This prevents the normal development of the eye, especially if the cataract is present in only one eye. This condition is known as amblyopia or lazy eye . Therefore it is important to treat this condition at the earliest to prevent and to treat amblyopia. If the cataract is not very dense and the child is able to see through it, then the surgery may not be required or it may be deferred till the child reaches a age where a cataract surgery with lens implant can be done safely. Cataract involving only one eye has to be treated more urgently because the chance of amblyopia is greater in these cases.
Cataract surgery is very safe, but as in any surgery, complications are possible.
There is a very small risk of serious bleeding or infection after the surgery. If a lens has been implanted, there is a very high chance of aftercataract formation, which may require laser treatment or even a small surgery. Even years after surgery, related eye problems such as retinal detachment can develop and threaten sight. For this reason it is very important to have a regular follow up even after the surgery is done. To examine the eye properly in an uncooperative young child after cataract surgery, the ophthalmologist may occasionally give sedative medicine or even general anesthesia.