Post-Cataract Surgery: Blurry Vision and Recovery Concerns

Post-cataract surgery

Hello, Doctor! My mother recently underwent cataract surgery (out-of-pocket cost of about 38,000 NTD).
Immediately after the surgery, her vision was very clear, but the next day it started to become blurry.
My father had the same surgery years ago and it was discovered that his lens was implanted incorrectly.
Could my mother's situation be similar? The doctor at the follow-up appointment said the lens was not implanted incorrectly and that we need to observe her condition gradually.
Neighbors with the same condition mentioned that they could see clearly right after the surgery, so I’m unsure about my mother's situation.
Could you please provide some clarification? Wishing you peace and well-being.

Xiao Xiansheng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/03/29

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Dear Mr.
Hsiao,
After surgery, there may be a recovery period during which your vision will stabilize.
Please observe your condition for a while; if a refraction test shows a prescription, you will need to wear glasses for clear vision.
Each individual's situation is different, and recovery varies from person to person, so we ask for your patience.

The Ophthalmology Department at Puzi Hospital in Taiwan is open on the following schedule:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Wednesday from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Please note that online responses are for reference only; it is essential to seek medical attention at a healthcare facility if necessary.
We hope to have the opportunity to serve you.
Best regards,
Gao Pilin

Reply Date: 2020/03/29

More Info

After cataract surgery, it is not uncommon for patients to experience blurry vision during the recovery period. This can be concerning, especially when the initial post-operative vision was clear. There are several factors that can contribute to this phenomenon, and understanding them can help alleviate some of the anxiety surrounding the recovery process.

Firstly, it is important to note that cataract surgery involves the removal of the cloudy lens of the eye and its replacement with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). While many patients do experience immediate improvement in vision, it is also normal for vision to fluctuate in the days and weeks following surgery. This can be due to several reasons:
1. Healing Process: The eye undergoes a healing process after surgery, which can lead to temporary changes in vision. Swelling, inflammation, or the presence of fluid in the eye can cause blurriness. This is typically a normal part of the recovery process and should improve over time.

2. Residual Effects: Sometimes, the eye may still have residual effects from the surgery, such as residual astigmatism or changes in the cornea. These can lead to blurry vision, but they often resolve as the eye continues to heal.

3. Posterior Capsule Opacification (PCO): In some cases, a condition known as posterior capsule opacification can develop after cataract surgery. This occurs when the thin membrane that holds the IOL in place becomes cloudy, leading to blurry vision. If this happens, it can be treated with a simple outpatient procedure called YAG laser capsulotomy.

4. Lens Positioning: While it is rare for the IOL to be positioned incorrectly, it is understandable to have concerns, especially given your father's experience. However, if the doctor has confirmed that the lens is correctly positioned, this is a positive sign. Misalignment of the lens can lead to visual disturbances, but it is not a common occurrence.

5. Visual Adaptation: After surgery, the brain and eyes need time to adapt to the new lens. This adaptation period can vary from person to person, and some may experience fluctuations in vision during this time.

Regarding your mother's situation, it is essential to follow the doctor's advice and allow time for recovery. The fact that the doctor has indicated that the lens is correctly positioned and has advised observation suggests that they believe the blurriness is likely temporary. It is crucial to attend follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process and address any concerns that may arise.

If your mother continues to experience significant blurriness or if her vision worsens, it is important to contact her eye care provider for further evaluation. They may perform additional tests to rule out any complications or to determine if further treatment is necessary.

In summary, blurry vision after cataract surgery can be a normal part of the recovery process, and it is essential to give the eyes time to heal. Regular follow-ups with the eye doctor will help ensure that any issues are addressed promptly and that your mother can achieve the best possible visual outcome from her surgery.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Post-Cataract Surgery Recovery and Near Vision Challenges

Hello doctor, during my school years, I had high myopia close to 1000 degrees. At the age of 25, I discovered cataracts, and the pre-operative examination showed no significant issues with my retina. For convenience at work, I opted for an optical aspheric intraocular lens, and t...

Dr. Wang Zhishun reply Ophthalmology
Hello, if you have undergone cataract surgery with a monofocal intraocular lens and achieved full correction, you will generally need to use reading glasses for near vision after the procedure. This is not a matter of recovery, as the accommodative ability of the lens post-surger...

Understanding Vision Recovery After Cataract Surgery: What to Expect

Hello, Director Gao! My mother underwent cataract surgery on her left eye a week ago, during which a monofocal aspheric toric intraocular lens was implanted. She has had two follow-up visits, and the doctor mentioned that the incision is healing well. Her vision returned to nearl...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello: I am also unable to determine what the issue is, but if there are any unusual symptoms, I recommend that you take her back for a check-up as soon as possible. If everything is fine, you can be reassured; if there is a problem, early treatment is beneficial.

Post-Cataract Surgery Blurriness: Concerns and Recovery Insights

I would like to ask about my father, who underwent cataract phacoemulsification surgery on Friday, April 23. He had an eye patch on after the surgery, and when he went for a follow-up appointment the next day, the vision was still blurry and not much clearer than before. This mor...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello Ms. Chou, Some individuals recover quickly while others take more time, so after just two days, we still need to observe for a while longer to determine the recovery progress. Surgery for advanced cataracts can sometimes affect the speed of recovery. Smoking can impact the...

20 Days Post-Cataract Surgery: Why Is My Vision Still Blurry?

I have high myopia (approximately 800-900 degrees) and have undergone laser eye surgery. In recent years, during examinations, cataracts were discovered along with macular degeneration. Recently, I had cataract surgery on my left eye (due to claustrophobia, I was under general an...

Dr. He Jianxian reply Ophthalmology
Due to the inability to assess the condition of your eyes, I am unable to determine the specific issue. Thank you for your understanding. Dr. He Jianxian, Ophthalmology Department, Nantou Hospital.