Does Cataract Surgery Cause Blurry Vision?

Cataract surgery aims to remove all the symptoms associated with cataracts. This includes blurry vision, something virtually everyone experiences as the condition evolves.

But can the procedure itself cause blurry vision?

Well, the short answer is no, cataract surgery doesn’t cause blurry vision. However, there is a very specific condition that can occur that does. There are also other, non-associated issues that could also cause your vision to become less-than-perfect.

Read on as we demystify blurred vision after a cataract operation.

Blurred Vision, Cataracts, Surgery, and More…

• Why cataracts cause blurry vision
• Does cataract surgery cause blurry vision? No, it doesn’t…
• Post Capsular Opacification

Why cataracts cause blurry vision

Cataracts are caused by proteins clumping together on the eye lens and gradually blocking the free passage of light onto the retina (the layer of cells at the back of the eye through which light must travel to be transferred to the brain).

One of the primary symptoms of cataracts is gradually increasing blurry vision. You might also experience:

• Double vision
• Faded perception of colors
• Seeing halos around lights
• Difficulty seeing in low-light conditions

Does cataract surgery cause blurry vision? No, it doesn’t…

Cataract surgery involves removing the diseased lens and replacing it with an artificial one. This successfully counteracts the problem, letting light travel correctly through the eye once again.

Cataract surgery has virtually a 100% success rate. However…

There is a condition that can occur weeks, months, or even years after surgery that can cause blurry vision. It’s sometimes mistakenly called a secondary cataract, but its real name is post capsular opacification (PCO)

Post Capsular Opacification

PCO has similar symptoms to a cataract but is not the formation of a new one. During a cataract operation, the surgeon has to remove much of the capsule that surrounds the natural lens. A small portion of this is left in situ for the artificial lens to be attached to.

Sometimes—and in up to 25% of cases—proteins can, once again, begin to clump on this (not on the new, artificial lens). Once again, this distorts how light flows through the eye and can cause blurred vision.

Happily, there’s an easy fix. It’s called YAG laser and takes place in the doctor’s office in 5 minutes or less. It’s a one-off treatment and will definitively sort the problem. In other words, non-blurry vision will be restored…

Other Conditions that can Cause Blurry Vision After Cataract Surgery 

From refraction errors to glaucoma

From refraction errors to glaucoma

Many other unrelated conditions can cause blurry vision before or after cataract surgery. These include:

• Evolving refraction issues, such as short or longsightedness
• Astigmatism
• Glaucoma
• Presbyopia—a condition that’s associated with advancing age
• Dry eye syndrome
• Corneal damage
• Eye injury
• Age-related macular degeneration
• Allergies
• An eye infection

It can also be a symptom of other medical conditions, such as:

• Migraine
• Low blood sugar
• Diabetes
• Psoriasis
• Pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy)

If you experience blurry vision, either after cataract surgery or at any other time, it’s vital to seek professional help. It’s not necessarily a reason to worry—it could be as simple as needing a tweak to your prescription. But getting seen as soon as possible is the key to getting it sorted or managed with the minimum of fuss.

Does Cataract Surgery Cause Blurry Vision? All your FAQs Answered at the Modern Cataract Surgery Clinic

The West Boca Eye Center is a leading USA clinic for the treatment of cataracts—so much so that we have a dedicated element that deals solely with this—the Modern Cataract Surgery Clinic.

Diagnosis, monitoring, and cutting-edge techniques for cataract removal are carried out in a single location. The expertise on offer provides the very latest treatment options and advanced intraocular lenses. 

Find out more at https://www.moderncataractsurgery.com and call our friendly team today for further information.