Eye surgery is never free of risk, but serious problems after cataract surgery are rare. Side effects such as blurred vision, glare or a sore, red eye are common. These usually settle, but a few problems need quick care. If you live in PCMC or elsewhere in Pune and have been told you need eye surgery, this guide explains the risks. It also covers how you can lower them.
Is eye surgery ever free of risk?
No. The NHS lists problems that can happen during or after cataract surgery. The US National Eye Institute also notes that, as with any surgery, cataract surgery has risks.
Your own risk depends on the type of surgery and the health of your eyes. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) points out that cataract surgery will not bring back sight lost to other eye conditions, such as glaucoma, macular degeneration or diabetic eye disease. Before you agree to an operation, your surgeon should explain the risks for your eye.
Common types of eye surgery
- Cataract surgery: the cloudy lens inside the eye is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens. It is the only way to remove a cataract. It is usually done under local anaesthetic, and most people go home the same day. You can read more about cataract symptoms and causes.
- Laser eye surgery: a laser reshapes the cornea, the clear front layer of the eye, to correct how the eye focuses.
- Lens surgery: an artificial lens is placed inside the eye to correct how it focuses.
- Glaucoma surgery: this may be advised when eye drops and laser do not lower the eye pressure enough. One common operation makes a new path for fluid to drain from the eye. Surgery aims to prevent more damage, but it cannot repair damage to the optic nerve that has already happened. See who is at risk of glaucoma.
- Retina surgery: a torn or detached retina may be treated by replacing the jelly inside the eye, placing a band around the eye or using a gas bubble. A tear may be sealed with laser or freezing treatment. The NHS says surgery will usually stop vision getting worse. Read about retina problems and when to get them checked.
Risks of cataract surgery
The NHS and the AAO list these possible problems:
- infection in the eye
- bleeding or swelling inside the eye
- swelling of the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye
- a detached retina
- the new lens moving out of place
- blurred vision, glare, halos or dark shadows
- pain that does not get better with ordinary pain relief
- loss of vision
The NHS says serious problems are rare. One later problem is not unusual. Weeks, months or years afterwards, the thin layer behind the new lens can turn cloudy. This is called posterior capsule opacification, or a “secondary cataract”. The AAO says it can be treated with a laser procedure.
Risks of laser eye surgery and lens surgery
The NHS says most people have some side effects after laser or lens surgery. Common ones include:
- glare, halos or starbursts around lights
- floaters or ghost images
- blurred vision
- sore eyes that feel dry
- red patches on the white of the eye
These usually get better within a few months. Contact the clinic if they do not. The NHS also lists complications that can happen during or after surgery:
- a detached retina
- permanent, serious loss of vision
- needing a second operation
- sight that is corrected too much or too little
- a cataract forming earlier than it would have
- cloudy vision from the layer behind a lens implant
Risks of glaucoma and retina surgery
For a common glaucoma operation called trabeculectomy, the AAO lists these risks:
- scarring, infection or bleeding in the eye
- eye pressure falling too low
- a cataract, a droopy eyelid or eye irritation
- loss of vision
- needing another glaucoma operation
The AAO adds that this surgery leaves a lasting higher risk of eye infection. Contact your eye team straight away if the eye becomes red or painful, or just does not feel right.
After retina surgery, the NHS says the eye may be blurry, sore and red for some weeks. You may need to keep your head in a set position for some days. If a gas bubble was used, you will not be able to fly for a time. Sometimes more treatment is needed.
How your eye surgeon prepares for the operation
Before surgery, the team will check your eyes and plan the operation. This may include:
- a full eye examination
- measurements of your eye, so the right power can be chosen for a new lens
- questions about your health and every medicine you take, as some may need to be stopped for a while
- eye drops to start before surgery, to help prevent infection and swelling
- a talk about the day of surgery, aftercare and what to do if a problem happens
Questions to ask an eye surgeon in PCMC
You have a right to understand an operation before you agree to it. Useful questions include:
- Is the surgeon registered with the Maharashtra Medical Council, and what is the registration number?
- Does the surgeon hold a postgraduate degree in ophthalmology, such as MS or DNB?
- Why do I need this operation, and what happens if I wait?
- What are the main risks for my eye?
- Will I still need glasses afterwards?
- What must I avoid after surgery, and for how long?
- Whom do I call if I have a problem at night or on a holiday?
How to lower your risk
Before surgery
- Tell the team about every medicine you take and any health conditions you have.
- Follow the instructions on eating, eye drops and medicines exactly.
- Arrange for someone to take you home. Do not drive yourself on the day.
After surgery
- Use your eye drops exactly as directed.
- Do not rub or press on your eye.
- Keep soap and water out of the eye, and do not swim.
- Wear the eye shield at night if you are given one.
- Avoid eye make-up, heavy lifting and sports until your team says you can start again.
- Wear glasses or sunglasses outdoors in wind or bright light.
- Do not drive until your vision is back to normal and your team agrees.
- Go to every follow-up visit, even if your eye feels fine.
See a doctor if
After eye surgery, get in touch with the eye department that treated you if you have:
- cloudy or blurred vision that is not getting better
- trouble focusing
- a red or painful eye
- light or dark patches in your vision
- discomfort in bright light
Not had surgery yet? See an eye doctor if blurred vision, glare or trouble reading start to affect daily life.
Get urgent help if
After eye surgery, get help at once if you notice any of the signs below. Contact your eye team straight away. If you cannot reach them, call 108 or 112 or go to the nearest emergency department.
- sudden new floaters, or many more than before
- flashes of light
- a dark curtain or shadow across your vision
- sudden blurring or loss of vision
- severe pain that medicine does not ease
- a very red eye
Sudden floaters, flashes or a shadow can be signs of a detached retina, which needs urgent treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Is eye surgery totally safe?
No operation is free of risk. For cataract surgery, the NHS says serious problems are rare. Your surgeon should explain the risks for your eye before you agree.
Will I be awake during cataract surgery?
Usually, yes. The eye is numbed with drops or an injection, and you may be given medicine to help you relax. You may see light and movement, but not the operation itself.
Will I still need glasses after eye surgery?
Possibly. After cataract surgery, you may still need glasses, often with a new prescription. Ask your surgeon what to expect for your eye.
What is a secondary cataract?
It is cloudiness in the thin layer behind the new lens. It is not unusual and can appear weeks, months or years after cataract surgery. It is not a true cataract, and it can be treated with a laser procedure.
Can I drive home after eye surgery?
No. Arrange for someone to take you home. Do not drive until your vision is back to normal and your eye team says it is fine.
Can surgery bring back sight lost to glaucoma?
No. Glaucoma treatment aims to stop sight getting worse. It cannot repair damage to the optic nerve that has already happened.
Sources
- NHS: Cataract surgery
- NHS: Laser eye surgery and lens surgery
- NHS: Detached retina (retinal detachment)
- American Academy of Ophthalmology: Cataract surgery
- American Academy of Ophthalmology: Trabeculectomy
- National Eye Institute (NIH): Cataract surgery
How to reach Chetna Hospital
Eye Department (Ophthalmology), Chetna Hospital
Chetna Hospital, Plot GP 116, Sambhaji Nagar Road, MIDC G Block, Chinchwad, Pune 411019
The eye department sees patients for routine eye examinations, cataract evaluation, glaucoma screening and diabetic eye care. To see the eye team, visit Chetna Hospital at the address above.
How this article was prepared: Chetna Hospital’s content team wrote it with the help of AI writing tools and checked it against the sources listed. It is general health information, not personal medical advice.
