Blurry Vision after Cataract Surgery – what is Normal and what is Not.

Not everyone will recover from cataract surgery at the same pace. Some people may have clear vision within a day after having cataract surgery, while for others  it may take several days for blurred vision to go away.

If you still have blurry vision several weeks after your cataract surgery, follow up with your eye doctor to rule out potential complications. 

If your blurred vision continues, it could be due to a variety of factors:

Inflammation

Inflammation is actually a healthy immune system response to the surgical removal of your eye lens. However, it can temporarily affect your vision and cause discomfort.

Inflammation should resolve with medication as your eye heals. You can expect an improvement in your vision within a few days of surgery. Doctors prescribe medication after surgery to help the healing process.

Contact your doctor if the inflammation continues to worsen following your surgery.

Dry eyes

Dry eyes can be a common problem after cataract surgery. Having dry eyes can cause blurred vision.

According to a 2019 studyTrusted Source, cataract surgery can increase the risk of dry eyes due to:

• longer-term use of antibiotic-steroid eye drops before and after surgery
• the disruption of the tear film in the eye during surgery
• decreased production of lubricants and tears in the eye due to the surgical incision

This same study found that around 64 percent of the study participants experienced mild dry eyes after cataract surgery. However, some types of cataract surgery had a higher incidence of dry eyes than others.

One of the best ways to alleviate dry eye symptoms is to use over-the-counter (OTC) artificial tears. These are eye drops that help lubricate your eyes. When your eyes are lubricated, it can help alleviate blurred vision.

If you use artificial tears more than 6 times a day, or if you’re allergic to preservatives, use preservative-free eye drops instead.

Talk to your eye doctor if your dry eye symptoms don’t clear up, or if they get worse.

Posterior capsular opacification

Posterior capsular opacification (PCO) is also known as a “secondary cataract,” although it’s not actually a cataract. Instead, it’s an opaque film that can grow over the membrane that holds your new lens in place.

This film can cause your vision to become blurry or cloudy, much like the symptoms you experienced when you had cataracts.

PCO is fairly common after cataract surgery, and is thought to affect about 20 percent of patients.

The treatment for PCO involves a quick, painless procedure called YAG laser capsulotomy. It can be done at the ophthalmologist’s office and typically only takes about 5 minutes. This laser procedure is typically covered by insurance and Medicare.

Retinal detachment

Retinal detachment occurs when the retina breaks away from the eye, causing obstructed, blurred, or shadowy vision. Some people also experience flashes of light or floating objects in their field of vision.

This complication is rare. A 2018 review suggests that it affects 0.7 percent of people who undergo cataract surgery. People who have additional eye conditions are at an increased risk.

Retinal detachment is serious. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss. Seek medical attention right away if you experience sudden changes in vision following cataract surgery.

Cystoid macular edema

After cataract surgery, the central retina (the macula) can become swollen, causing blurred and distorted vision. This condition is known as cystoid macular edema (CME).

CME affects up to 2 percent of cataract surgery patients. This condition, which can also cause swelling, usually appears around 6 to 8 weeks after surgery.

Treatment for CME typically includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) eye drops. This condition most often resolves within a few months.