Cataracts - Resources

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The patients and the doctor must make these decisions based on specific visual needs. Many patients also need eyeglasses after cataract surgery for reading or to correct astigmatism.

Complications of Cataract Surgery

Modern cataract surgery is one of the safest of all surgical procedures. Most complications, even if they occur, are not serious. They can include:

• Swelling and inflammation can occur in the days or weeks following surgery. Risk is about 1%. This complication can be particularly harmful for patients with existing uveitis (chronic inflammation in the eye, which can be due to various medical conditions).
• Retinal detachment. In rare cases, the retina at the rear of the eye can become detached..
• Glaucoma. This is an eye condition in which the pressure of fluids inside the eye rises dangerously. Risk is very low, but patients should be sure to avoid activities after surgery that increase pressure. [For more information, see In-Depth Report #25: Glaucoma.]

• Infection. This is very rare (0.2%) but may be significant if it does develop.
• Bleeding can develop inside the eye.
• Posterior capsular opacification is one the more common complications of cataract surgery. The risk appears to be lower with sharp-edged (square) IOLS than round IOLs.

Click the icon to see an image of macular degeneration.

Preventing Infection and Reducing Swelling. The ophthalmologist may prescribe the following medications after surgery:

• A topical antibiotic may protect against infection.
• Corticosteroid eyedrops or ointments are often used to reduce swelling, but they can pose a risk for increased pressure in the eye.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as diclofenac, ketorolac, naproxen, and voltaren, also reduce swelling and do not have the same risks as steroids. Newer NSAIDS approved to treat pain and swelling after cataract surgery include bromfenac (Xibrom) and nepafenac (Nevanac).