Why Floaters After Cataract Surgery?
If you have ever experienced or seen what looks like threads, specks, or spider webs moving in the same direction you are looking, especially when you look at bright lights, those are most likely floaters.
These might also appear after you have had cataract surgery. Note that while it is a common side effect of the surgery, which usually resolves over time, not everybody gets them.
So what causes them to develop after cataract surgery? Read on to find out.
Why Do Floaters Appear After Cataract Surgery?
Cataract is the clouding of the lens in the eyes. It starts slowly but can progress to the point that it affects vision. It can be caused by multiple factors including;
Ageing ‐ This is the most common cause of cataracts. It happens because the proteins in the lens degenerate over time, clumping together, and forming opaque areas that decrease the clarity of the vision seen through the lens.
Injury ‐ Trauma to the eye can sometimes lead to cataract formation.
Medical conditions ‐ Medical conditions like diabetes can increase the risk of developing cataracts.
Medications ‐ Long-term use of some medications such as corticosteroids, can contribute to cataract development.
Exposure to radiation ‐ Exposure to some types of radiation can also lead to cataracts.
Genetic factors ‐ Some people are genetically predisposed to cataracts. These can be due to inherited disorders or through familiar tendencies.
Symptoms of Cataracts
Common symptoms include;
- Blurred or cloudy vision
- Increased sensitivity to light, especially at night
- Colours may appear less vibrant
- Difficulty seeing in low-light conditions
- Double vision in one eye
Floaters After Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with a clear, artificial lens. This is a highly effective procedure that has successfully restored vision for many patients.
There are various reasons why floaters may appear after cataract surgery;
Changes in the Eye’s Interior
During cataract surgery, the natural, cloudy lens of the eye is removed and replaced with an artificial lens. This process involves the use of various surgical instruments and the introduction of fluids to facilitate the implantation of the new lens.
These actions can disturb the vitreous body, causing the tiny fibres within it to clump together and form floaters.
Increased Visibility
When the affected lens is removed, the barrier that previously blocked light is gone. This results in a significant increase in both the amount of light entering the eye and the overall sharpness of the visual field.
This therefore enhances clarity and brightness and can make pre-existing floaters (that were initially not as noticeable) more visible to the patient.
Physical Stimulation
Cataract surgery can physically stimulate the vitreous, leading to posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). This occurs when the vitreous gel slightly pulls away from the retina, causing new floaters to form.
Can Floaters Be Treated After Cataract Surgery?
There are various treatments that can be recommended to treat floaters after a cataract surgery. But before we check out some of the treatments, it is also recommended to wait and observe.
In some cases, patients have found that their floaters become less noticeable over time as they adjust to their presence. Sometimes, the floaters may even settle at the bottom of the eye, moving out of the line of vision.
Otherwise, here are some treatments that can be done to remove or reduce them;
Laser Vitreolysis ‐ Laser Vitreolysis uses a laser to break down large floaters into smaller pieces, making them less noticeable. This treatment is especially effective for certain types of floaters like the Weiss ring.
Vitrectomy ‐ During vitrectomy, the vitreous gel of the eye is removed along with the floaters present. It is then replaced with a saline solution or silicone oil to maintain the eye’s shape.
