Watery eyes after cataract surgery: complication after cataract surgery

Watery eyes are one of the most common complaints after cataract surgery. But what is behind it? In this blog, you will find out why increased tearing is normal after surgery, which symptoms indicate that something is wrong and how long this condition lasts. We highlight possible complications, such as dysphotopsia and inflammation, and give practical tips on what you can do to support the healing process.

Why do my eyes water after cataract surgery?

Watery eyes after laser eye surgery or lens replacement following cataract surgery are completely normal and harmless in most cases. But what causes them and what processes in the eye or body trigger them?

Cause: Which step of the procedure triggers watery eyes?

Watery eyes after cataract surgery are a common symptom and can be triggered by various factors that occur during the procedure. An important step that can lead to this reaction is the manipulation of the cornea and the tissue around the lens.

During the operation, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens. This procedure, in particular the opening of the cornea, can irritate the eye and trigger increased production of tear fluid. The cornea is an extremely sensitive tissue that reacts to even the smallest stimuli. In addition, particles or fluid can enter the eye during the operation, which also activates the tear glands.

Another possible trigger is temporary swelling of the cornea or surrounding tissue. This reaction to surgery is usually mild and normal, but can cause the eye to produce more tears to protect and soothe the surface.

Reaction of the eye: inflammation and irritation after surgery

After cataract surgery, a slight inflammation may occur in the first few days or weeks, which is often a normal reaction of the body to the surgical procedure. The insertion of the new artificial lens also causes the immune system to react to the procedure.

The inflammation can cause increased tearing as the eye tries to soothe the irritated areas. Tear production is a natural protective response of the eye: it helps to flush out particles and foreign substances that may have entered the eye during surgery, and it moisturizes the surface of the eye to relieve discomfort. The tear fluid contains anti-inflammatory substances that help to speed up the healing process and prevent infection.

Symptoms: What are the effects of watery eyes during the healing period?

• Blurred vision: Vision may be temporarily impaired due to increased tear production. Tears can form a film on the cornea that refracts light differently, resulting in blurred or clouded vision. This is particularly common in the first few weeks after the operation, as the eye is still healing.
• Glare and sensitivity to light: Watery eyes can be accompanied by increased glare or sensitivity to light. This is because the cornea is irritated and the light is not optimally transmitted through the eye. These symptoms usually occur in direct sunlight or strong light sources, which is why wearing sunglasses is often recommended at this time.
• Increased irritation: Increased tearing is usually a reaction to irritation or mild inflammation that occurs after the procedure. This can be manifested by a scratching or burning sensation in the eye, which is intensified by the tearing of the eyes.
• Discomfort in everyday life: The constant watering of the eye can also interfere with everyday activities such as reading or watching television. Sufferers may have to blink or wipe their eyes more often, which can lead to additional irritation if the eyes are not sufficiently protected.

Risks and problems caused by watery eyes

• Increased risk of infection: Watery eyes that need to be constantly wiped can further irritate the surface of the eye. Constantly touching the eyes, especially with unwashed hands, can bring bacteria or particles into the eye, which increases the risk of inflammation. The ingress of particles can also further irritate the cornea.
• Delayed healing: If the eye is excessively watery, this may indicate prolonged irritation or mild inflammation. Inadequate treatment can prolong the healing time and delay the full recovery of final visual acuity.
• Poor wound healing: The increased flow of tears can disrupt the healing of the cornea after the procedure. In rare cases, this can lead to poorer scarring and impair the quality of vision.
• Complications such as retinal detachment: Persistent tearing may indirectly indicate more serious problems, such as the onset of retinal detachment or detachment of the posterior vitreous. Patients should watch out for additional symptoms such as flashes or the perception of black dots and see their ophthalmologist immediately if these occur.

Other complications besides watery eyes: dysphotopsia, negative dysphotopsia & Co.

