What are cataracts?
Cataracts occur when the normally clear lens in the eye starts to become cloudy. This is a normal part of aging, and it is a common cause of vision loss in older adults. In most cases, cataract surgery can be performed to restore vision without complication.
Can there be complications from cataract surgery?
There are times during cataract surgery when the lens is not able to be completely removed and lens fragments fall to the back of the eye. These are called retained lens fragments. This is rare, but it can happen even in the most experienced surgeon’s hands. This complication is more likely to occur if the cataract is severe, if there is a history of trauma, or if the patient has certain other eye conditions which increase the risk of complications.
What are the effects of retained lens fragments?
If these lens fragments remain in the eye after surgery, they can cause severe inflammation resulting in blurred vision, high eye pressure, and swelling in the retina and cornea. In these cases, a vitreoretinal surgeon would perform a second surgery to safely remove these fragments from the back of the eye. Thankfully, most patients who require additional treatment for retained lens fragments after cataract surgery are able to achieve excellent vision.