Cataract surgery is a common and safe procedure, but it does come with some risks. Complications can range from immediate to late, and can include discomfort, increased intraocular pressure, allergic reactions, and endophthalmitis. In this article, we'll discuss the percentage of cataract surgeries that have complications, the factors that increase the risk of complications, and how to prevent them. Cataract surgery dates back to the 18th century.
With advances in technology, infectious disease control and equipment, there are fewer adverse postoperative events after the procedure. However, complications still occur during and after the operation. The current goal of cataract surgery is to remove the cataract and replace it with an intraocular lens, which is normally placed in the capsular pouch of the back chamber. The most serious and dreaded risk of cataract surgery is endophthalmitis, an infection inside the eye. This complication is extremely rare, occurring in only 0.004 percent of cataract surgeries.
Other immediate complications include discomfort, bruising and swelling of the eyelids, increased intraocular pressure, and allergic reaction to the steroid or antibiotic in drops. There are several factors that increase the risk of complications with cataract surgery. These include pre-existing eye conditions, age-related changes in the eye's anatomy, and longer ultrasound time during the procedure. Patients who had other eye conditions besides cataracts before surgery are more likely to experience complications. The most common complication of cataract surgery is swelling of the cornea or the outer window of the eye. This usually resolves within a few days after surgery.
Ocular hypertension, an increase in pressure in the eye, is also a common risk of cataract surgery. A study conducted by Braga-Mele and her colleagues compared the rates of intraoperative complications in phacoemulsification cataract surgery performed by resident students and staff ophthalmologists in a Canadian academic center. They found that 0.7 percent of surgeries had complications. Another study evaluated nearly 9,000 phacoemulsification cataract surgery procedures and found that 0.5 percent had complications. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce your risk of complications from cataract surgery. The most important thing you can do is to follow your doctor's instructions before and after your procedure.
You should also make sure to attend all follow-up appointments so that any potential problems can be identified and treated quickly. Cataract surgery is a safe and effective way to restore vision. With proper care before and after your procedure, you can reduce your risk of complications and enjoy clear vision for years to come. In conclusion, while cataract surgery is generally safe and effective for restoring vision, there are still risks associated with it. The most serious complication is endophthalmitis, which occurs in only 0.004 percent of surgeries. Other immediate risks include discomfort, increased intraocular pressure, allergic reactions, and swelling of the cornea or outer window of the eye.
Factors that increase your risk for complications include pre-existing eye conditions, age-related changes in eye anatomy, and longer ultrasound time during the procedure. To reduce your risk for complications from cataract surgery, make sure to follow your doctor's instructions before and after your procedure and attend all follow-up appointments.
