Can Floaters Happen After Cataract Surgery?
A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye, which can lead to a decrease in vision. This cloudiness is normally clear and most commonly occurs due to ageing. Some symptoms of cataracts include;
- Blurry or cloudy vision
- Increased difficulty with vision at night
- Sensitivity to light and glare
- Seeing “halos” around lights
- Fading or yellowing of colours
Cataract surgery is a procedure performed to treat cataracts. It involves removing the cloudy lens and usually replacing it with a clear, artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL), to improve vision.
What are Floaters?
Floaters are what appear as small, dark shapes, floating in your vision. These shapes are tiny pieces of debris from your vitreous (vitreous is the clear gel-like substance that fills most of your eyeballs).
To most people, they appear as little dots, lines, or tiny cobwebs that drift through their field of vision, and are more noticeable when looking at a bright, clear background like a blue sky or a white computer screen. They move around when your eyes move and seem to disappear when you try to look directly at them.
Usually, floaters are nothing to worry about. They may be annoying but are normal for the most part. As mentioned above, they develop more with age, as the vitreous start to break down or clump together, forming clumps and strands.
However, a sudden increase in floaters or experiencing floaters that won’t go away may be a sign of a serious eye problem. It is even worse if they are combined with other symptoms such as flashes of light or any type of loss of vision.
Can Floaters Happen After Cataract Surgery
Yes, floaters can occur after cataract surgery. While the procedure is primarily focused on replacing the cloudy lens in your eye, it can cause changes within the eye that might lead to the development of floaters.
Post-surgical Inflammation, posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), bleeding, the introduction of air bubbles, and the presence of pre‐existing floaters are all other reasons a patient may experience floaters, or increased floaters after cataract surgery.
Treating Floaters After Cataract Surgery?
In some cases, the patient may not need treatment for floaters after cataract surgery. However, in other cases, a professional medical intervention is necessary and crucial.
After cataract surgery, when your lens is replaced with a clear one, your vision becomes clearer. This might make any floaters you already had or any new ones that develop, more noticeable.
Treatments for floaters will depend on the cause. This may include a retinal problem, ageing, or other eye problems, all of which the doctor will handle differently after a thorough eye exam.
Typical Treatments for Floaters After Cataract Surgery
Here are some common ways you can deal with floaters;
Watchful waiting ‐ Sometimes, you might simply have to get used to them. Over time, your brain may start to ignore them, making them less noticeable.
Medical intervention ‐ If the floaters starts to severely affect your vision, reach out to your doctor immediately. Here are some treatments that may be recommended;
- Laser vitreolysis; During this treatment, a laser is used to break up the floaters, making them less visible. This procedure is not suitable for everyone and depends on the size and position of the floaters.
- Vitrectomy; Vitrectomy is usually performed in severe cases. During the procedure, the vitreous gel, along with the floaters, is removed and replaced with a saline solution.
Note that floaters may not be the only symptoms you experience after cataract surgery. If you experience any of the below symptoms, visit your doctor for further assessment;
- Flashes of light
- Red eyes
- Any type of vision loss
- Severe pain in the eyes
- Dark shadow blocking some parts of your vision or your peripheral view
