, one of the causes of blurred vision after cataract surgery is diagnosed to be displacement of one or more than one part of the artificial lens. Usually, a part of the lens moves behind, towards the back of the eye. However, there are cases reported where the entire implant or artificial lens moves away from its position. Only a surgical operation can correct this condition.

Bleeding in Eye: Though rare, yet there are chances of wear and tear in some part of the eye during surgery. If the part involves blood vessels, it will result in bleeding. The accumulation of blood in the eye, is another cause of blurriness after cataract surgery.

Damage to Retina: Retina is described as the light-sensitive lining present at the back of the eye. During cataract surgery, it may get harmed or injured with the instrument used to remove cataract. Though this condition is one the rarest, there are still possibilities of it occurring. Damage of retina may result, either, in complete loss of vision or blurred vision after cataract surgery.

Precautions for Blurred Vision Post Cataract Surgery

• Do not smoke and drink.
• Do not lift heavy weights, as it may increase intraocular pressure.
• Keep all sorts of chemicals, including soaps and shampoos, away from your eye.
• Protect your eye from direct sun exposure. Wear sunglasses, if you have to go out during daytime.
• Do not touch or rub your eye.

Other complications associated with post cataract surgery are itchiness and stickiness of the eye, bruising on the eyelid, pain in the eye and vision disturbances such as halos, glare and flare.

The possibility of occurrence of various post cataract surgery complications can be reduced to a great extent, if you strictly follow the above given precautions and instructions suggested by your ophthalmologist.