The answer to whether one can go blind from cataract surgery in a word is yes. However, the likelihood of losing sight is very low. Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed elective surgery with success rates in excess of 95%. Serious complications include infections with rates as low as 0.01%.
Once done successfully, patients have their vision restored and their cataract problem permanently sorted. Occasionally, a layer of cells may grow on the back surface of the lens implant months or years after the surgery. This can affect the vision, giving the patient an impression that the cataract has returned when in reality it has not. This condition, known as posterior capsular opacification, can be easily solved with a 2-minute laser treatment.
