Many patients expect immediate vision changes after surgery, but most surgeries are not instant cures. While the patient is most likely to experience clearer eyesight overall, the ophthalmologist should set the patient’s expectations for any symptoms they may experience in the short term.

Continue reading to learn more about potential vision changes after surgery for a few common surgical ophthalmic procedures.

Cataract Surgery Vision Changes After Surgery

Most commonly seen in senior citizens, a cataract is a cloud that forms over the eye lens, which results in hazier vision. In extreme cases, cataracts can advance to the point they result in complete vision loss.
Cataract surgery typically involves removing the natural lens and replacing it with a man-made alternative. Patients typically leave the clinic with your eye bandaged or protected by an eye shield. Complications are minimal. In fact, one large study reported an average satisfaction rate of 95 percent.

Strabismus Correction Procedure Expectations

Also known as eye muscle surgery, strabismus tries to correct a natural misalignment of the eyes. This failure in the eye muscles is also known as a chronic squint, walleye, or crossed-eyes. If not quickly corrected, this condition can lead to amblyopia (lazy eye). By trimming or realigning the six muscles around the eye, surgeons can help the eyes point in the proper direction. Unless accompanied by intensive therapy, the vision changes after surgery will be temporary.

Glaucoma Surgery Vision Changes After Surgery

Contrary to popular belief, glaucoma is not a singular disease; it’s a term given to a group of conditions that damage the optic nerves. Symptoms of glaucoma include loss of side vision, pain, blurred vision, red eyes, and extreme sensitivity to light.
While not a permanent solution, surgery can be used to reduce these symptoms and drain excess fluid. The options available include:

  • Removing tissue to allow for drainage
  • Placing an incision in the eye
  • Using a laser to create a semi-permanent opening in the eye

Healing from glaucoma surgeries can take months.

Blepharoplasty Procedure Expectations

Better known as eyelid surgery, blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure used to improve the appearance or function of the eyelids. While malformed or drooping eyelids can alter someone’s vision, this surgery is most often undertaken for cosmetic purposes.

The procedure itself involves anesthesia, a small incision, and either a tightening of muscles or repositioning of fatty deposits. When completed, some patients find it difficult to close their eyelids for a short period.

Orbital Surgery Vision Changes Post Surgery

While not directly involving your eyes, orbital surgery works directly to reconstruct, or alter, the socket which holds them. These procedures are common treatments for:

  • Orbital fractures
  • Removal of the eyes
  • Orbital decompression
  • Hematomas

If left untreated, these issues can lead to double vision, pain, or complete vision loss.

Lasik Surgery Post-op Expectations

Also known as refractive surgery, LASIK is an elective group of procedures which relies on lasers to treat:

  • Astigmatism
  • Presbyopia
  • Nearsightedness
  • Farsightedness

Depending on the condition, a laser can be used to smooth an irregular cornea, steepen a flat one, or flatten one that’s too curved. While not 100 percent successful, these quick, outpatient procedures can reduce a person’s need of contact lenses or eyeglasses.

Check out this guide published by Island Health from more information about treatments for common eye problems.

Common Short Term Symptoms of Eye Surgery

As stated above, it can take some time to enjoy the full benefits of eye surgery. Just like a surgical wound, a patient’s eyes need time to heal after a procedure. In fact, according to the FDA, it can take up to six months for vision to fully stabilize after a visit to the ophthalmologist.

In addition to fluctuations in your sight, your patients might also experience:

  • Difficulty driving at night or on super sunny days
  • Extreme sensitive to the sun or intense artificial light
  • Periodic headaches or eye pain
  • Difficulty closing eyes due to swelling
  • An outward rolling of the lower eyelids
  • Swelling and bruising around the surgery site
  • Serious infections that might lead to blindness
  • Dry, watery, or itchy eyes

Steps Patients Should Take After Eye Surgery

To prevent potentially dangerous complications, such as eye infections or vision loss, it’s important to remind patients to:

  • Avoid non-contact games for at least three days after surgery
  • Avoid strenuous activities and contact sports for at least two weeks
  • Put their eye shield on every night
  • Stay away from creams, makeup, and lotions used around the eyes
  • Not swim for between one and two months after

Contact us

Most patients will find, however, these temporary issues are more than worth the long-term benefits of surgery. Keeler has been an industry leader for 100 years. We connect eye practitioners to cutting-edge ophthalmic products, equipment. and resources.

Simply put, we love seeing our instruments put to use to change the eyesight — and lives — of patients the world over.

Contact us today to discover how a truly cutting-edge instrument can help with even the riskiest procedures.