CATARACT SURGERY - COMPLICATIONS, SIDE EFFECTS AND RISKS
Cataract is one of the world's most common causes of blindness. However, cataract is treatable with 2 types of surgeries which are Phaco and Laser Cataract. Cataract surgeries are proven to be very effective and safe, but just like all other surgical procedures, there are also surgery risks and chances of complications.
During cataract eye surgery, the surgeon will inject transparent visco-elastic material inside your eye. After the implantation of the intraocular lens, this visco-elastic material should be aspirated and removed completely from the eye. This material is thick and it can’t be drained easily from the eye. It needs more time to be drained and during this time it blocks the trabecular meshwork of the eye. Because of this, it elevates eye pressure. In this case, doctors will prescribe medication or appoint other treatment to decrease the eye pressure level. If patients have an aching pain or nausea after surgery, it is important to contact the doctor.
The Intraocular Lens that is implanted can be considered as foreign body technically. So depending on different immune systems, patients might experience len’s rejection side effects. However, the chances of the lens being rejected by the body are very low with the rate of 1/5000. If treating with medication doesn’t work, doctors will have to take out the lens. The cause of this rejection is due to patients’ immune systems and it can’t be predicted before the surgery. Therefore, if the lens has to be taken out, the hospital won’t be able to process a refund for you.
After the surgery, some people may experience light sensitivity and notice some symptoms like halo or glare. This is due to the fact the eye is suddenly exposed to more light as soon as cataract is operated and the brain has not yet adapted to that. Normally, this problem will lasts for a couple of days only.
During the surgery, an instrument called a lid speculum will be used to hold your eyelids open. As a result, after the surgery, the eyelid may feel tight, sore and difficult to open. This condition will disappear after a few days.
A subconjunctival hemorrhage commonly follows cataract surgery. This occurs when blood is trapped in the subconjunctival space. However, it will not affect your vision and within the first 2 weeks, this problem will eventually get better.
Like any surgery, there is a risk of getting infection after cataract surgery even though this is a rare complication. It is important for patients to be aware that infection can slow down the process of healing and can even cause serious eye damage in some cases. To prevent any kind of infection, the patients need to use antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications that are prescribed by doctors. The patients also need to make sure that they follow all the post operative instructions.
Patients should follow up with regular eye examination after surgery schedule which is 1 day, 1 month and 4 months after the surgery. The post-operative examination is part of the proper eye care procedures that the patient must observe after the eye surgery. At our hospital, all the patients’ diagnosis records will be documented by the electronic medical record system which helps provide better managed care for patients.
The Japan International Eye Hospital encourages patients to keep in touch with the hospital after surgery for timely advice and support if it is necessary.
