Cataract surgery side effects

Summary - over time cataract surgery has significantly improved, but

besides the 100% successful rate, cataract surgery holds some risks, side
effects, and complications. It’s important to look after a small symptom
which can lead to serious damage to the eyes. Even some times delay in the
surgery can cost the vision, but this surgery can effectively improve your
vision. During the time of consultation, you should solve your queries for
effective treatment. Even side effects like, infection is possible but the team
always perform surgery under the safe and secure environment to reduce
the chances of potential threat associated with the surgical procedure.

The most common procedure with a 100% success rate is Cataract surgery
is performing these days. Surgery brings improvement in the vision of
many people, as they become able to enjoy life. Recovery rate is good in
cataract surgery, but still, complications are there, especially with those
people who have a history of any previous eye issues along with other
medical conditions. Even every surgery entails some side effects and risks,
but knowing about the issues that might happen after the surgery can be
helpful.

If you feel any of these signs or symptoms, you should immediately contact
your doctor.

Complications and Risks of Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery can cause several side effects and complications which
includes;

v Infection /endophthalmitis

v Retinal detachment

v Inflammation inside the eye

v Swelling in most of the parts of the eye

v Piece of cataract left inside the eye.

v Glaucoma

v Hemorrhage (bleeding)

v Worsening of the eye in certain cases like diabetic retinopathy

v Failure vision improvements if there is macular degeneration.

vEndophthalmitis/infection

After the cataract surgery, there are chances of developing the infection
inside the eye, which is called Endophthalmitis. After taking so many
precautions, the infection still develops after the surgery. Leading cause for
Endophthalmitis is a bacterial infection, but thanks to the medical
advancements as it can be treated with the antibiotics. Causing bacteria is
staphylococcus and streptococcal which habitats normally in the human
skin, but don’t ignore the opportunity to take advantage. Usually in the first
week after surgery, the infection is developed, with these symptoms;

• Pain
• Redness
• Decreasing vision
• Rashes on eyelids
• Swelling
• Discharge of yellow or red color from the eyes.

Any of these symptoms if appears it's important to provide immediate care

to the patient. Endophthalmitis should be treated as soon as possible for a
better prognosis of vision. Antibiotics are injected into the eyes, to reduce
the extent of the infection, because this infection can damage the permnent
eyes and vision.

Retinal detachment – this condition is associated with the layers which

surround the inside surface of the eye with the light-sensitive tissues. If a
tear and hole develop in this lining, it causes it's tearing away from the wall
of the eye. Thus, the separated part of the eye, loss of blood supply and the
cells of the retina begin to damage, and they do not regenerate once die.
The retina is an important and delicate part of the eye, sends all the visual
information to the brain, any harm to this part eventually harms the
normal vision. There are only 1% chances of retinal detachment after the
surgery; though it can be treated with the laser photocoagulation is
diagnosed in the early stages. You should be concern about the risks,
benefits and other alternatives of the cataract surgery if you want to make a
fully informed decision about the surgery.

Inflammation

Even inflammation is not a thing to worry about, it causes little redness

along with the swelling, and it can be harmful if inflammation stays for a
long time. And you will be treated with the standard medications or eye
drops.

Itching

One of the feasible side effects of cataract surgery, moreover which is not
complex until its extent raises from the mild level. If you feel its
intensifying level, you should immediately seek medical attention because
this can be intolerable after the surgery.

Blurriness

A common problem after the surgery, this condition is supposed to subside

with the time. But if you feel delaying in its improvement after the time, you
must consult with the doctor. Make sure you avoid driving and other
restricted activities until the improvement of vision.

Light Sensitivity

Light sensitivity after the cataract surgery is normal, and it lasts for a
couple of days. But if you feel no improvement in this condition, then
consulting your ophthalmologist is a much better option. You should wear
sunglasses and you need to avoid direct exposure to the sun for some days
or until when you feel sensitivity is gone. Because prolonged sensitivity to
the light shows the symptoms of severe inflammation of the underlying
tissues.

Droopy Eyelid (Ptosis)

Droopy eyelid this condition can be stimulated by the cataract surgery.
Even experts are not sure about the reason behind this condition. But the
chances of its improvement are high. But if it is taking so long then you
don’t have to wait long to see your doctor. sometime. If it’s still there after 6
months of the surgery, going to an ophthalmologist would be the best
decision.

Corneal Edema

Swelling in the cornea is called as “Corneal Edema”. After the cataract

surgery, there are possible chances of developing, edema because of an
infection, inflammations or due to the trauma to the eye which can damage
the cells of the endothelium. But this can be treated with the shots of
steroids.

(Author bio) – FRIENDS EYE & CHILD CARE CENTRE

FRIENDS EYE & CHILD CARE CENTRE in Delhi looks after the diagnostic
and therapeutic interventions for patients. With high care quality, they
work to restore the vision of patients. With the early detection, their experts
provide a full range of ocular treatments. http://www.eyespecialistdelhi.com/cataract-
surgery/