- Intraocular inflammation and resulting vision damage or vision loss (risk of around 1:5000 operations).
- Cataract surgery might increase the possibility of retinal detachment (risk is higher in eyes with short sightedness above -5 dioptres), which requires surgical treatment.
- • After the operation, lens capsule haze may develop over time, reducing visual acuity (in around 40% of patients). This haze can be removed during the visit with a special laser.
- Concomitant eye diseases or general diseases (hypertension, diabetes, blood coagulation disorders) increase the risk during surgery and may promote the development hemorrage during the surgery.
- Swelling and damage of the cornea (keratopathy) is a rare complication resulting in a decrease in visual acuity and eye pain. Usually swelling of the cornea is reversible over time. Risk depends on the condition of the cornea and endothelial cells before surgery.
- Macular oedema – swelling in the bottom of the eye in the central visual area of the retina. Its symptom is a change in vision so that straight lines become curved. Risk for the occurrence of macular oedema is 1-2%. Swelling is usually reversible spontaneously but might also require use of eye drops or intraocular injection.
- Error in choosing the power of intraocular lens so that the intraocular lens is either too ‘weak’ or too ‘strong’. Contemporary pre-operative predictive measuring devices do not guarantee an absolute result. There is less than 5% probability that the eye might need additional surgery with an excimer laser (LASIK or PRK) or the implantation of an additional intraocular lens. These operations have excellent results but are not completely risk free.
Important information for the patient