Blurred Vision 2 Years After Cataract Surgery – Causes & Home Remedies

Approximately 9.5 million cataract surgeries are performed worldwide every year. This makes cataract surgery one of the most frequently performed surgeries. Usually, most people opt to go for a cataract surgery when they experience extreme blurry vision. The main purpose of the cataract surgery is to correct blurred vision. However, in some cases, months or years after the surgery, the patient may experience a blurred vision once again. This is known as a SECONDARY CATARACT.

What Does it Mean?

Cataracts in most cases happen as part of the aging process, commonly in people aged above 55 years old. It’s usually a clouding of the clear lens of the eye. In case you develop a cataract, light may not be able to directly pass through the eye lens to the retina. Depending on the location and the size of the cataract, it can interfere with your normal vision resulting in a blurred vision. Cataracts in most cases develop in both eyes however, one eye might have a worse vision than the other.

When To Have Cataract Surgery?

The early signs and symptoms associated with cataracts include blurred vision and difficulty reading. Generally, cataracts develop very slowly and urgent surgery may not be necessary. However, in case your vision has decreased to the extent that you can no longer safely and easily perform your day to day activities, a cataract surgery may be required.

In such a case, it’s important that you talk to your doctor. He is familiar with your eye health and therefore he might be able to guide you in the most effective procedure that you should go for. Also, he may be able to answer any questions related to the surgery including the potential risks and benefits of the cataract surgery.

Currently, the only procedure used to treat cataracts is surgery. An artificial new lens is used to replace the natural affected lens of your eye. It’s placed in the lens capsule, this is the membrane that holds your natural lens.

Blurred Vision 2 Years or More After Cataract Surgery Causes

Cloudy vision immediately after cataract surgery or 2 years after happen especially due to a lens capsule. In most cases, it thickens up causing a double or a blurred vision. Other common causes of blurred vision after cataract surgery include

● Lens error
● Dry eyes
● Swelling of the retina

Post Cataract Surgery Complications

Even though cataract surgery is one of the safest and successful surgical procedures, in some rare cases, a complication may occur. The complications will depend on how effectively the surgery was performed, how serious the problem was, the treatment, and much more.

These Complications Include

• Infection- During recovery, the eye is vulnerable to infection that can cause bacteria. This can, however, be avoided with proper care. For example, washing your hands well before inserting the prescribed eye drops. Also, the doctor can prescribe eye drops to prevent infection.
• Retinal Detachment – It’s important to pay attention to light after surgery. A breakage of the layer of tissue may happen at the back of the eye. It’s responsible for sensing light that reaches the eye.
• Inflammation- After surgery, inflammation may occur inside the eye. The ophthalmologist can prescribe medication to control inflammation.
• Bleeding and swelling of the cornea
• Increased pressure in the eye
• Drooping eyelid
• Itchiness few days after surgery
• Age related macular degeneration– This is the degeneration of the central area of the retina.
• Dislocation of the artificial lens
• Secondary Cataracts– This happens when the artificial capsule become clouded and develop into a condition referred to as the posterior capsule opacity. This condition, however, can be easily treated through a laser procedure.

Home Remedies For Cataract

Good nutrition is the key to a healthy body.

1. Reduce Intake of Carbs

This can greatly help in preventing cataracts from clouding your normal vision. A recent study claims that people who consume high amounts of carbs are likely to develop cataracts than people who don’t. It’s important to cut carbs from your diet to reduce the chances of developing cataracts.

2. Increase Intake of Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a very important vitamin in the body. It aids in the production of collagen which is responsible for the faster healing of wounds and cuts. It can, therefore, be able to combat most age-related diseases such as cataracts. A recent study was done in a group of women. The women were administered with vitamin C supplements and by the end of this study; the likelihood of those women to develop cataracts was below 36%. Vitamin C can greatly aid in the protection of the lens and ensure a clear and sharper central vision.

3. Drink Tea

Over the years, herbal tea has been used as a natural medicine to treat a variety of ailments. Tea is a great remedy for treating digestion, inflammation, ensuring a better sleep, and much more. Drinking tea can help you relax which can help reduce symptoms of cataracts such as eye pain, clouded vision, and redness in the eye. For great results, drink about 3-4 cups of tea per day. Top herbal teas include green tea, ginkgo, biloba tea, mint, and rosemary tea.

Other Tips that can Aid in Quick Recovery or Prevention of Cataracts may Include

• Wear Sunglasses– After surgery, your eyes can be sensitive to glare and. It’s therefore important that you wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from extreme and high exposure to ultra-violet rays. Regular exposure to ultraviolet rays can cause the development of cataracts by changing the structure of the lens. Sunglasses will not only help prevent clouding from worsening but can also protect further damage from the sun.
• Use a Protective Shield– It’s very risky to scratch or bump your eyes immediately after surgery. The doctor can give you a protective shield to wear especially at night to avoid harming the eyes.
• Always Keep Your Eyes Clean– In order to avoid exposing your eyes to infection, it’s highly recommended that you upgrade your hygiene as far as the areas around the eyes are concerned. Also, avoid makeup for a few days after the surgery. Make sure that you wash your hands well before touching areas around the eyes.
• Avoid rubbing or exerting pressure in the eyes
• Avoid lifting heavy objects/ or extreme physical exercises- They can increase the intraocular pressure.

After a cataract surgery, make sure that you follow the doctor’s recommendations and recovery tips to reduce the risks of developing a blurred or double vision after cataract surgery.

Blurred vision after cataract surgery is not common. Most patients have reported favourable results such as improved vision. In case of a complication, however, immediately contact a doctor since some complication can be worse to the extent of causing total blindness.