Cataracts are a problem that causes cloudy vision. The condition blocks light, making it hard for people to see clearly. An optometrist can correct this vision problem with laser surgery, which involves removing the lens causing cloudy vision and implanting an artificial one. While the procedure has a high success rate, botched eye surgery can still happen.
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What Is Botched Eye Surgery?
Eye surgery is deemed botched if a patient has continued complications after the recovery period. While many vision surgeries are successful, mistakes can still happen during or after surgery. Seeing an optometrist for diagnosis and treatment when you notice a problem can help prevent the situation from getting worse. Some of the complications that occur after corrective surgery include:
Blurry Vision
Cataract surgery is meant to correct blurry vision. Sometimes, the side effects of the surgery result in worse vision problems. It’s normal to experience some blurry vision days or weeks after surgery because of post-surgery inflammation. This is easily corrected with anti-inflammatory eye drops.
If you continue to see foggy vision several weeks after surgery, you will need to see an optometrist. One solution to fix blurry vision after cataract surgery is through a yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG) procedure. This procedure uses a laser to open a path in the lens for light to shine in.
Dry Eye
Patients can get dry eyes after surgery if there is an issue caused by the surgical incision. If the incision creates an irregular surface, the layers of tears, called the tear film, will break up more quickly. This leads to dry eyes. In many cases, over-the-counter artificial tears can help. If artificial tears do not work, patients can try punctual plugs or specific eye drops paired with steroids.
Posterior Capsule Opacity
Posterior capsule opacity (PCO) is a secondary cataract that may occur weeks, months, or years after vision surgery. When the new lens is placed in your eyes, a membrane holds it together. This membrane, known as the lens capsule, may become wrinkled or hazy, causing the secondary cataracts. PCO can also occur if cells grow in the membrane, causing clouded or distorted vision.
A YAG laser capsulotomy can help reverse this situation. It involves opening the cloudy capsule with a laser beam to allow light in. It’s a simple, outpatient procedure that takes a few minutes. The doctor will ask you to stay in their office for an hour to make sure there are no complications from the YAG procedure.
Light Sensitivity
Another possible complication after eye surgery is light sensitivity caused by eye dryness. Inflammation can also cause your eyes to reflexively squint or close when exposed to light. Your optometrist may recommend wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes during recovery or using eye drops to provide relief. If a surgery is successful, light sensitivity goes away with time. Continued sensitivity, even after recovery, can be caused by blepharitis. An eye infection after surgery can also cause extreme light sensitivity. These issues should be addressed with your doctor if they persist after the recovery period.
Glares and Halos or Unwanted Images
Seeing ‘unwanted images’ (dyphotopsia) or glares and halos (dysphotopsia) is another possible complication after vision surgery. These conditions may occur more frequently at night or in dimmed lights. Glares and halos can occur from PCO or multifocal lenses. When they’re caused by PCO, they can be corrected with YAG laser treatment.
An optometrist can also recommend special eye drops to use at night to reduce unwanted images. Negative dysphotopsia, which appears as a crescent-shaped shadow or an arch of light, is also common after surgery. If these complications persist for more than three months after surgery, an optometrist can recommend corrective treatment.
Correcting Vision After a Botched Eye Surgery
During cataract surgery, an optometrist adds artificial lenses to replace the cloudy lenses. Patients should see clearly after this procedure, but there are cases of botched eye surgery. This includes problems such as dry eyes, blurry vision, or light sensitivity. If negative side effects of cataract surgery worsen with time, patients should seek out an optometrist to get the appropriate treatment. For the most complex cases, finding the best laser eye surgeon can significantly improve the outcome and restore optimal vision.
Get Clear Vision With An Optometrist Treatment
Botched cataract surgery can cause complications if not addressed right away. At a certified eye clinic, an experienced optometrist can diagnose any symptoms of botched eye surgery and offer appropriate treatment. If you have any eye problems, contact professionals for personalized eye care.
