Cataract Surgery: Complications and Aftercare

Cataract surgery is an age-old surgical technique which has obviously evolved over the years to become one of the most risk-free

and widely opted-for treatment methods. In this process, the doctor normally removes the lens and replaces it with an artificial one.

A cataract can lead to blurry vision and cause glare from lights. The doctor may even recommend a cataract operation

if it intervenes with another treatment procedure. Since a cataract doesn’t come with an emergency alarm,

a patient will have time to weigh his / her options.

While it is a very safe surgery, with the advancements in technology helping doctors gain an edge in this domain, there still are

certain risks and complications involved. Hence, it is important to know both the intraoperative complications of cataract surgery and complications of cataract surgery in diabetics. Having said that, a lot of these complications can also be treated successfully with minimal intervention: 

- Bleeding  

- Infection 

- Swelling 

- Drooping Eyelid 

- Inflammation 

- Retinal Detachment 

- Secondary Cataract 

- Vision Impairment 

However, intraoperative complications of cataract surgery increase with the presence of any other serious / critical ailment in the eyes such as glaucoma and / or macular degeneration.

As a part of cataract surgery aftercare,the doctor will prescribe certain antibiotic eye drops to prevent any further postoperative infection and anti-inflammatory medication for the eyes. The first week after the surgery is a critical phase in cataract surgery aftercare as you would be required to use the eye drops several times to reduce risk of any further complications.

There are certain oral pain relievers like acetaminophen which may be used in special cases.

For a shorter, more effective cataract surgery recovery time, follow these steps:

- Avoiding driving for a few days post the surgery 

- Avoid heavy exercise 

- Control your urge to sneeze or vomit right after the surgery\

- Avoid rubbing the eye or exposure to dust, and the outside environment 

However, a patient will be able to have a quick cataract surgery recovery time, and return to daily activities such as: 

- Computer/laptop/tablet usage

- TV watching

- Bathing

Usually, a doctor or the clinic / hospital will give you a ready reckoner on cataract surgery aftercare with detailed steps that you must follow along with any other steps required based on your condition as the presence of

ailments in the body may be instrumental in changing the course of aftercare.