Introduction
The eye's natural lens becomes cloudy in cataracts, affecting clear normal vision. Blurry vision, seeing double or ghost images, trouble seeing well at night, and sensitivity to light are some symptoms of cataracts. It is the most common eyesight issue with age and usually starts showing symptoms post-40. Only surgery can remove cataracts.
How Does Cataract Surgery Work?
The eye surgeon will perform cataract surgery by removing the eye's natural lens, which has already turned cloudy. An artificial lens will then replace it. The newly placed lens is called an intraocular lens (IOL). These Lenses are of different types. Multifocal (allows one to see both near and far objects), monofocal (provides vision at one distance), or accommodative (uses the natural movement of the muscles of the eyes to shift focus) are some examples.
No medications or eye drops can reverse the formation of cataracts. But, initially, changing glasses can improve vision for the time being. Not all cataracts have to be removed surgically. Some cataracts may not show symptoms and may not cause any interference with routine activities. Surgery should be considered if eyesight issues disable the person from doing activities like driving, reading, and performing everyday physical activities. The apt time to perform the surgery may differ for all individuals and depends entirely on the symptoms present.
What Are the Complications of Cataract Surgery?
Fortunately, the majority of cataract surgeries end up being successful. But the surgery still has the potential to show severe complications and may result in pain or permanent vision loss.
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Endophthalmitis - It is a severe eye infection that occurs post-cataract surgery. It is a bacterial infection usually caused by Streptococcus and Staphylococcus bacteria. The symptoms usually develop after one week of surgery and include redness, pain, yellow or greenish discharge from the eyes, swelling, and decreased vision. It is necessary to seek medical help immediately, otherwise it can lead to permanent loss of vision and the eye. Antibiotic injections usually treat it with or without surgery.
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Retinal Detachment - Retinal detachment occurs when the retina (light-sensitive part of the eye) develops a tear or hole and gradually detaches from the wall of the eye. The blood circulation to the retina will also get reduced and degenerate the retina irreversibly. The irreversible damage caused to the retina can cause permanent vision loss. Retinal tears are usually treated by laser or cryotherapy (freezing procedure). Retinal detachment can be treated by surgical procedure. After treatment, consistent monitoring is necessary in both cases.
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Eye Inflammation - Eye inflammation can develop after cataract surgery, and the vision may be foggy and blurred. Anti-inflammatory eye drops can cure the condition.
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Light Sensitivity- Mild light sensitivity can be due to dryness and inflammation. Severe cases may usually be due to infection or iritis (inflammation of the iris- the colored part of the eye). Steroid eye drops or using sunglasses can manage the condition.
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Photopsia - Seeing flashes of lights or floaters (spots in the vision) is called photopsia. It is caused by the gel inside the eye separating from the retina. Photopsia may get resolved on its own, and in severe cases, a surgery called a vitrectomy might be performed that replaces the gel.
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Macular Edema - The center part of the retina (light-sensitive part of the eye) that processes what is seen directly is called the macula. It becomes edematous or swollen when the fluid builds up. Proper meditation can treat the problem.
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Ptosis - Ptosis is the drooping of the eyelid and occurs due to trauma during surgery. It disappears within days or weeks after the surgery. Persisting ptosis may require surgical correction.
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Intraocular Lens Dislocation - It occurs if the newly placed lens or intra-ocular lens is not correctly seated or gets dislocated. As a result, the individual may get double vision or see the lens's edge. Immediate surgery is required to correct this condition.
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Posterior Capsule Opacification (PCO) - PCO occurs when opacification occurs on the back part of the lens. It is also known as a secondary cataract. It occurs when some parts of the old cataract cells are not removed during surgery. Anti-inflammatory eye drops and laser treatment can cure the condition.
What Are the Expected Side Effects of Cataract Surgery?
Post-surgical effects are inevitable in the case of any surgery. However, it may resolve independently after a few days or weeks. Some of the symptoms are:
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Discomfort or itchiness in the eye.
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Redness of the eye.
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Dryness or feeling of grittiness in the eye.
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Swelling of the eyelid.
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Light sensitivity.
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Residual effects of anesthesia, like nausea or vomiting.
What Are the Post-Operative Cataract Care Steps?
Post-surgically, patients will be given counseling on using eye drops and cleaning the lid margins and surrounding areas with surgical cotton. They will also be instructed not to let any foreign body or fluid enter the eyes. The patients will also be recommended to wear sunglasses or dark glasses outdoors to protect and reduce glare.
The patient will be sent home wearing an eye patch and eye shield and instructed to remove them two to three hours after reaching home. They will also be instructed to use antibiotic drops and topical steroids. The individual should wear the sterile eye patch on the night following the surgery. The inpatients will get the procedures done by the nurse.
Conclusion
Cataract surgery is inevitable if cataracts interfere with daily activities. Therefore, it is essential to know about the procedure and its complications. But the chances of complications are less in the case of cataract surgery. Doctors and nurses will take appropriate pre-surgical and surgical care. Proper post-surgical care is also vital to preserving eye health, which has to be followed by the patient. It is also essential to have a diet rich in vitamins and minerals that can improve vision.
