What Are The Risks Of Cataract Surgery?

Baptist Eye Surgeons • July 1, 2019

A hand is pointing at a blue sign that says informationMore than 25 million Americans have cataracts in the U.S. According to “ The Future of Vision ” study by Prevent Blindness, it’s estimated that 38.5 million people in the U.S. will have cataracts by 2032, and 45.6 million will have the eye condition by the year 2050.

One explanation for the rising number of cataracts is the aging population, since aging is the leading cause of cataracts. In fact, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, approximately half of all Americans have cataracts by age 75. However, cataracts can occur at any age, particularly with if one has risk factors such as eye injuries, eye diseases, a family history of cataracts, and certain diseases like diabetes.

Cataracts occur when the lens of the eye gradually becomes cloudy or opaque, which reduces the sharpness of you vision and can give everything in your field of vision a yellowish-brown tint. Think of it along the lines of driving with a dust covered or smudged windshield.

The visual limitations can make it more difficult to read or perform other routine activities, and affect color identification. Cataracts may develop in one or both eyes, but cannot spread from one eye to another.

Cataracts are a progressive and chronic condition, so you cannot reverse their effect on your vision or heal them on your own. Fortunately, cataract surgery is extremely routine and safe. According to the National Eye Institute, cataract removal is one of the most common operations performed in the U.S. Today’s advanced, outpatient cataract surgery procedures lead to improved vision in more than 95% of cases in which cataracts are the only issue.

As with any surgery, there are some risks that may occur in a small number of cases, and you should be aware of these risks and discuss them with your ophthalmologist or eye surgeon if you’re considering cataract surgery. Risks of cataract surgery may include:

  • Eye inflammation
  • Light sensitivity
  • Seeing halos or glare around lights, especially at night
  • Seeing flashes of light (Photopsia)
  • Swelling of the retina, which may cause blurry vision
  • Droopy eyelid (Ptosis)
  • Elevated eye pressure
  • Intraocular lens dislocation

The severity and duration of these symptoms can vary widely depending on each patient’s unique circumstance. When cataract surgery complications do occur, most are minor and can be successfully treated with medication or with additional laser surgery. In some cases, anti-glare glasses may prove helpful for light sensitivity or for driving at night until symptoms subside.

Depending on your cataract diagnosis, your ophthalmologist can tell you whether your cataracts are likely to progress slowly or rapidly. He or she can also tell you if you’re a good candidate for cataract surgery, and if you might be at a higher risk for any potential complications from the surgery.

If you are experiencing blurry or reduced vision and are wondering if cataracts are to blame, schedule a consultation with an eye doctor at Baptist Eye Surgeons. Baptist Eye Surgeons is an ophthalmological practice in Knoxville, TN, and Morristown, TN, dedicated to providing quality eye care to patients whose needs range from routine comprehensive eye examinations to complex eye surgeries. To meet our doctors and learn more about our specialities, visit our website, or give us a call at 865-579-3920 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Night Vision Problems: Causes and When to See an Eye Doctor

June 30, 2026
Night vision problems can make everyday activities like driving at dusk, walking in poorly lit places, or adjusting to indoor lighting harder and sometimes unsafe. Trouble seeing in low light, called nyctalopia, is not a disease itself but a sign that something else may be affecting your eyes. Learning what causes night vision problems and when to get help is important for keeping your vision healthy. What Are Night Vision Problems? Night vision problems mean it is hard to see clearly in low light or darkness. Some people notice their eyes take longer to adjust when going from bright to dim places. Others may have trouble with glare from headlights, seeing less contrast, or things just looking dimmer at night. Mild changes in night vision can happen as you get older, but if your symptoms keep getting worse or do not go away, you should pay attention to them. Common Causes of Night Vision Difficulties There are several potential causes of night vision problems. Night vision problems can have many causes, from getting older to certain eye conditions, such as lens problems, leading to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare. They are one of the most common causes of poor night vision, especially in older adults. 1. Cataracts Cataracts cause clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare. They are one of the most common causes of poor night vision, especially in older adults. 2. Vitamin A Deficiency Vitamin A is important for keeping your retina healthy. If you do not get enough vitamin A, your eyes may have trouble adjusting to darkness, which can lead to night blindness. 3. Glaucoma Some types of glaucoma can affect your side vision and make it harder to see differences between light and dark. As the optic nerve gets damaged, seeing in low light can become more difficult. 4. Retinitis Pigmentosa This inherited eye condition slowly affects your ability to see at night and to the sides. Early signs often include trouble seeing in the dark. 5. Diabetes-Related Eye Disease Diabetic retinopathy can harm the blood vessels in your retina, which may cause blurry vision and make it harder to see at night. 6. Aging and Pupil Changes As people get older, their pupils do not react to light changes as quickly, and the retina becomes less sensitive. This naturally makes night vision worse over time. Symptoms to Watch For Night vision problems often develop slowly. Some common signs are: Difficulty seeing in low light or darkness Trouble driving at night due to glare from headlights Longer adjustment time when moving between light and dark environments Reduced contrast or clarity in dim settings Frequent squinting or eye strain in low light If these symptoms start to affect your daily life, it is a good idea to get a full eye check-up. When to See an Eye Doctor You should see an eye doctor if you notice new night vision problems, if they are getting worse, or if you have other changes in your vision. The doctor can run tests to find out what is causing the problem and suggest the right treatment. A full eye exam might include checking your retina, testing your field of vision, and taking images to look at your eye health. Finding problems early is very important for conditions like glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and retinal disorders, because early treatment can help protect your vision. Protecting Your Night Vision Not all causes of night vision loss can be prevented, but taking care of your eyes can lower your risk and help you see better. Some helpful steps are: Scheduling regular eye exams Handling chronic health conditions like diabetes Eating a diet rich in vitamin A and antioxidants Wearing proper corrective lenses if prescribed Avoiding driving with untreated vision changes Prioritizing Your Eye Health Night vision problems can be an early sign of eye disease. Since many eye problems develop slowly, having regular eye exams is one of the best ways to catch changes early and keep your vision healthy for the long term. If you have trouble seeing at night or notice any changes in your vision, making an appointment for an eye exam can help keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear in all types of light.
Understanding Eye Pressure: What It Means for Glaucoma Risk

Understanding Eye Pressure: What It Means for Glaucoma Risk

June 1, 2026
Understanding eye pressure, or intraocular pressure (IOP), is important for protecting your vision. IOP considerably affects the development and progression...
How Your Diet Impacts Eye Health: Foods That Support Vision

How Your Diet Impacts Eye Health: Foods That Support Vision

April 12, 2026
Your diet influences more than just general wellness; it also helps protect your eyesight. At Baptist Eye Surgeons, we take a forward-looking approach to eye...