Floaters after cataract surgery: normal, or a reason to be seen urgently?

Urgent: a sudden shower of new floaters, new flashing lights, or a shadow or curtain across your vision after cataract surgery needs a same-day examination — contact the unit that operated, an eye casualty or A&E. These can be signs of a retinal tear or detachment, which is more treatable the earlier it is found.

Why floaters are common after surgery

Floaters are shadows cast by clumps in the vitreous gel. After a cloudy cataract is removed, vision is sharper and brighter, so floaters that were always there become more noticeable. They usually become less bothersome over weeks to months as the brain learns to ignore them.

Posterior vitreous detachment

With age, the vitreous gel separates from the retina — a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). It causes new floaters and sometimes flashes, and is more likely in the months after cataract surgery. Most PVDs are harmless, but a small proportion tear the retina, which is why new symptoms should be examined with the pupil dilated.

Floaters after YAG laser

After YAG laser capsulotomy, small fragments of capsule can float for a few days to weeks. New flashes or a shadow still need prompt checking.

Who is at higher risk

People with high short sight, previous retinal problems, a retinal detachment in the other eye, or a complicated operation. See retinal detachment symptoms and floaters and flashes — when to worry.

Seeing Ms Tahmina Pearsall

Ms Pearsall examines patients with new floaters after cataract surgery, including second opinions. See floaters and flashes assessment.

Ms Tahmina Pearsall is a consultant ophthalmic surgeon who qualified in 1993 and has more than 30 years of experience and over 50,000 procedures performed. She trained at Moorfields Eye Hospital, St Thomas' Hospital and Addenbrooke's Hospital, and sees private patients at multiple clinic locations, including Harley Street in London. Read her full credentials.

Ms Pearsall sees patients at Harley Street, London and other clinic locations. Patients travel from across the UK, including Brighton & Hove and Liverpool, and from Jersey and Guernsey and the Isle of Man.

The first telephone enquiry is free — arrange a free initial call to explain what happened and check whether a review is likely to help. A full clinical consultation with Ms Pearsall costs £250. Treatment prices are listed on the pricing page and confirmed in writing after examination.

This article is general information written for patients and does not replace an individual examination.