What Are the Risks of Infection After Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery is a safe and effective procedure that can help restore vision and improve quality of life. However, as with any medical procedure, there is a risk of infection. The critical treatment period is just before surgery and until the wound no longer allows organisms to enter, usually 1 or 2 days after surgery. The infection inside the eye is known as endophthalmitis and can occur after any cataract operation.

Treatment time is crucial in trying to achieve a good result and it must be detected and treated as soon as possible. Some cataract operations take longer or are more complicated than a standard routine case, and they take longer to resolve; however, in most cases the result is still excellent, it just takes a little longer to get rid of anti-inflammatory drops. When endophthalmitis occurs, it is usually not due to the ophthalmic surgeon's technique, but rather to the inadvertent entry into the eye of normal bacteria found on the skin or eyelashes or, exceptionally, in instruments or infusions of eye fluids. Every possible precaution is taken to avoid the risk of endophthalmitis with a sterile cloth for surgery, povidone iodine eye drops at the start of the operation and antibiotics by eye injection at the end of the operation. However, it can occur rarely and unavoidably. Treatment should not be delayed while waiting for microbiological confirmation or the effects of a droplet test.

All units dedicated to intraocular

cataract surgery

have surgeons who know how to treat endophthalmitis and have clear ways to detect and treat this potentially devastating condition. Endophthalmitis is a devastating complication of cataract surgery that can cause irreversible blindness if not treated promptly. Symptoms such as severe pain, rapid reduction in vision, progressive swelling or redness of the eyes, or odorous discharge from the eye after surgery should be taken seriously and require urgent consultation with an ophthalmologist. In some cases, the doctor also removes the vitreous, the clear gel found in the center of the eye, to stop the infection from spreading. Postoperative endophthalmitis is defined as a serious inflammation affecting both the anterior and posterior segments of the eye after intraocular surgery.

This complication of cataract surgery can occur within the first week; although very rare, it can cause irreversible blindness. People with diabetes, high blood pressure, or other conditions that exist after cataract surgery are at higher risk for suprachoroidal bleeding. People with very myopic eyes or a history of premature retinopathy and who develop early cataracts have a higher risk of retinal detachment after surgery. In addition, pharmacists should familiarize themselves with the risks and pharmacological treatment of postoperative endophthalmitis since this complication can occur within 6 weeks or even months or years after the procedure if growing organisms are involved. Rapid recognition, diagnosis and treatment are critical to optimizing therapeutic outcomes. All units that undergo intraocular cataract surgery have surgeons who know how to treat endophthalmitis and have clear ways to detect and treat this potentially devastating condition. Cataract surgery rarely goes wrong or has postoperative complications, but it's possible.

Modern cataract surgery creates a capsular pouch containing part of the anterior capsule, the entire posterior capsule, and the implanted intraocular lens. It's rare to have this serious infection after cataract surgery, but when it happens, you need urgent treatment. Some of the complications of cataract surgery aren't as complicated as expected side effects. Cataract surgery recovery usually takes a short period of time and you can return to many of your normal daily activities. Over-the-counter pain relievers usually help with any discomfort associated with normal side effects. It's important to be aware of potential risks associated with cataract surgery so that you can recognize any serious complications early on.

If you experience any symptoms such as severe pain, rapid reduction in vision, progressive swelling or redness of the eyes, or odorous discharge from the eye after surgery, you should urgently consult your ophthalmologist.