Cataract surgery is a common and safe procedure, but there is still a risk of infection. Endophthalmitis is an infection inside the eye that can occur after any cataract operation. This condition can be devastating if not detected and treated as soon as possible. The time of endophthalmitis after cataract surgery was 1 to 40 days, with an average of 10.57 days ± 11.17. Based on the clinical manifestations of infectious endophthalmitis, visual acuity decreased significantly in 16 patients (38.1%) and eye pain in 25 patients (59.5%).
Every precaution is taken to avoid the risk of endophthalmitis, including sterile wipes for surgery, eye drops containing povidone iodized at the beginning of the operation and injectable antibiotics in the eyes at the end. However, it can still happen rarely and inevitably. Treatment should not be delayed while waiting for microbiological confirmation or the effects of a droplet trial. All units that perform intraocular cataract surgery have surgeons who know how to treat endophthalmitis and have clear ways to detect and treat this potentially devastating condition.
If after cataract surgery you have any symptoms, such as severe pain, reduced quick-onset vision, progressive swelling or redness of the eye, or smelly discharge from the eye after surgery, you should urgently see your eye doctor. Infections after cataract surgery are rare, but if you have one, you'll get an injection of antibiotics in your eye. In some cases, the doctor also removes the vitreous, the clear gel found in the center of the eye, to prevent the infection from spreading. You will be provided with a protective eye shield that you must wear during sleep (including naps) for at least the first week after cataract surgery.
After cataract surgery, you may notice that your vision is blurred. This is normal as the eye heals and adapts. You'll see a noticeable improvement in just a few days. Complete healing usually takes about 8 weeks.
Even so, the healing process must run its course and vision may fluctuate slightly during the first few weeks before fully stabilizing. Your eye should heal structurally from surgery in about a month, but it's best to let your doctor determine when your recovery is complete. Compared to other notable eye surgeries, the recovery time from cataract surgery is relatively fast. As an expert in SEO optimization, I want to emphasize that it's important to be aware of the risks associated with this procedure and take all necessary precautions to ensure a successful outcome.
If you're considering cataract surgery for yourself or a loved one, contact us at Heart of Texas Eye Care for a free consultation.
