Cataract Surgery Health Article

Preparation

Patients must have a pre-operation eye examination, which will include ultrasound analysis to make sure the

retina (the innermost layer of the eye, containing the light receptors) is intact and also to measure eye curvature so that a lens with the proper correction can be implanted. The patient will also have a pre-operative physical examination. In addition, patients start a course of antibiotic eye drops or ointment the day before surgery.

Aftercare

Proper post-operative care is especially important after cataract surgery. Patients will need someone to drive them home after the surgery and should not bend over or do anything strenuous for about two weeks. They should refrain from rubbing the eye, should wear glasses to protect their eye, and should wear a shield while sleeping so the eye won't be rubbed or bumped accidentally. The patient will usually continue their antibiotic for two to three weeks and will also take anti-inflammatory medication for about the same length of time. If the patient experiences inflammation, redness, or pain, they should seek immediate medical treatment to avoid serious complications.

Risks

Cataract surgery itself is quite safe; over 90% of the time, there are no complications. Possible complications include intraocular infection (endophthalmitis), central retinal inflammation (macular edema), post-operative glaucoma, retinal detachment, bleeding under the retina (choroidal hemorrhage), and tiny lens fragments in the back (vitreous) cavity of the eye, all of which can lead to loss of sight.

Normal results

Ordinarily, patients experience improved visual acuity and improved perception of the vividness of colors, leading to increased abilities in many activities, including reading, needlework, driving, golf, and tennis, for example. In addition, sometimes implanted corrective lenses eliminate the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses.

BOOKS

Salmans, Sandra. Your Eyes: Questions You Have. Answers You Need. Allentown, PA: People's Medical Society, 1996.

Shulman, Julius. Cataracts. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1995.

ORGANIZATIONS

American Academy of Ophthalmology. 655 Beach Street, P.O. Box 7424, San Francisco, CA 94120-7424. <http://www.eyenet.org>.

American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. 4000 Legato Road, Suite 850, Fairfax, VA 22033-4055. (703) 591-2220. <http://www.ascrs.org>.

OTHER

"Cataract in Adults: A Patient's Guide." National Library of Medicine Page. <http://text.nlm.nih.gov>.

"Patient Information." Digital Journal of Ophthalmology. <http://www.djo.harvard.edu/meei/PI/PIhome.html>.

Lorraine Lica, PhD