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What is the Side Effect of Cataract Surgery?



Cataract surgery has become a famous aspect of eye correction in this century. More and more people are opting for cataract surgery to help them correct their vision. But most of those people have various surgery complications which make their decision frail.


I am witnessing people who are in need of information about cataract surgery. This discovery has made me share my insight about the side effects of cataract surgery. This write-up deal with all the issues and concerns of cataract surgery.


Cataract surgery is one of the most thriving and preferred surgical procedures performed today. As per the data of American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS), cataract surgery has seen an overall success rate of 98 percent or higher. These stats are based on the average cataract surgery each year. Majority of studies suggest that most of the patients had no severe postoperative complications. But the potential cataract surgery complications include:


Light sensitivity (photophobia)


This issue means that the eye has a certain level of concern with light. This mainly includes wet eyes and light sensitivity pain. This issue might come and go every couple of days, but it is easily operable. The patient can use sunglasses to help their photophobia issues.


Ptosis (droopy eyelid)


Ptosis is basically the issue of having a saggy or droopy upper eyelid. This issue can affect one or both eyes and is mostly considered to be congenital or birth defect. If the person has this issue after the surgery, a brief talk with an eye expert can help a lot.


Posterior capsule opacity (PCO)


The posterior portion of the capsule becomes vague some time in about 20% of patients during cataract surgery recovery. This issue can cause PCO which can further lead to other complications. This is rare in patients.


Eye inflammation


This issue occurs mostly because of an infection by bacteria or viruses. This is a non-specific defect and can have so many different reasons apart from cataract surgery. It is advised to visit a specialist as it can progress to a severe form.


Ocular hypertension (elevated eye pressure)


Front of the eye does not exude fluid properly which increases the pressure on the eye. This can often lead to glaucoma which means it is important to consult a specialist.


Intraocular lens dislocation


In this issue, the lens moves out of the place with a risk of severe complications. This issue can lead to other complications which can result in losing the eyesight.


Macular edema (swelling of the central retina)


This issue occurs when there is an accumulation of abnormal leakage of fluid in the macula. This often occurs after eye surgery.


Photopsia (perceived flashes of light)


Photopsia is commonly associated with migraine aura without a headache, occipital lobe infarction, posterior vitreous detachment, sensory deprivation retinal break or detachment.

All these issues can be treated, and also, these potential issues are rare among the beneficiaries. Laser treatment for eyes is considered to be the best possible way to correct the vision. Laser eye surgery has proved to be effective and beneficial for the people dealing with vision issues.


Other Cataract Surgery Complications


There are other minor eye complications such as minor eye inflammation, detached retina, and devastating vision loss. The possibility of severe vision loss is very rare. Some of these complications might occur later.



The best way to deal with any vision complications is by consulting with a specialist as soon as you start to see the symptoms. Make sure that you briefly share all the major and minor issue to learn how to tackle them. Such minor complications can be cleared up with medication and within certain healing time.


Recovery of Cataract Surgery


It might come as a surprise, but you can easily resume normal activities right from the next day of cataract surgery. The recovery time of a cataract surgery varies on the person and the precautions they take. Most of the specialists prescribe using antibiotic eye drops and anti-inflammatory to help the newly operated eyes. Suing eye drops about the first week during your cataract surgery recovery is quite normal. But it needs so much more than just using eye drops.


Here are few tips to get a safe and speedy recovery:


  1. Say no to driving a car or riding a bike to keep your eyes safe from the dust particles.

  2. Don’t lift heavy objects or do strenuous activities for few weeks.

  3. Be careful after the surgery. The vision might feel awkward, so you might bump and fall over.

  4. Do not rub your eyes vigorously.

  5. Do not expose the eyes to the wind, grime or dust.

  6. Avoid swimming or using the hot tub to reduce the risk of infection.

  7. Don’t put extra pressure on the eyes. Avoid bending over or exerting your eyes with a digital screen for hours.


Conclusion



Cataract eye surgery is considered safe and offers the best results. As people are always worried about the complication they might or might not come across. There is a minor possibility of having side effects by cataract surgery if you opt for a well-versed surgery center. And in case you come across any complication post-surgery, there is always a way to tackle it. The first and the most important thing is to gather as much information as possible.

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