Learning that you may need cataract surgery can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure of what to expect or concerned about potential side effects.
Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most effective procedures performed today, but like any surgery, it can come with a few temporary side effects. While most are mild and resolve on their own, it’s important to know what to anticipate so you can recover with confidence. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the most common side effects after cataract surgery, how long they typically last, and when you should contact your ophthalmologist.
Here are the top side effects that could happen after your cataract surgery.
1. Blurry Vision
Experiencing blurry or hazy vision after cataract surgery is very common. This is often caused by temporary swelling in the eye during the healing process. The blurriness may last a few days or up to a week, but it should gradually improve.
Tip: Anti-inflammatory eye drops prescribed by your ophthalmologist can help reduce swelling. If your blurry vision persists beyond a week, schedule a follow-up visit.
2. Dry Eyes
Most patients experience dry eyes after undergoing cataract surgery. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, small nerves on your eye’s surface are cut when incisions are made by the surgeon to access your lens. These nerves are responsible for telling your eye to produce tears in order to provide lubrication. Until those nerves heal, your eyes will decrease tear production and feel dry, which can lead to discomfort, light sensitivity, or blurry vision.
Solution: Use over-the-counter artificial tears to ease dryness while your eyes heal. Ask your ophthalmologist if prescription drops are needed.
3. Feeling Like Something Is in Your Eye
You might feel like there’s something in your eye, often described as a sandy or gritty feeling. This is a normal response to the small incision made during surgery.
This sensation typically fades within a week but may linger longer if you also have dry eyes. Lubricating eye drops can provide relief.
4. Glare & Halos
Some patients experience glare, halos, or starbursts around lights, especially when driving at night. This is caused by a variety of things, such as residual refractive error. If these images persist, ask your ophthalmologist for drops you can take at night.
5. Light Sensitivity
Light sensitivity is common and is usually due to dryness in the eye. However, if you find yourself reflexively squinting in bright environments, mild inflammation (iritis) could be the culprit.
What Helps: Wearing sunglasses and using prescription steroid eye drops, if recommended, can ease light sensitivity until your eyes fully heal.
6. Nausea or Disorientation
Feeling nauseated after your cataract surgery is normal and is usually due to the IV anesthesia used to sedate you. This nausea could last for a day or two, so stay hydrated and eat something when you get home from your surgery. Ocular hypertension, or elevated eye pressure, can also lead to nausea due to the gels used during surgery or if you have glaucoma.
Ask your ophthalmologist to check your ocular pressure one day post-op if this is a concern for you.
7. Bloodshot or Red Eyes
Bloodshot eyes are common and usually caused by mild inflammation or a broken blood vessel during cataract surgery. It may look scary, but it’s harmless and will heal on its own.
If the redness is accompanied by pain, vision changes, or light sensitivity, call your ophthalmologist promptly.
8. Floaters or Flashes of Light
Floaters are the shadows of vitreous gel in your eye and are not serious. They will go away on their own. However, if you see bursts of floaters or intense flashes of light, call your ophthalmologist. This could be caused by retinal detachment, which is a rare complication of cataract surgery.
Have More Concerns About Possible Side Effects?
Recovering from cataract surgery is usually a smooth process, especially when you know what to expect. While minor side effects are common, they are often short-lived and manageable with proper care. If you’re preparing for cataract surgery in Austin, taking time to learn more about the experience—from diagnosis and treatment to post-operative recovery—can help you feel more confident and comfortable throughout the healing process.
