Complications after Cataract Surgery
Complications of cataract surgery
Most people who undergo cataract surgery enjoy great vision that had been elusive to them for years. But not all people are lucky in this matter. For some, the biggest obstacle to complete recovery is a condition called cystoid macular edema or CME. This is one of the main reasons for delayed recovery of vision, and in a few patients, the cause for permanent vision damage.
Understanding cystoid macular edema
Macula is a tiny circular area in the retina that is about one-third of an inch in diameter and is used for focusing and reading. Even a small change to the macula can result in visual changes such as swelling, bleeding, and inflammation. During CME, retinal capillaries around the macula leak and form pockets of fluids causing the macula to thicken. The diagnosis of CME can be easily made in the office of your cataract surgeon in Rochester.
There are several factors that can lead to CME after the surgery, many of which are preventable. Your surgeon would rather prevent this condition than treating it. It can be quite disappointing for both the patient and the doctor because CME can occur even in cases where the cataract surgery and intraocular lens implantations have been perfect.
Cystoid macular edema can be prevented
CME might come across as a serious medical condition for most but the solution is actually simple. Clinical research has shown that application of non-steroidal eye drops for 3 days continuously prior to surgery can actually reduce the chances of the patient developing CME. It is important that you consult your eye doctor before actually buying and using the non-steroidal eye drops to avoid any complications.
Follow the instructions given by your doctor
Your eye surgeon would instruct you to refrain from any strenuous activity after the cataract surgery for a particular period of time. You would also be asked to carefully wash your hands often so that you do not touch your newly operated eyes with a contaminated hand paving way for infections. The eye drops that are prescribed after the surgery must be diligently utilized. It must be kept in mind that cataract surgery is an outpatient surgery, which means the doctor would not be present all the time during your immediate recovery.
