Late Colmplications After Cataract Surgery

Inflammation of the unoperated eye (sympathetic

ophthalmia). This is a serious complication which may cause permanent total or partial loss of vision despite prompt treatment with steroids, in the unoperated eye.

Suprachoroidal haemorrhage. This is a rare but potentially vision-threatening complication due to accumulation of blood within a potential space within the eye, which may cause permanent visual loss. It is very rare after cataract surgery, and occurs in less than 0.1%.

LATE COMPLICATIONS AFTER CATARACT SURGERY

Posterior capsular opacification: (Also called PCO) Fibrosis of the capsule, which is the thin membrane which supports the new lens inside your eye can occur gradually in 20 percent of people after cataract surgery, resulting in mistiness and blurriness of the vision after initially having clear vision following cataract surgery. Posterior capsular opacification impedes the passage of light rays through the lens to the retina. PCO is easily treated with laser surgery called a posterior capsulotomy. This creates a central opening in the middle of the fibrosed capsule which allows light to pass freely onto your retina and thus enables you to see clearly again. This laser procedure is a quick procedure performed in the consulting rooms, and is safe and effective, and you will have almost immediate improvement in vision.

Retinal detachment: This complication occurs in 0.5 percent of patients after cataract surgery. It is more common when there has been a complication during cataract surgery. The 3 main symptoms to look for are flashing lights, floaters, and a shadow or curtain obscuring your field of vision. If you notice any of these symptoms review is required, without delay. Retinal detachment will cause blindness if the retina is not put back into place, in a timely manner. A retinal detachment can only be treated with retinal detachment surgery. This