Recovery from phaco surgery is usually rapid. The vision is likely to be slightly blurred the next day but should be adequate for normal activities. Some gritty irritation is to be expected but severe pain is highly unusual. Surgery inevitably causes inflammation and swelling, and the cut in the cornea subtly alters the shape of the eye. As the swelling settles and wounds heal, vision will become sharper. Floaters may become more noticeable. These are mostly harmless but if the floaters suddenly worsen, especially if there are also flashes in the periphery of vision, an urgent inspection of the retina is needed. 

 

Most people do not wear glasses for long distance vision and choose to remain so after cataract surgery. For people who are naturally short (myopic) or long (hyperopic) sighted, the power of the artificial lens can be adjusted so that they can achieve good long distance vision without glasses. Many short-sighted people wish to retain their ability to read without glasses. Again, the appropriate choice of artificial lens power will allow them to achieve this. For people with astigmatism, special lenses with astigmatic correction can be used. 

 

Most artificial lenses are single focus, meaning that if the patient has good distance vision, glasses will be needed for reading. Multifocal artificial lenses have been introduced to provide a broader range of focus but there are significant compromises that need to considered carefully. This includes unwanted perceptions such as haze, haloes and streaks, as well as gaps in focus at different distances. Furthermore, the shape of our eyes undergo changes just like other parts of our body, and what was initially in clear focus may become blurred over time. 

 

Cataract surgery is undoubtedly safe and refined but no surgery is without risks. If the delicate lens capsule becomes torn during the surgery, the artificial lens  will need to be inserted between the iris and capsule, or in front of the iris. The zonules, which are fine fibres that hold the lens suspended, may be weakened so that the capsule is not stable enough to hold the lens implant. The artificial lens can become dislodged from its desired position and affect the visual outcome. A mild leakage from the wound seals spontaneously, but if internal tissues become trapped in the wound, they need to be released surgically. Macular swelling can develop in a small proportion of patients and may require additional treatment if it persists. The lens capsule can become cloudy months or years after the surgery and cause symptoms identical to cataract. This is readily dealt with using a short laser procedure in the clinic (See Yag Laser). 

 

If lens fragments get dislodged into the vitreous during the surgery, they will need to be removed through an additional surgery. Retinal detachment, like-wise, requires a second surgery to repair it. Infections can occur despite all precautions, but it is thankfully rare, with risk of 1 in 2000. Severe bleeding is also rare.