What happens if the lens implant breaks after a cataract surgery?

Cataracts are a very common age-related medical problem in the US, but the problem can be easily resolved with cataract surgery. Most people who undergo cataract surgery are pleased with the results, and don’t face any complications as a result of the implant. But what happens is the lens implant breaks after a cataract surgery? How will the eye be affected?

Cataracts
A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s natural lens. The lens becomes opaque, which means it is no longer transparent and therefore cannot transmit light to the back of the eye, so vision becomes blurry.  Cataracts are commonly caused by aging, but may also be due to genetics, eye injuries, and diseases such as diabetes.

Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery involves the use of a clear intraocular lens (IOL) to replace the cloudy lens. This is generally with a monofocal or multifocal IOL, which is placed in the capsular bag that the natural lens once occupied.

Can the lens implant break?
Cataract surgery is generally a very safe procedure, and the IOLs are made of soft silicone or acrylic, which makes them very flexible. The lens is not easily damaged, so you can even your rub your eye forcefully without a problem. A powerful blow to the eye could possibly damage the lens, but no breaks have been reported.

The lens can however become dislocated, if the capsular bag holding it breaks or ruptures. When this happens, your vision will not be as sharp as before.

If you are in northern Virginia, contact New View Eye Center, Reston, VA, to find out more about cataract surgery. Call 703 834 9777 today, and schedule a consultation with Dr. Jacqueline Griffiths.

Like this article?

Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share on Linkdin
Share on Pinterest