Is it Normal to Have Double Vision After Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is a standard procedure that helps improve vision for millions of people each year. While most patients experience significant improvement in their vision after the procedure, some may encounter temporary side effects, such as double vision.
Double vision can be alarming, especially if you’ve never experienced it before. However, it’s important to understand that this is a relatively uncommon issue after cataract surgery, and in most cases, it resolves on its own within a short period.
Keep reading to learn whether it’s normal to have double vision after cataract surgery and what you can do about it.
What Causes Double Vision after Cataract Surgery?
There are a few reasons why someone might experience double vision after cataract surgery:
- Eye muscle adjustment: After cataract surgery, the eye muscles may need time to adapt to the new IOL.
- IOL position: If the IOL is not positioned perfectly within the eye, it can cause double vision.
- Nerve or muscle damage: In extremely rare cases, the surgery may cause damage to the eye muscles or nerves that control eye movement.
How many Cataract Surgery Patients get Double Vision?
Fortunately, double vision is not a common complication of cataract surgery. Studies have shown that only about 1 to 2 percent of patients experience double vision after the procedure.
Certain factors may increase the risk of developing double vision after cataract surgery. These include pre-existing eye conditions, such as strabismus (misaligned eyes) or amblyopia (lazy eye), and complications during the surgery.
How Long Does Double Vision Last After Cataract Surgery?
In most cases, double vision after cataract surgery is a temporary issue that resolves within a few days to a few weeks. Your double vision should gradually improve as the eye muscles adjust to the new IOL and any inflammation from the surgery subsides.
However, some patients may experience double vision for a bit longer. In rare cases, double vision can persist for several months after the surgery.
If you’re still experiencing double vision more than a few weeks after your cataract surgery, follow up with your eye doctor at Berg Feinfield Vision Correction in Burbank, CA. They can help determine the underlying cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
How Do You Get Rid of Double Vision after Cataract Surgery?
In most cases, no treatment is necessary, as the double vision will resolve independently as the eye heals and adapts to the new IOL. If treatment is needed, your eye doctor will work with you to determine the best option based on your situation.
If the double vision is caused by a misaligned IOL, your eye doctor may recommend waiting a few weeks to see if the IOL settles into the correct position on its own. If the issue persists, you may need another procedure to reposition your IOL.
In the rare cases where nerve or muscle damage causes your double vision, treatment options may include:
- Vision therapy exercises to help the eyes work together more effectively
- Prism glasses, which use special lenses to redirect light and compensate for misaligned eyes
- Eye muscle surgery to physically realign the eyes
Double vision after cataract surgery can be frustrating and uncomfortable. However, it’s important to remember that it’s usually a temporary issue that is resolved with time.
Ready to tackle your issues with double vision after cataract surgery? Schedule a consultation today with Berg Feinfield Vision Correction in Burbank, CA.
