Cataract Surgery Risks -- Perforation of the Eye

The risk of perforating, or making a hole in the eye, is extremely small. Although extremely rare, it can happen if an injection of anesthetic medicine behind your eye is used to numb the surgical area. If your eye is normal in length and shape, your risk is extremely low. The treatment of a perforated eye will depend on the hole's size, location and severity. In most cases, the operation can continue without subsequent problems. In some cases of perforation, you may need to be referred to another eye specialist and another surgery may be necessary. It is possible for severe visual loss to occur.