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If you have sudden eye pain, blurred vision, or eye floaters, you may wonder how serious it is and how fast you should act. This
December 18, 2025 No Comments
Dr. Raksha J Vaishnav (MBBS, DNB, FG) is a Surgeon specializing in Cataract and Glaucoma. With over 15 years of experience, she completed her Glaucoma Fellowship at Nethradhama and has co-authored a paper on the use of Artificial Intelligence in Ophthalmology.
Cataract surgery is safe. However, certain side effects may appear. This could include temporary blurred vision, discomfort, or eye redness.
Here are ten side effects of cataract surgery patients commonly experience.
Cataracts cloud the natural lens. This causes vision to blur, colours to fade, and everyday tasks to feel harder. Modern cataract surgery replaces the hazy lens with a clear artificial implant. It helps restore brightness and sharpness.
The procedure is common and usually painless as it is performed under topical anaesthesia. Recovery is quick, and many patients notice improved sight within days.
What you need to remember is that cataract is still a surgery and there are side-effects associated with it. Knowing about the possible side effects of cataract surgery can help you feel prepared.
Some people may notice temporary discomfort. There may also be visual disturbances after a cataract surgery. Below are ten common side effects of cataract surgery explained in detail.
Vision may appear blurred or cloudy for a short time after the surgery. The eye needs to adjust to the new artificial lens. The healing tissues can temporarily affect clarity. Some patients describe their sight as though looking through mist or smudged glass. Usually, this clears within days or weeks as the eye stabilises. If blurriness lingers, it could signal other concerns requiring medical advice. Such side effects of cataract surgery are often mild and manageable.
Dry eyes are a common side effect that is felt after the procedure. This is prevalent during the early recovery phase. One reason is that Tear production may temporarily decrease. This can lead to a scratchy or sandy sensation in the eye.
Irritation may worsen due to environmental triggers such as wind. Prolonged screen use may also cause an increase in eye irritation.
Artificial tears or prescribed lubricating drops can bring relief. Hydration and protective eyewear may also help. These discomforts usually fade as the eye regains balance. Dry eyes are one of the most reported post cataract surgery side effects.
A common complaint after surgery is the odd feeling that something is trapped in the eye. This is often caused by the healing incision and stitches, if any. Patients may describe it as a grain of sand or a small eyelash stuck under the lid. The sensation can be distracting, though not usually harmful. Lubricating drops, prescribed by doctors, often help reduce irritation. While it subsides within days, report any worsening pain.
Some people notice glowing circles or halos surrounding lights, especially in dim settings. This can be unsettling at night when driving or walking along streets. The effect often arises from the way light interacts with the new lens implant and the healing cornea. With time, the eye adapts and the halos fade. For most, the issue is temporary, though it requires patience. Halos are part of the visual side effects after cataract surgery, but rarely become long-term concerns.
Bright sunlight or harsh indoor lighting may feel overwhelming after the procedure. This sensitivity stems from temporary inflammation inside the eye. Sunglasses or tinted lenses help shield against intense light, bringing relief during healing. Patients often find glare from car headlights or reflective surfaces more disturbing in the first few weeks. Typically, sensitivity reduces as inflammation subsides. If discomfort persists, it deserves further assessment. These temporary light disturbances fall under common side effects of cataract eye surgery recovery.
Not all cataract surgery side effects are limited to the eye alone. Some patients report queasiness, dizziness, or a sense of imbalance after the operation. Anaesthesia or adjustments in visual input may contribute to these symptoms. The brain requires time to adapt to the improved vision, which can feel disorienting at first. Short walks, rest, and hydration help calm these sensations. Persistent nausea calls for medical attention, as it may relate to medication or pressure changes. Still, most cases resolve swiftly without consequence.
Mild redness in the treated eye is expected after surgery. Small blood vessels may break during the procedure, leaving the eye looking pink or slightly bloodshot. The appearance can cause concern but rarely signals danger. Usually, the redness fades within a week as tissues repair themselves. Cold compresses or prescribed drops soothe irritation. If redness deepens or pain increases, an examination is important.
Fluctuations in intraocular pressure sometimes follow the procedure. These shifts may cause mild discomfort, headaches, or blurred sight. Monitoring is vital, particularly for patients with glaucoma or other eye conditions. Doctors usually prescribe drops to stabilise the pressure and avoid complications. Patients should attend follow-up visits to detect any unusual rises or falls early. Like a valve maintaining balance, the eye gradually regulates itself.
In some cases, the eyelid appears droopy after the operation. This is called ptosis and can happen because of the surgical instruments used during the procedure. The drooping is often mild and temporary, usually correcting itself over weeks or months. While it may cause concern, the effect is rarely permanent. If droopiness persists beyond healing, a corrective procedure can address it. This temporary cosmetic change is part of the wider group of side effects of cataract surgery recovery.
Patients may feel burning, itching, or general irritation as the eye recovers. These sensations arise from healing tissues, dryness, or reaction to medicated drops. Frequent blinking, rubbing, or exposure to dust may worsen the discomfort. Simple measures like using prescribed lubricants, resting the eye, and wearing protective glasses usually ease irritation. While annoying, it typically improves as the healing advances. Irritation is among the temporary side effects of cataract eye surgery and seldom leads to lasting problems.
Most side effects of cataract surgery settle within days or weeks. Mild redness, irritation, or blurry vision usually disappears quickly. Some issues, like halos or droopy eyelid, may take longer. Persistent problems deserve medical attention. Recovery times differ, but improvement steadily follows as the eye heals and adapts.
Relief comes through simple steps. Doctors may prescribe lubricating drops, dark glasses, or short rest periods. Limiting screen exposure helps prevent irritation and computer vision syndrome. Avoiding dusty spaces also supports recovery. Many patients benefit from temporary adjustments like contact lenses. Consistent follow-ups keep healing on track and prevent complications.
Severe pain, sudden loss of vision, or swelling that worsens needs urgent medical care. Infection signs like pus or intense redness also require immediate attention. If you’re wondering what are the side effects of cataract surgery that signal emergencies, these are the main warning signs demanding professional evaluation.
Cataract surgery transforms sight, but temporary side effects of cataract surgery may follow. Most issues fade as the eye heals, while guidance from specialists offers reassurance. Staying alert to unusual changes, attending follow-ups, and caring for the eyes support recovery. With patience, restored vision brings comfort, confidence, and renewed independence.
What is Cataract | Mature Cataract | Immature Cataract | Difference Between Mature and Immature Cataract | Nuclear Cataract | Traumatic Cataract | Precautions after Cataract Surgery | Cataract Operation Recovery Time | Best Lens for Cataract Surgery | Cataract Treatment without Surgery | Cataract Prevention | Difference Between Glaucoma and Cataract | Cataract Laser vs Traditional
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