Though a cataract surgery is considered to be a safe procedure, complications could occur in some cases. The following HealthHearty write-up provides information on risks associated with this eye surgery.
Cataract is an eye problem that is characterized by clouding of the natural transparent lens that is present in our eyes. It usually affects the middle-aged or elderly. This eye condition can be corrected with cataract surgery. It should be noted that the incidence of post surgery complications is very low.
Risks Associated With this Surgery
As is the case with any surgery, there’s the risk of bleeding and infection. In some cases, corneal edema (swelling of the cornea or the transparent covering over the eye) and cystoid macular edema might be observed. Cystoid macular edema is characterized by swelling and accumulation of fluid in the macula, which is area in the center of the retina. The swelling appears in cyst-like patterns, which is why this condition is referred to as cystoid macular edema.
In some cases, there might be changes in the intraocular pressure, leading to glaucoma. The intraocular pressure is the pressure exerted by the fluids inside the eyeball.
In this surgery, the normal human lens is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens, which is placed in the lens capsule. Posterior capsule opacity is a rare complication that involves the clouding of the posterior portion of the lens capsule or the thin clear membrane that surrounds the natural lens.
If this capsule gets ruptured, it would result in the loss of fluid (vitreous gel) in the eye. It may also result in blurred vision. Problems could also arise if the intraocular lens gets displaced.
People who see floaters and flashes of light after the surgery must seek medical help to rule out the possibility of retinal detachment. This condition is characterized by the detachment of the entire retina or a part of the retina (light-sensitive layer of tissue that is present at the back of the inner eye) from the back of the eye.
It has been observed that patients generally recover within two to six weeks post surgery. However, it should be noted that the recovery time can differ from patient to patient, depending on the general health of the patient. The patients are required to follow certain self-care measures to ensure a speedy recovery. A typical cataract surgery can cost you anywhere between USD 4,000 to USD 7,000. However, you don’t have to worry in case you have a health insurance policy from a good insurance company.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.