Treatment for Blurred or Double Vision after Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is one of the most common types of eye surgeries. It’s safe and effective at treating cataracts — a clouding of the clear lens of the eye. During cataract surgery, doctors remove the cloudy lens (cataract) and replace it with an implant, called an intraocular lens. Sometimes called an IOL, an intraocular lens helps you see more clearly and can even be used to correct other vision problems and eliminate the need for prescription eyeglasses. Though rare, an intraocular lens can move out of position after surgery. This is called intraocular lens dislocation.  

Our experienced eye care team at the USC Roski Eye Institute offers traditional and custom laser surgery to treat intraocular lens dislocation. 

What Causes Intraocular Lens Dislocation? 

Intraocular lens dislocation is caused by: 

• General weakness of the structures that hold an intraocular lens in place (zonules) caused by aging, previous surgeries or another eye condition 
• Incorrect positioning of the intraocular lens during a previous surgery 
• Trauma or injury to the eye 

Intraocular Lens Dislocation Symptoms 

If you have a dislocated intraocular lens, you may notice you can see the edge of the lens implant. You may also experience blurry or double vision. Intraocular lens dislocation can also make things look tilted.

If left untreated, a dislocated intraocular lens can cause more serious conditions or complications, including: 

• Bleeding 
• Detached retina 
• Glaucoma  
• Inflammation 
• Swelling  

Intraocular Lens Dislocation Treatment 

Treatment for intraocular lens dislocation varies based on the severity of the lens’s movement. In some cases, special eye drops or patches can be used to help your eye heal.  

Some dislocated intraocular lenses need surgery to be repositioned.