Cataract Surgery – What Happens When the Results are Poor

While you can hope for the best results in a surgery, there are times when the results of a procedure aren’t as good as everyone hoped. If you’re anticipating a cataract surgery, you may be wondering what can be done in case you are not happy with the results of the surgery.

To answer this question, you will need to understand what is involved in a cataract surgery.

Cataract surgery

Cataract surgery is a permanent solution for cataracts. It involves the removal of the affected lens. The lens may then be replaced with an artificial lens. The artificial lens used to replace the natural lens will have been agreed upon before the procedure is undertaken.

By removing the entire lens and replacing it with an intraocular lens, the surgeon is able to improve the patient’s vision. It is rare that any complications occur from cataract surgery. The success rate of these surgeries is as high as 98%.

While complications are rare, possible complications from cataract surgery include:

  1. Macular edema – this is the swelling of the central part of the retina
  2. Ocular hypertension – this is the increase in pressure within the eye
  3. Light sensitivity
  4. Intraocular lens dislocation
  5. Eye inflammation
  6. Ptosis – the development of a droopy eyelid
  7. Photopsia – this is the perceived flashes of light in your field of vision

When these complications occur, they can often be solved medically. Some may require additional surgery.

Can I have an intraocular implant exchanged?

Intraocular lenses (IOLs) are designed to provide a permanent replacement for natural lenses that are removed during cataract surgery. There are a wide variety of IOLs at different magnification powers. These lenses function differently and have their advantages and disadvantages. Your surgeon will help you choose the most ideal solution for your needs.

The selection of an IOL takes time and care. This ensures that the right IOL is chosen. If the IOL implant does not provide the ideal power or is not properly positioned, it may be replaced or repositioned. It is however important for patients to realize that there are many risks involved in the replacement of IOLs.

There are various alternatives to exchanging an IOL. These include:

  1. Wearing prescription glasses
  2. Limbal relaxing incisions
  3. Wearing prescription contact lenses
  4. Laser vision correction.

If you’re considering an IOL exchange, it is important to consult with your surgeon and consider the pros and cons of the surgery.