In addition to watery eyes, other symptoms associated with healing or possible complications may occur after cataract surgery. These include, in particular, dysphotopsia, negative dysphotopsia and various visual effects triggered by the procedure.

Dysphotopsia and negative dysphotopsia

• Dysphotopsia is a generic term for visual phenomena that can occur after the implantation of an artificial lens. These include light reflections, glare or halos, which are particularly disturbing when exposed to direct light, such as sunlight or driving at night. These light phenomena are caused by the new optical properties of the artificial lens and the altered refraction of light in the eye.
• Negative dysphotopsia, on the other hand, describes a different phenomenon: those affected see dark shadows or black edges in their peripheral field of vision. This symptom can be very irritating and occurs more frequently in the first few weeks after the operation as the eye gets used to the new lens. In most cases, the negative dysphotopsia disappears on its own over time, but in rare cases it can persist for longer.

Other possible complications:

• Blurred vision: Even after surgery, temporary blurring may occur during the healing phase until the eye has fully recovered. This is often caused by swelling of the eye or delayed adaptation to the new lens.
• Retinal detachment or retinal hole: In rare cases, serious complications such as retinal detachment or a retinal hole can occur after cataract surgery. These can manifest themselves through symptoms such as sudden flashes, the perception of black dots or a shadow in the field of vision. Patients should see their ophthalmologist immediately if such signs occur, as rapid treatment is required to prevent permanent damage.
• Inflammation: As mentioned above, inflammation is a common reaction after surgery, which can lead to watery eyes and increased sensitivity to light. Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye dropshelp to alleviate these symptoms and minimize the risk of more serious inflammation.

What to do in case of increased lacrimation after cataract surgery:

If there is increased tearing after cataract surgery, it is important to take some measures to support healing and alleviate the symptoms. Watery eyes are a common and usually harmless reaction to the procedure, but can be uncomfortable. Here are some tips on what you can do:

1. use eye drops

Your ophthalmologist will usually prescribe antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops that not only prevent inflammation but also relieve irritation. These drops should be used exactly as directed to promote healing and reduce tearing.

2. avoid contact with the eye

It is important not to rub the eye, even if it is watery or irritated. Touching can bring particles into the eye, increasing the risk of infection. Instead, use sterile disposable paper towels to gently dab away excess tears.

3. wearing sunglasses

In the first few weeks after the operation, the eye is particularly sensitive to light, which can lead to increased tearing. Wearing sunglasses protects the eye from glare and bright light sources, which alleviates the symptoms.

4. attend check-up appointments

Regular check-ups with the ophthalmologist are crucial to monitor the healing progress and rule out possible complications. If symptoms such as lacrimation do not subside after several weeks, the doctor may recommend additional measures or an adjustment to the therapy.

5. rest and protection

In the first few days after the operation, you should avoid sports such as fitness or jogging to minimize the strain on the eye. You should also avoid spending time in open water to prevent the risk of infection from water entering the eye.

6 When to go to the doctor?

If the lacrimation is accompanied by additional symptoms such as pain, severe redness or blurred vision , you should see your ophthalmologist immediately. These symptoms may indicate inflammation or complications such as retinal detachment, which require prompt treatment.

How long the eye may water after the operation

Increased tearing after cataract surgery is a common and normal symptom that usually occurs in the first few days to weeks after the procedure. In most cases, the watery eyes calm down within 4 to 6 weeks once the eye has gone through the healing process and has become accustomed to the new artificial lens.

Typical periods for watery eyes:

• First days to weeks: During this phase, watery eyes are quite normal as the cornea and surrounding tissue are irritated and healing. The eyes can react particularly sensitively to light, air and foreign bodies, which increases the flow of tears.
• 3 to 4 weeks after surgery: Tearing should gradually decrease as the eye continues to recover and the swelling subsides. However, if the symptoms persist or worsen, this could indicate inflammation or other complications that require a follow-up visit to the ophthalmologist.