Cloudy Vision After Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is the most effective treatment for cataracts because it completely removes the vitreous gel (the fluid that fills your eye) where they develop. The vitreous gel is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to protect your eye and prevent the cataract from forming again. However, there may be times when your vision becomes cloudy again after cataract surgery.
Cloudy vision is a common symptom of cataracts. However, it will not be the underlying cause of your vision changes because once the vitreous gel is removed and replaced, a cataract cannot form. But cloudy vision can be caused by other eye conditions or issues with your lens that may need further treatment.
Learn more about cloudy vision after cataract surgery with Eye Clinic London and discover what is considered normal and when to seek medical advice.
Is it normal to have cloudy vision after cataract surgery?
After cataract surgery, it is normal for you to experience cloudy vision. Your eye needs time to adjust to the IOL and recover from the procedure. How long your vision remains cloudy depends entirely on your recovery. Some people recover relatively quickly and others a little slower.
However, if you experience cloudy vision for more than a few weeks, you should speak with your ophthalmologist to rule out potential surgery complications.
Common side effects after cataract surgery
All surgical procedures will cause some side effects. The ones associated with cataract surgery include:
- Swelling and discomfort in your eye area
- Increased eye (intraocular) pressure
- Bruising
- A feeling of grittiness in your eye
- Watery eyes
- A red or bloodshot eye
These side effects will clear up within the first few days after your surgery. But it can take up to six weeks for you to fully recover.
What causes cloudy vision after cataract surgery?
Although some cloudiness in your vision is normal after cataract surgery, if it lasts beyond your initial recovery, there could be an underlying cause.
Swelling and inflammation
Inflammation is a typical reaction to cataract surgery but can temporarily change your vision. Once you begin to recover, the swelling and inflammation will go down, restoring your vision.
If your eye swells more instead of healing, speak with your doctor immediately.
Dry eyes
Dry eyes are a common side effect of cataract surgery and they can lead to slightly blurred vision. Dry eyes can cause vision changes for many different reasons, such as:
- Prolonged use of antibiotic-steroid eye drops before and after cataract surgery
- Disruption to the tear film in your eye during surgery
- A decreased production of tears due to the surgical incision
Posterior capsular opacification (PCO)
PCO can sometimes be called a ‘secondary cataract’ and is a fairly common side effect of cataract surgery. However, it is not a cataract. PCO is an opaque film that grows over the membrane holding your IOL in place. This film causes cloudiness and blurred vision, which are very similar symptoms to cataracts.
Retinal detachment
Retinal detachment is where your retina comes away from your eye — causing blurred vision. Sometimes, it can cause floaters or flashes of light in your sight, too. The risk of retina detachment is small, but it is a serious condition. If left untreated, retinal detachment can cause permanent vision loss.
If you experience sudden vision changes after cataract surgery, seek medical attention immediately.
Cystoid macular oedema (CMO)
Cataract surgery causes your macular (part of your retina that controls central vision) to become swollen, leading to blurred or cloudy vision. CMO typically occurs six to eight weeks after cataract surgery and an expert can easily treat it.
How long does cloudy vision last after cataract surgery?
How long your vision is cloudy after cataract surgery will depend on your recovery and if any complications arise. It can take up to eight weeks for your eye to fully recover, but you should experience an improvement in your vision before this time.
Experiencing complications can increase the length of time your vision is cloudy. But by seeking medical advice as soon as possible, the correct treatment will help restore your vision.
How do you fix cloudy vision after cataract surgery?
Treatment for cloudy vision after cataract surgery will depend on the reason for your clouded vision. If inflammation and swelling after surgery are the cause, then surgeons often provide anti-inflammatory medication or eye drops. If dry eyes have caused your cloudy vision, lubricating eye drops can help.
PCO requires further treatment. The procedure called a YAG laser capsulotomy is quick and painless. The surgeon uses a laser to make a small opening in your posterior capsule where the cloudiness has developed. This new opening means light can pass through the capsule again — allowing you to see.
Retinal detachment must be treated with surgery immediately to fix or reattach your retina. Cystoid macular oedema is treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) eye drops and will typically resolve within a few months.
You must follow your doctor’s recommendations and aftercare advice post-cataract surgery. Doing so can reduce your risk of complications and the need for further treatment and protect your vision.
When to see a doctor
If your cloudy vision is not improving or is worsening, always speak to your doctor. They will help determine the underlying cause of your clouded vision.
You must also seek immediate medical attention if:
- Floaters suddenly appear or increase in number
- You experience flashes of light in your vision
- A shadow is moving across your sight
- Your vision is suddenly blurry
- You experience extreme pain or swelling
Regular follow-up appointments with your eye surgeon are essential because they help determine and prevent any further complications. It also means you’ll receive prompt treatment if they suspect you are experiencing another eye condition.
Get in touch with Eye Clinic London
While cloudy vision after cataract surgery is frequent, it is manageable and experts can treat it. However, it’s also essential to know when to seek medical advice and if something else could be the cause of your cloudy vision.
If you have any queries or concerns about your eye health and vision, contact Eye Clinic London. Our expert ophthalmologists will provide personalised advice to enhance and protect your sight.
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About the expert
Mr Hamada | Consultant Ophthalmologist and Corneal Surgeon
MD, MSc, DO (hons), FRCSEd, FRCOphth I am Samer, founder and consultant ophthalmic surgeon with over 20 years’ experience in ophthalmology. I am a world-renowned specialist in cornea, cataract and refractive surgery. I’m not only a leading surgeon but also the only dual fellowship trained in corneal diseases in children from reputable institutions in the UK. At Eye Clinic London I work closely with other consultant ophthalmologists, optometrists and orthoptists to achieve the best outcomes for our patients. Our main aim is to make sure our patients get the safest and best treatments available to them. We put your safety before anything else so you can rest assured that if you choose us you will be in the best and safest hands.
