There are several eye surgeries and procedures — including cataract, laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and certain restorative eye surgeries like retinal detachment surgery — that can cause temporary blurry vision. Prior to these surgeries, your eye doctor will explain what type and duration of blurred vision to expect. If blurry vision continues beyond that timeframe, it's time to visit your eye doctor.
Blurry vision after cataract surgery
Cataracts develop over several years and are common in older people. The main symptom of this condition is that the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, causing blurry vision. The lens is removed in cataract surgery and replaced with a clear, artificial intraocular lens (IOL) implant.
It should be an uneventful outpatient procedure that takes about 10 minutes to complete. For most people, vision remains blurred while your eye adjusts to the new implant.
[Read more about cataract surgery recovery.]
Reasons for blurry vision after cataract surgery
The new lens is surrounded by tissue that was cut and stretched, so the healing process could take up to a few months. Be sure to rest your eyes, take prescribed medications and follow your eye doctor’s instructions.
Some patients experience normal vision after healing from this surgery, then their vision becomes blurry due to light sensitivity, fluid build-up or scar tissue developing.
After cataract surgery, the sun or oncoming car headlights at night can cause light sensitivity (photophobia), resulting in blurry vision. This symptom, which occurs most often in patients with light-colored (blue or green) irises, can be managed with sunglasses or with a prescribed eye drop that reduces pupil size. Light sensitivity typically only lasts a few days after surgery, after which your blurry vision should diminish.
Blood vessels in the retina can leak, causing fluid to build up and blurring your vision. Your eye doctor can treat this condition with eye drops, but it can take weeks or months to heal. In some cases, a steroid shot behind the eye might be necessary.
Posterior Capsule Opacity (PCO) is another common complication that can occur when a cloudy layer of scar tissue forms behind the lens implant. This can cause blurry vision as well as glare from lights. According to the Kellogg Eye Center, PCO occurs in about 20% of patients.
Blurry vision after LASIK
LASIK is a brief, painless procedure commonly performed to treat nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. It reshapes the cornea so that light can enter the eye and be properly focused onto the retina for clearer vision.
[Read more about LASIK surgery.]
Reasons for blurry vision after LASIK
Blurry vision is expected immediately after LASIK, but clarity should return by the next day (24 hours). It is possible for vision to remain blurry for one to two weeks.
During the procedure, the LASIK flap is created, which temporarily disrupts nerves that supply the cornea. These nerves usually regenerate in the first three to six months after surgery.
During this timeframe, your eyes can be dry, leading to blurry or fluctuating vision. Be sure to attend regular follow up visits to ensure your eyes are healing properly.
