Some immediate complications result from the surgical procedure. These include discomfort, bruising and swelling of the eyelid, increased intraocular pressure, and an allergic reaction to gout with steroids or antibiotics. These complications are managed over time after surgery. Many patients with cataracts experience “unwanted visual images” after surgery, also known as diphotopsy.
Glare, halos, and light streaks are examples of positive dysphotopia. They occur most often at night or in low light, and are more common with multifocal lenses. These effects may be more noticeable between surgery on the first and second eyes. .
Other times, PCO may be the culprit and YAG laser treatment may resolve the problem. The most common complication of cataract surgery is inflammation of the cornea or the outer window of the eye. After the procedure, you usually stay at the doctor's office for about an hour to make sure that your eye pressure doesn't increase. Other complications are rare, but may include increased eye pressure and retinal detachment.
One of the most common complications that can arise after cataract surgery is the opacity of the posterior capsule, or PCO. It is sometimes referred to as a secondary cataract, but this is not accurate. It occurs when a layer of scar tissue forms behind the lens that was implanted after surgery. Sometimes, cataract surgery doesn't improve vision because of underlying eye damage caused by other conditions, such as glaucoma or macular degeneration.
During phacoemulsification, the most common type of cataract surgery, the tip of the ultrasound probe, which vibrates quickly, emulsifies and helps break up the cataract, which is then suctioned by the surgeon (top). In a study conducted at the Aravind Eye Hospital, one-year rates of serious postoperative complications were more frequent with ICCE surgery (14.5%) than with ECCE surgery (7.7%). They were reported to be almost twenty times more likely to suffer from RD after cataract surgery when the back capsule ruptured. Occasionally, surgeons perform cataract surgery the same day with another intraocular procedure, such as penetrating keratoplasty, trabeculectomy, or pars plana vitrectomy.
Several researchers have studied the rates of intraoperative and postoperative complications among cataract surgeries performed by resident surgeons. In recent decades, there have been many advances in the equipment, instrumentation and techniques for performing cataract surgery. Tell your doctor if you take any medications for prostate problems, as some of these medicines may interfere with cataract surgery. Sometimes, blurred vision is due to PCO, a fairly common complication that can occur weeks, months, or (more often) years after cataract surgery.
For example, a meta-analysis of more than 3 million cataract surgeries revealed higher rates of endophthalmitis between 2000 and 2003 than in the 1990s. Cataract surgery remains a very safe surgical procedure, and few patients experience serious adverse effects that endanger their sight. The most common intraoperative complication associated with cataract surgery is the alteration of the posterior capsule, which can cause loss of the vitreous, the need for a vitrectomy, the placement of the intraocular lens in the ciliary sulcus or the anterior chamber and, sometimes, the need for additional surgical interventions. Researchers continue to look for innovative ways to improve the efficiency, safety profile and functional outcomes of cataract surgery patients.
He reviewed all cataract surgeries performed in Olmstead County (Minnesota) between 1980 and 2004 and found no significant difference in the risk of RD among patients undergoing ECCE compared to phacoemulsification. .
