What Causes Double Vision After Cataract Surgery?

 Double vision after cataract surgery can occur during the healing process. While many people experience the joy of improved vision straight away, it’s common to have a few days or weeks for everything to settle down post-op.

This is because the brain is adapting to the new, unobstructed information it’s receiving now the cataract has been removed. 

But what might cause double vision further down the line? There is a condition (with an easy fix) that can occur at any time after a cataract op—anything from months to years afterward.

Double Vision Post-Cataract Operation: Everything you need to know 

• PCO: the most common answer to what causes double vision after cataract surgery?
• How is PCO treated?
• Other rarer causes of double vision after cataract surgery

PCO: the most common answer to what causes double vision after cataract surgery? 

PCO, or posterior capsule opacification, is a condition that’s often—mistakenly—referred to as a second cataract. It occurs when proteins begin to build up on the small amount of the lens capsule that remains in the eye after a cataract procedure. This is left in place to provide a point of attachment for the new intraocular lens (IOL).

PCO can occur in the weeks, months, or even years after a cataract operation. The reason it sometimes gets dubbed as a second cataract is because the symptoms can be similar. 

If PCO is the culprit, in addition to double vision you might experience:

• A glare or halo around light sources
• Blurred or double vision
• A reduction in the quality of vision in the affected eye

As you can see, these symptoms are remarkably like what many people experience as their cataracts ripen. However, rest assured that this is not a cataract reforming—that isn’t physically possible. 

How is PCO treated?

PCO is very easy to treat. A procedure, known as YAG laser, is used to target the buildup of protein matter. It takes a few minutes to carry out and can be done in the doctor’s office. It’s a one-off requirement and should fix the issue for good. 

Other, rarer causes of double vision after cataract surgery

Apart from the common double vision that occurs in the first few weeks after cataract surgery (and gradually disappears), there are some less common reasons for it to occur. 

The most likely of these are:

• A dislocated IOL: In rare cases, the implanted IOL can move out of position. If this becomes severely displaced, then a further surgical procedure will be needed to re-site it. However, a small shift might not necessarily require anything other than monitoring. If no issues, such as double vision, occur, then your ophthalmologist and you may agree to leave it in place. 
• Destabilized strabismus: This is a condition that causes the eyes to be misaligned. More severe cases might be referred to as a squint. Double vision post-cataract surgery is very often caused by well-controlled strabismus decompensating, causing focusing problems.

Happily, both these conditions can be effectively treated. If you do suffer from double vision after the normal recovery period of your cataract operation, be sure to speak to your ophthalmologist sooner rather than later. 

Worried About Double Vision After Cataract Surgery? Call the WBEC Today

The West Boca Eye Center is a leading global facility that specializes in all things cataract. From the first diagnosis through to advanced surgical procedures, our clinical team is one of the best in the world. 

Led by renowned ophthalmologist, Dr. Brent Bellotte, this academic-grade clinical facility is the go-to place for everything to do with optical health.

Discover more at https://www.westbocaeyecenter.com/services/cataract-surgery and call us today to book a consultation.

Double vision after cataract surgery can occur during the healing process. While many people experience the joy of improved vision straight away, it’s common to have a few days or weeks for everything to settle down post-op.