Cataract surgery is a safe and effective procedure, but it is important to take steps to prevent infection after the procedure. Povidone iodine is the most important intervention for preventing infection, and a topical antibiotic may also be used before surgery. In some cases, the doctor may inject antibiotics into the eye or remove the vitreous gel to prevent infection from spreading. Intracameral injections of cefazolin bolus and cefuroxime have been shown to reduce the rate of postoperative endophthalmitis after cataract surgery.
The Alberta Ophthalmological Institute in Edmonton, Canada, recommends that patients avoid washing their hair in the bathtub or sink for two weeks after cataract surgery. This is because pollutants can accumulate in the air and increase the risk of infection. Prophylactic injections of subconjunctival antibiotics at the end of cataract surgery can also help reduce the risk of endophthalmitis. It is important to maintain a low intraocular pressure after glaucoma surgery, as this can decrease the integrity of the hermetic cataract wound.
It is no longer necessary to cut eyelashes or rinse the tear drainage system before cataract surgery. However, it is important to be aware of the risks involved in cataract surgery, as complications can occur. The first Asian study to demonstrate a reduction in endophthalmitis rates following the universal adoption of intracameral administration of cefazolin after cataract surgery was conducted at Tan Tock Seng Hospital in Singapore. This study showed that taking these steps can help reduce the risk of infection after cataract surgery.
