Preoperative Care
Cataract: clouding of lens, leading cause of reversible blindness. Symptoms: blurred vision, glare, faded colors, decreased night vision. Surgery: phacoemulsification with IOL implantation. Pre-op: dilating drops, antibiotic drops, informed consent, NPO, arrange transportation home.
Postoperative Care
Eye shield: wear for first 24h, then at night for 1 week. Activity restrictions: no heavy lifting, no bending over (head below waist), no strenuous activity for 1-2 weeks. No eye rubbing. Sunglasses outdoors. Instill drops as prescribed (antibiotic, steroid, NSAID). Follow-up: next day, 1 week, 1 month.
Complications
Endophthalmitis: severe eye infection (redness, pain, decreased vision) — emergency. Cystoid macular edema: most common cause of vision loss. Posterior capsule opacity: after-cataract, treated with YAG laser. Retinal detachment: flashes, floaters, curtain — emergency. Report: severe pain, vision loss, flashes, floaters.
Important Notes
- Postoperative endophthalmitis: severe pain, redness, decreased vision — ophthalmologic emergency requiring immediate treatment.
- No bending over (head below waist) or heavy lifting for 1-2 weeks post-cataract surgery — increases IOP and risk of complications.
Clinical Tips
- After-cataract (PCO) is treated with YAG laser capsulotomy — quick, painless outpatient procedure.
- Report new flashes, floaters, or curtain over vision — signs of retinal detachment.
Summary
Cataract surgery care requires eye shield, activity restrictions, medication instillation, and monitoring for endophthalmitis and retinal detachment.
