Can Cataract Surgery Cause Dizziness?
Cataract Surgery is the most commonly performed procedure in the UK, with an estimated 400,000 surgeries carried out every year by the NHS in England alone. The routine nature of the procedure has helped to make Cataract Surgery incredibly safe with few side effects. However, as with any surgical procedure, it is important to be aware of any potential side effects that could occur post-surgery.
In this article, we’ll be answering the question: Can Cataract Surgery cause dizziness?
What happens during Cataract Surgery?
Cataract Surgery has become a routine procedure designed to remove cataracts from the eye. It is the only solution to cataracts – cloudy obstructions that form in the eye. While the development of cataracts is most commonly linked to ageing, in rare cases, they can also begin to form in childhood and be linked to trauma.
As a natural part of the eye’s ageing process, cataracts are more common in older people. They can take years to become noticeable but, once mature, can significantly impair vision and even lead to blindness if left untreated. Cataract Surgery is therefore an extremely important procedure that can reverse the effects of cataracts.
The treatment involves creating a small incision on the surface of the eye. Through this incision, an ultrasound probe is inserted into the eye to break up the cataract-affected lens, which is then removed. An artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is put in its place to restore clear vision.
Cataracts and Dizziness
Vision impairment (including blurriness, faded colours, and glare) is the most common symptom of cataracts; however, they are often also associated with double vision and changes to prescription. All of these symptoms can also make patients feel off balance and potentially lead to secondary symptoms, including dizziness and headaches.
Having clear vision allows your brain to accurately judge distances and determine the size of objects around you. When this is taken away, your depth perception can be affected which may trigger dizzy spells. In some cases, cataracts can also cause double vision in the affected eye which, again, may be linked to periods of dizziness.
Can Cataract Surgery cause dizziness?
So, now that we’ve covered how Cataract Surgery actually works, let’s get back to the question at hand. As we mentioned earlier, Cataract Surgery can be associated with a number of side effects. For example, some patients experience blurry or unclear vision in the days immediately following the procedure. This is completely normal and is caused by swelling in the eye which usually begins to settle within a few days.
Other side effects can include slight discomfort, dry eyes, and glare. However, these are usually mild and resolve themselves within a matter of weeks to months. So, what about dizziness?
If you have experienced dizzy cells prior to your surgery, you will be pleased to learn that Cataract Surgery is not considered to cause dizziness. Having said that, you may continue to experience dizziness immediately after your treatment due to blurred vision which can persist as part of the eye’s healing process. However, as we mentioned earlier, this usually resolves within a matter of weeks.
If dizziness does persist after this, it is important to speak with your surgeon or an eye doctor who will be able to investigate further and determine whether the dizziness is being caused by any underlying issues.
If you’d like to learn more about what you can expect after Cataract Surgery, don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our friendly clinic coordinators – we’re always on hand to help. Alternatively, if you’re ready to go ahead with Cataract Surgery at London Vision Clinic, Book a Consultation today.