Cataract surgery can be performed at any stage of cataract development. Cutting directly into the capsule of the cloudy lens is the most effective method of treatment. This is called a capsulotomy. The natural lens is completely removed and replaced with a synthetic lens. The two main types of cataract surgery are intracapsular cataract extraction (ICCE) and extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE).
ECCE Surgery
Extracapsular cataract extraction is more commonly used in modern day practice. It allows the surgeon to remove the lens without damaging the lens capsule. A surgeon may use phacoemulsification, or high-frequency sound waves, to break apart the lens prior to extraction.
ICCE Surgery
Intracapsular cataract extraction is rare in current medical practices. While this method of surgery still offers the same visual benefits as ECCE, medical professionals prefer to leave the lens capsule intact. Extenuating circumstances, such as eye trauma, may result in the necessity of performing an ICCE.
Cataract Treatment Difficulties
Both ECCE and ICCE will help restore a patient’s vision. Immediately following cataract surgery, a patient may need to wear glasses. This is only temporary. The new synthetic lens implant is permanent, and the patient should experience clearer eye sight once the eye has healed. Cataract surgery is a common procedure, and many patients heal properly. According to the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS), approximately 3 million Americans receive cataract surgery each year.
Complications resulting from cataract surgery include:
Posterior Capsular Opacification
Frequently referred to as an “after-cataract,” is a common physical response after cataract surgery. The posterior capsular cells migrate, appearing as a new cloudiness in the posterior lens capsule. This can cause a renewed case of blurred vision, but it can usually be corrected with a laser device.
Posterior Capsular Tears
Can cause complications during the surgery. The tears occur during ECCE procedures, when the surgeon accidently ruptures the posterior capsule of the natural lens. Approximately 5% of surgeons make this mistake.
Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD)
Does not directly impact the patient’s vision. It does affect the development of serious pathologic conditions affecting the edges of the retina. These pathologic conditions may then affect the patient’s vision as a delayed, more indirect result of PVD.
Retinal Detachment
Causes the retina to separate from the vitreous body. This can occur at any time after a cataract surgery. It is not common, but it will cause serious damage to the patient’s eye.
Toxic Anterior Segment Syndrome (TASS)
May occur after cataract surgery. It is a non-infectious inflammatory condition. It can frequently be treated with high dosages of topical corticosteroids. However, corticosteroids are a known risk factor for cataracts. TASS can cause a vicious cycle of vision problems for the patient.
Endophthalmitis
Can result from surgery or penetrating eye trauma. It is a severe infection of eye tissues. The clear cornea incision during cataract surgery is believed to predispose a patient to this type of infection.
Glaucoma
Is a cloudiness of vision usually associated with swelling and heightened blood pressure within the adult eye. It may occur after cataract surgery and is extremely difficult to control. Patients with diabetes are predisposed to developing glaucoma.
What Are the Risks of Further Cataract Surgery Complications?
- Swelling, or edema of the cornea
- Macular edema, or swelling of the central portion of the retina
- Dislocation or displacement of synthetic lens implant
- Myopia or hyperopia resulting from inaccurate eye measurements prior to the surgery
- Cyanopsia, when the patient’s vision is always tinted blue
- Floaters (common after cataract surgery)
If any post-surgical complications occur, it is important for the physician to identify and properly treat the new medical issues. Surgical error and unidentified problems leading to a failed cataract surgery can have dire effects on the patient’s eye sight. These complications can indicate further blurred vision or blindness for the patient. Illegitimate vision loss during cataract surgery may result in medical malpractice claims.
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