Cataract Surgery
WHAT ARE THE RISKS OR COMPLICATIONS WITH CATARACT SURGERY? Complications following cataract surgery are uncommon and occur in only around 2%. Most complications can be treated, although sight-threatening complications may rarely occur (less than 1 in every 1000).
All surgical procedures are associated with risks. While every attempt is made to minimise risks, complications still can, and do happen, even in the most experienced hands, and a complication may have permanent effects, causing you to lose your vision. Complications can occur even if the surgery has been carried out perfectly. It is not usual to outline every possible side effect or rare complication with cataract surgery but it is important that you have enough information about possible complications to fully weigh up the benefits, risks and limitations of surgery. If your fellow eye is blind or has very poor vision you must carefully weigh the benefits versus the risks of cataract surgery in your ‘better eye’. There is a small risk of complications during cataract surgery. Serious complications following cataract surgery are uncommon but complications can occur early or late following cataract surgery. Often, these complications occur not because of anything you have or have not done. If at any point, you are concerned that you may have developed a complication following cataract surgery it is better to be safe, and be in contact so I can examine your eye.
COMPLICATIONS DURING CATARACT SURGERY Complications during cataract surgery are uncommon and most complications can be treated, although sight-
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