What are the risks of cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery is performed millions of times every year in the United States. In fact, it is the most commonly performed surgery in the U.S. About 98 percent of patients have a complication-free experience that results in improved vision. Nevertheless, cataract surgery has risks and complications. Most complications resolve in a matter of days to months. In rare cases, patients lose some degree of vision permanently as a result of the surgery.  more

As with any surgery, cataract surgery poses risks, such as infection and bleeding. Before cataract surgery, your doctor may ask you to temporarily stop taking certain medications that increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. After surgery, you must keep your eye clean, wash your hands before touching your eye, and use the prescribed medications to help minimize the risk of infection. Serious infection can result in loss of vision. Cataract surgery slightly increases your risk of retinal detachment. Other eye disorders, such as high myopia (nearsightedness), can further increase your risk of retinal detachment after cataract surgery. One sign of a retinal detachment is a sudden increase in flashes or floaters. Floaters are little "cobwebs" or specks that seem to float about in your field of vision. If you notice a sudden increase in floaters or flashes, see an eye care professional immediately. A retinal detachment is a medical emergency. If necessary, go to an emergency service ...  more

Complications of cataract surgery are uncommon. The most common complication after cataract surgery is clouding of the back part of the lens covering (capsule) that remains after surgery. The cloudiness, which may develop gradually over several months or years, affects about 1 in 4 people within 5 years of having cataract surgery.2 If the cloudiness affects your vision, you may choose to have another procedure (Nd:YAG posterior capsulotomy) to correct this problem. Overall, less than 5% of people develop a serious complication after cataract surgery.1 The risk of blindness after surgery is very low. Potential complications include: • Swelling of the retina (cystoid macular edema), which usually goes away on its own within a few weeks. • New or different astigmatism, which can usually be treated with corrective lenses and will not affect your eyesight. • Infection of the tissues in the eye (endophthalmitis). It affects less than 1% of people who have cataract surgery. This serious ...  more

Dr. Turner: "All surgery entails risk. Fortunately, with favorable outcomes at approximately 98%, cataract surgery is highly successful. There is still potential for serious complications, however, some of which can result in pain, permanent loss of vision, or even loss of the eye. These complications can include infection, retinal detachment, inflammation inside the eye, swelling in certain parts of the eye, retention of a piece of the cataract inside the eye, glaucoma, hemorrhage, possible worsening of certain eye conditions (such as diabetic retinopathy), and failure to improve vision if other eye diseases are present (such as macular degeneration). Sometimes, these complications may require further treatment or surgery in an attempt to repair them. Endophthalmitis is a serious infection inside the eye that can develop after cataract surgery. Although many precautions are taken to prevent complications after cataract surgery, infection can still develop. The chance of developing ...  more

Most risks of cataract surgery are well known, and the benefits of performing the surgery often outweigh the risks. Especially since many of the risks associated with cataract surgery are anticipated, surgeons often inform patients specifically of the risks of cataract surgery and the symptoms associated with each potential complication. Occasionally developing some of the problems associated with cataract surgery may necessitate an additional surgery to repair damage. The most common of the risks of cataract surgery is infection within the eye, called endopthalmitis. This occurs in about one in every 3000 surgeries even with preventative precautions. The main preventative for endopthalmitis is treatment with antibiotic eyedrops prior to performing the surgery. Patients might suspect this infection if they feel excessive pain, note redness around the eye, have vision loss, or light sensitivity. These symptoms usually occur in the initial days following cataract surgery and should be ...  more

Cataract surgery, like any surgical procedure, carries with it the potential for risks and complications. Though rare, the possible risks of surgery include: bleeding, postoperative infection, severe corneal edema, retinal detachment, permanent dilation of the pupil, and even loss of vision. Other complications include the development of astigmatism and drooping of the upper eyelid, both of which are treatable. Cataract surgery is a common procedure and we make every effort to minimize the chance for any problems to occur during or after surgery. Please read the cataract consent form for a complete list of risks.  more