Is it true that cataract surgery complications will only happen 1 in 1000 times?

It depends: Depending on the surgeon, type of cataract operation, and condition of the eye at the time of surgery, complications that can result in decreased vision typically occur in less than 1 in 1000 procedures. Although some non-vision threatening conditions may occur more commonly, they will not affect the results. Surgeon experience and technique is key, though.

Yes: The odds of infection are about 1 in 1000. This statistic is based on large national studies with many surgeons at different centers.

Complications: Risk of decreased vision as compared to before surgery is about 1 out of 10, 000. Risk of infection and retinal detachment is rare. Certain surgical complications are more common (1 out of 350), but are corrected at tine of issue and do not affect final vision.