What are the Disadvantages of Cataract Surgery?

There’s a whole lot of information about the benefits of having a cataract procedure but the disadvantages of cataract surgery are less well documented.

While it’s obvious that having a diseased lens replaced with a crystal-clear intraocular lens (IOL) will bring about better vision, it’s also important that you understand the flip side of the equation.

The Risks are Low, but You Need to Know the Potential Disadvantages of Cataract Surgery

• Possible disadvantages of cataract surgery
• What raises the risk?

Possible disadvantages of cataract surgery

When we talk about the disadvantages of cataract surgery, what we really mean is the risk. Because the surgery is an invasive procedure, this naturally comes with a small chance that things don’t quite go as planned.

These can be divided into risks that could occur during surgery and those that happen afterward.

• Risks during surgery: Damage to the structures of the eye, such as corneal abrasion, iris damage from the ultrasound probe, capsule rupture, and bleeding. These are all treatable and, if you’re unlucky enough to suffer, most heal completely with time and treatments.
• General post-surgery risks: Itching, inflammation, grittiness, vision disturbances, and excessive watering are all common after cataract surgery. However, while these are a little irritating, they usually subside over a few days or weeks as the healing process takes place. 
• More serious post-surgery risks: Again, it’s important to clarify that the risk of these is very low. More significant risks include retinal detachment, glaucoma, and a dislocation of the artificial lens. All of these will require further treatment.

We should also mention a more common side effect that occurs in up to 25% of people. This is a condition that’s often incorrectly described as a secondary cataract—even though it’s not possible for a cataract to reform. However, sometimes proteins left in the eye can begin to clump on the part of the lens capsule that the artificial lens is attached to. This causes vision disturbances similar to that of a cataract.

The condition is called posterior capsule opacification (PCO) and can occur anytime from months to years after the original operation. It’s easily treated with a single visit to your cataract surgeon with a five-minute laser procedure.

What raises the risk?

Some things raise the risk of cataract surgery complications. These include:

• Other underlying medical conditions: Including diabetes, glaucoma, and certain autoimmune conditions.
• Previous eye trauma and/or operations: Such as treatment for previous retinal detachment.
• Certain medications: Your surgeon will discuss this with you. You might have to stop taking your meds a few days before your cataract op. This is especially likely if you take anticoagulants.
• Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption: If you can give up or significantly reduce use that can have a very real positive impact on your risk factors.

Despite all of these risks, nothing detracts from the fact that—if you decide not to go through with a cataract operation when advised—your vision will continue to deteriorate and can result in blindness.

The WBEC Explains the Advantages & the Disadvantages of Cataract Surgery in Your Bespoke Consultation

At the West Boca Eye Center, we wholly believe that you should be fully informed about their cataract procedure. This includes providing clear, non-medical jargon about the potential risks involved. Only true clarity allows you to make an informed decision—not only about whether you want to undergo cataract surgery, but the type that’s best for you.

Don’t settle for anything less than the best when it comes to your precious eyesight. There’s a reason that so many people travel the length and breadth of our great nation to take advantage of the skills of our lead clinician—Dr. Brent Bellotte—and that’s because he truly is one of the best in the world.

Start your cataract recovery journey at https://westbocaeyecenter.com/services/cataract-surgery/ and call our expert team today for a consultation.

There’s a whole lot of information about the benefits of having a cataract procedure but the disadvantages of cataract surgery are less well documented.

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