The major risk of any surgery is infection. A cataract, if left untreated, will eventually impair vision until the patient is unable to perform normal activities. Eyeglasses and stronger lens prescriptions are sometimes helpful for patients with cataracts, making surgery unnecessary. But when surgery is the only option left, the risk of infection is an important consideration.
Care After Surgery
After cataract surgery, the patient will be able to see clearly almost immediately. In the past, patients were advised to wait until the cataract had affected their vision to the point of blindness. Today, patients can decide on their own when they prefer to have the cataract removed. The doctor will give instructions on avoid complications after the surgery such as limiting activity and the amount of weight that you should lift.
Eyedrops are used to help relieve the pressure around your eye. The eyedrops will help to prevent infection after surgery. The eyes will have to be protected immediately after surgery with glasses or eye shields.
Eyes will heal from cataract surgery within eight weeks.
Preventing Infection
Infection after cataract surgery is rare, but it is important that treatment begin immediately to avoid vision loss and complications. Keep your hands away from your eyes after surgery to prevent damage and infection. When bathing after cataract surgery, keep your eyes closed and protected to avoid splashing water into your eyes.
Dust and dirt should be avoided as well after cataract surgery. Keep away from activities that could expose your eyes to dirt and dust or keep your eyes protected.
Symptoms
Symptoms of infection after cataract surgery include redness, pain and increased sensitivity to light. These symptoms may be present in the first few days after surgery. Sensitivity to light is a common experience after cataract surgery, but when it continues for a prolonged period, it should be evaluated by a doctor.
Treatment
Eye infection is treated with antibiotics, which may be placed directly into the eye. This will keep the infection from spreading and causing a vision loss. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to eliminate the infection. The surgery will remove the vitreous from the eye to manage the eye infection.
Reoccurrence
Once a cataract has been removed through surgery, it will not return. There are rare instances that cause the membrane behind the pupil to cloud, but this is not a cataract. This condition can occur years after a cataract surgery and is easily treated with laser surgery. The surgery is an outpatient procedure.
