You don’t need to panic if you have blurry vision for a few days after surgery. Blurred vision is a common reaction to cataract surgery because your eyes need time to heal and adjust to the lens your doctor implanted.

Blurry vision can vary from patient to patient—some people may have blurry vision for a day, while others experience blurriness for several days. While blurry vision is normal after surgery, blurred vision for weeks is concerning.

When Is Blurry Vision A Concern?

Blurry vision is common after cataract surgery for a few days, but continued blurriness can mean you’re experiencing a problem. Several factors related to cataract surgery can cause blurry vision, with some being more common than others. Your doctor can help determine the cause of your blurry vision if it continues.

Some possible cataract surgery complications include:

• Cystoid Macular Edema (CME) is a potential complication of cataract surgery where the macula, the center of your retina, becomes swollen. Macular swelling causes blurry and distorted vision, making it harder to see.
• Dry Eyes are possible after cataract surgery for many patients.
• Inflammation in the eye can happen after cataract surgery, but it is typically harmless. Any inflammation within the eye following cataract surgery is the body’s natural response to having the eye’s lens removed. This reaction causes blurry vision, but your eye doctor can prescribe medication to help.
• Posterior Capsular Opacification (PCO) is a potential complication of cataract surgery. Sometimes called a “secondary cataract,” PCO is a cloudy film growing over the portion of the eye where your artificial lens sits. PCO can cause blurry or distorted vision.
• Retinal Detachment happens when your retina pulls away from its original position in the eye. This condition causes blurry, distorted vision. While rare, retinal detachment is a risk of cataract surgery.

Learn More About Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery can let you see clearly again, helping provide an artificial replacement for your clouded lens. You may have questions about this procedure, and your eye doctor can help. They can address any questions or concerns you may have. Contact SightMD today if you have questions about cataract surgery or if you’re interested in this treatment.