Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed operations, but like any surgery, it has potential risks. Your individual risk depends on factors such as eye health, other medical conditions, surgical complexity, and the type of procedure performed.
Common Short-Term Effects
- Temporary blurred vision
- Mild irritation or foreign-body sensation
- Light sensitivity
- Inflammation
- Temporary changes in eye pressure
- Dryness or fluctuating vision during healing
Potential Cataract Surgery Complications
- Infection inside the eye, which is uncommon but potentially serious
- Corneal swelling or delayed corneal recovery
- Retinal swelling or other retinal complications
- Retinal tears or detachment, particularly in higher-risk eyes
- Posterior capsule opacification, which can cause vision to become cloudy later and may be treated with a YAG laser
- IOL positioning problems or the need for additional treatment in selected cases
- Unexpected residual refractive error or dissatisfaction with visual quality
What Symptoms Should Prompt a Call?
Your surgical team should provide specific postoperative instructions. New or worsening vision loss, significant or increasing pain, marked redness, substantial light sensitivity, or other concerning changes should be reported promptly.
Can Complications Be Predicted?
Many risks can be estimated before surgery. Your surgeon may identify additional considerations from the examination, corneal measurements, retinal imaging, prior eye surgery, medications, or other medical history.
Important: This page is general educational information and does not estimate your personal surgical risk. Discuss your individual risks and benefits with your ophthalmologist.
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