Cataract Surgery Complications

Cataracts refer to the condition, where the natural transparent lens of our eyes becomes cloudy or opaque. This lens is responsible for focusing light on the retina, which is important for the formation of clear images. But, when it becomes opaque, clear images cannot form on the retina, which in turn distort vision or lead to vision impairment. What causes cataracts is not very clear, but it has been observed that this condition can result from the metabolic changes or changes in the protein structure of the lens. Cataracts develop gradually, over time, and cause the lens to lose its transparency and become cloudy. The treatment for this condition is cataract surgery, which is one of the most safe and successful surgeries. But still, certain complications can appear at times. In general, the complications are minor, and so, resolve within a short period of time with proper post operative care.

Cataract surgery involves the removal of the natural crystalline lens of the eye, that has become opaque over the years. This lens is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens. This artificial lens is implanted in the elastic lens capsule, called posterior capsule, after removing the natural lens from it. There are basically two main types of cataract surgery, known as phacoemulsification and the conventional extracapsular cataract extraction. In the phacoemulsification procedure, a machine with an ultrasonic hand-piece, which is equipped with a steel or titanium tip, is used to break the lens into fragments and then emulsify the lens material. The lens and the cortical material are then removed by aspiration. In the conventional extracapsular cataract extraction, a large incision is made in the cornea or sclera in order to remove the lens.

Cataract Surgery Dangers

About 90% of the patients who have undergone this surgery experience improvement in vision without having any serious complication. Infection following the surgery is quite rare, but can occur and become serious at times. This can cause the eyes to become very red and painful. One of the most common complications is posterior capsular opacification. This is a complication, where the cells of the posterior lens capsule undergo hyperplasia. This causes thickening and clouding of the lens capsule, which can lead to blurred vision. The condition can be however, corrected by an ophthalmologist by making some small holes in the lens capsule by using a laser device.

Another complication associated with this eye surgery is, tearing or rupture of the lens capsule, which can occur during the surgery. The incidence of this complication is quite low, but if this happens, then the surgeon performs vitrectomy. Sometimes, the lens is implanted in the ciliary sulcus or in the anterior chamber to manage this condition. Apart from these, retinal detachment and inflammation of the eye or uveitis can also occur after the surgery. Retinal detachment is the complication, where the retina gets separated from the inner wall of the eyes, which can occur after a few weeks, months and even years following the surgery.

Sometimes, fluid accumulation or edema can take place in the central part of the retina, called macula, following the surgery. This condition is known as cystoid macular edema. This complication however, resolves within a few weeks with proper treatment. In addition to these, some other cataract eye surgery complications are, displacement of the implanted intraocular lens, bleeding inside the front and back of the eye, incision leak, infection of the intraocular tissue or endophthalmitis and glaucoma. Astigmatism can develop if the corneal incision does not seal properly. This condition can distort the shape of the cornea, which can result in astigmatism. Astigmatism can also be caused temporarily by swelling of the cornea, and resolves when the swelling reduces.

The minor complications go away within a couple of weeks. Nevertheless, knowledge about the surgery and its complications is essential for individuals considering to remove cataract. If any sign of complication appear after the surgery, then it is advisable to seek immediate medical attention.