Cataract surgery is a common and safe procedure, but it is important to be aware of the risks associated with it. Strenuous activities such as lifting heavy objects can increase eye pressure levels, which is one of the most common complications in patients who have undergone cataract surgery. Blurred vision can also be caused by PCO (posterior capsule opacification), a condition that can occur weeks, months, or even years after the surgery. This occurs when the lens capsule, which holds the new intraocular lens in place, becomes blurry or wrinkled and begins to blur the vision.
PCO is caused by cells growing in the membrane over time, similar to scar tissue. It is normal to experience some swelling and redness after cataract surgery, and if this occurs, you may be given eye drops or other medication to treat it. To avoid any further complications, it is important to avoid bending down and lifting objects that weigh more than 10-15 pounds, including dirty clothes and food. This can increase pressure in the eyes and interfere with proper healing.
If your pressure is high at your 24-hour postoperative exam, it is likely not a steroid response. High intraocular pressure as a result of a response to steroids usually occurs 10 days to 2 weeks after starting steroid treatment. In this case, the best treatment is to reduce or stop the steroid and switch to a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug to control inflammation. In some cases, the addition of a topical hypotensive agent may be beneficial. Infections after cataract surgery are rare, but if you do experience one, you will receive an injection of antibiotics in your eye.
It is also important to be aware of signs of retinal detachment, which is a rare complication of cataract surgery that occurs when the retina separates from the back of the eye. Increased intraocular pressure on the first postoperative day after cataract surgery performed by a resident is also something to be aware of. Recovery from cataract surgery usually lasts a short time, and you can resume many of your normal daily activities.
