Floaters After Cataract Surgery: Understanding Those Spots In Your Vision

Cataract surgery is a highly reliable procedure that restores vision clouded after developing cataracts—the clouding of the natural lens in the eye. While the surgery itself is generally viable and effective, some patients experience new or increased floaters following the procedure. This article explores floaters after cataract surgery, including why they occur, how to identify them, and when to seek medical attention.

What Are Floaters?

Eye floaters are tiny specks or cobweb-like shapes that float across your field of vision. They are caused by clumps of gel or cells within the vitreous humour, the jelly-like substance that fills the centre of your eye. These clumps can cast tiny shadows on the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye, which your brain interprets as floaters.

Why Do Floaters Happen After Cataract Surgery?

Seeing floaters after cataract surgery is a relatively common occurrence. Generally, there are two main reasons why you might experience floaters after cataract surgery:

• Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD): During cataract surgery, the surgeon breaks up and removes the affected lens. This process can sometimes cause the vitreous gel to pull away from the retina. This detachment can cause the vitreous gel to pull away from the retina, sometimes tugging on it and creating new floaters or dislodging existing ones, making them more visible.
• Improved Vision: Cataracts can obscure your vision, making existing floaters less visible. With the cataract removed, your overall vision clarity improves. This can make you more aware of preexisting floaters that were previously obscured by the cloudy lens.

3 Common Signs You Have Cataract Surgery Floaters

Following cataract surgery, some patients experience the presence or increased visibility of floaters in their field of vision.

These floaters can manifest in various forms, and understanding their characteristics can help you determine if they warrant a consultation with your ophthalmologist (eye doctor).

Visual Disturbances

The most common sign of cataract surgery floaters is the perception of small, shadowy objects drifting across your vision.

These objects can appear as tiny dots, wispy cobweb-like strands, or even squiggly lines. They are most noticeable when looking at a bright, uniform background, such as a clear blue sky or a blank white wall.

New Or Increased Floaters

Cataract surgery can introduce new floaters or make preexisting ones more prominent. If you had minimal or no floaters before surgery, the appearance of numerous dots or strands following the procedure could be a sign of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD).

Alternatively, if you had some preexisting floaters, they may become more visually apparent due to the improved clarity achieved by cataract surgery.

Mobility with Eye Movements

Another distinguishing characteristic of cataract surgery floaters is their movement. Unlike fixed spots caused by issues on the surface of the eye, these floaters tend to drift and move in sync with your eye movements.

This is because they originate within the vitreous gel, the jelly-like substance that fills the centre of your eye. As your eyes move, the vitreous gel sloshes around slightly, causing the floaters to also appear to move.

Are Cataract Surgery Floaters Dangerous?

While the appearance of floaters after cataract surgery is relatively common, it’s crucial to distinguish between harmless postoperative phenomena and signs of potentially serious complications.

In the vast majority of cases, these floaters are benign and gradually diminish in visibility over weeks or months as your eye adjusts to the new artificial lens. However, specific warning signs warrant immediate attention from your ophthalmologist.

Nature Of Floaters

The sudden onset of many new floaters, particularly if accompanied by other symptoms, should raise a red flag.

This could indicate PVD with a retinal tear. While not inherently dangerous, a retinal tear can sometimes progress to a retinal detachment, a more serious condition that requires prompt medical intervention to prevent permanent vision loss.

Flashes Of Light

Another cause for concern is the perception of flashes of light in your peripheral vision and the appearance of new floaters.

These flashes can be caused by the vitreous gel tugging on the retina during a PVD and, in some cases, may indicate a retinal tear.

Vision Obstructions

The presence of a curtain-like shadow moving across your peripheral vision is a classic symptom of retinal detachment. This shadow represents the detached retina itself, and its presence necessitates immediate medical attention.

Blurred Vision Or Vision Loss

While floaters themselves typically do not cause blurry vision or vision loss, these symptoms can occur in conjunction with them and may indicate other complications unrelated to PVD or floaters.

Cataract surgery, for instance, can sometimes lead to swelling or inflammation within the eye, which can temporarily blur vision. In rare cases, more serious complications, like an infection or bleeding within the eye, can also cause blurred vision or vision loss.

When To See Your Eye Doctor Immediately

If you experience any of the following symptoms after cataract surgery, contact your eye doctor immediately:

• A sudden increase in the number of floaters
• Flashes of light in your vision
• A curtain-like shadow moving across your peripheral vision
• Blurred vision or vision loss
• Severe eye pain

Early diagnosis and treatment of retinal problems can help prevent serious vision loss.

How To Get Rid Of Floaters After Cataract Surgery

Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment for the majority of floaters after cataract surgery. In most cases, they are harmless and will fade away on their own within a few weeks or months.

However, if the floaters are very bothersome and affect your daily life, your ophthalmologist may discuss a procedure called a vitrectomy. This surgical technique involves removing some or all of the vitreous gel from the eye. It is an advanced procedure with potential risks and is typically only considered a last resort in severe cases.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Will the floaters I had before cataract surgery go away after surgery?

Not necessarily. The cataract may have been obscuring some preexisting floaters. Once the cataract is removed, you may become more aware of them. However, floaters can also be caused by posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) during surgery, which can create new floaters.

I have a few new floaters after cataract surgery. Should I be worried?

In most cases, a few new floaters are not a cause for concern, especially if other symptoms like flashes of light, blurred or double vision, or a curtain-like shadow in your vision do not accompany them. However, if you experience any additional symptoms, you must see your eye doctor immediately.

Can I do anything to prevent floaters from forming after cataract surgery?

Unfortunately, there is no guaranteed way to prevent floaters. However, some factors, such as age and nearsightedness, can increase your risk. Discussing your risk profile with your ophthalmologist can help you better understand your situation.

Beyond Improved Vision: The Importance Of Early Detection After Cataract Surgery

Floaters after cataract surgery are relatively common. While they can be bothersome, they are usually harmless and fade away on their own. However, it’s important to be aware of symptoms that might indicate a more serious complication.

By understanding the causes and management of floaters, you can navigate this common postoperative experience and enjoy the benefits of immensely improved vision after cataract surgery.

Contact Mornington Peninsula Eye Clinic, Mornington, 3931, at (03) 9070 3580 to manage floaters and ensure the success of your cataract surgery.

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Sources:

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“Floaters and Flashes in the Eyes.” NHS, 26 June 2023, www.nhs.uk/conditions/floaters-and-flashes-in-the-eyes.

Goldman, Jason G. “Why Do You Get ‘Eye Floaters’?” BBC, 24 Feb. 2022, www.bbc.com/future/article/20160113-why-do-you-get-eye-floaters.

Mastroianni, Brian. “How to Get Rid of Eye Floaters.” Verywell Health, 22 Sept. 2023, www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-get-rid-of-eye-floaters-5089376.

Professional, Cleveland Clinic Medical. “Posterior Vitreous Detachment.” Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14413-posterior-vitreous-detachment.

Seladi-Schulman, Jill, PhD. “Floaters After Cataract Surgery: What They Mean and What to Do Next.” Healthline, 2 Mar. 2021, www.healthline.com/health/eye-health/floaters-after-cataract-surgery.

Stöppler, Melissa Conrad, MD. “Blurred Vision, Floating Spots, Sensitive to Light and Visual Halos Around Lights.” MedicineNet, 28 Feb. 2022, www.medicinenet.com/blurred_vision_eye_floaters_sensitive_to_light_and_visual_halos_around_lights/multisymptoms.htm.