Post-Cataract Surgery Care: Addressing Common Concerns and Questions

After cataract surgery

My mother (approximately 78 years old) underwent cataract surgery on her right eye six weeks ago.
I would like to ask the following questions:
1.) Why does she need to have her sutures removed one month after surgery, while others do not require this?
2.) After the surgery, she experienced blurred vision (as if there is a thin film) which has gradually improved, but she still sees some shadows or dark spots obstructing her vision.

3.) Her left eye has insufficient tear production, leading to discomfort and even inflammation due to eye discharge.
She is currently using eye drops prescribed by her doctor.
When would it be appropriate to perform cataract surgery on her left eye? Thank you for your response!

Mr. Chen, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/08/31

Dr. Lin Zhengyi reply Ophthalmology

1.
If the sutures from cataract surgery are loose or break on their own, they must be removed; otherwise, they can cause discomfort in the eye.
Therefore, whether to remove the sutures should be determined based on each patient's condition.

2.
Postoperative shadows or dark spots are mostly due to opacities in the vitreous body, primarily caused by the degeneration of the internal structures of the eye.
However, a small portion may be associated with other pathologies, so it is recommended that your mother return to the original surgeon for further examination.
3.
Insufficient tear secretion is classified as a chronic condition.
Unless the situation is very severe, it typically does not affect the surgery.
As long as the inflammation improves, the surgery can be performed.

Reply Date: 2004/08/31

More Info

Post-cataract surgery care is crucial for ensuring optimal recovery and visual outcomes. Your mother's experience raises several important questions that are common among patients following cataract surgery. Let's address each of your concerns in detail.

1. Why does she need to have stitches removed a month after surgery, while others do not?
The need for suture removal after cataract surgery can vary based on the surgical technique used and the individual healing process. In traditional cataract surgery, sutures may be used to close the incision, while in modern techniques, such as phacoemulsification, smaller incisions are often self-sealing and may not require sutures at all. If your mother had sutures placed, they are typically removed after the eye has healed sufficiently, which is usually around one month post-operation. The timing can also depend on how well the incision has healed and the surgeon's assessment. If the incision is stable and healing well, the sutures can be removed without any issues.

2. Why is she seeing blurry images and shadows after surgery?
Post-operative visual disturbances, such as blurriness or seeing shadows, can occur for several reasons. One common cause is the development of a condition known as posterior capsule opacification (PCO), often referred to as a "secondary cataract." This occurs when the thin membrane that holds the lens in place becomes cloudy after surgery, leading to blurred vision. PCO can develop weeks, months, or even years after cataract surgery. Fortunately, it can be treated effectively with a quick outpatient procedure called YAG laser capsulotomy, which can restore clear vision. It is essential for your mother to follow up with her ophthalmologist to evaluate her symptoms and determine if PCO is the cause.

3. When is it appropriate to consider cataract surgery for her left eye?
The decision to proceed with cataract surgery in the left eye should be based on several factors, including the severity of the cataract, the impact on her daily activities, and her overall eye health. Since you mentioned that her left eye has issues with tear production leading to discomfort and potential inflammation, it is crucial to address these concerns first. The use of prescribed eye drops is a good start, but her ophthalmologist will need to assess the condition of the left eye and the effectiveness of the treatment before scheduling surgery. Typically, surgery is considered when the cataract significantly impairs vision and quality of life, and when any underlying issues, such as inflammation, are under control.

In conclusion, it is essential for your mother to maintain regular follow-up appointments with her ophthalmologist to monitor her recovery and address any complications that may arise. Encourage her to communicate openly with her doctor about her symptoms and concerns, as this will help ensure she receives the best care possible. If she experiences any sudden changes in vision, increased pain, or signs of infection (such as redness or discharge), she should seek medical attention promptly. Post-operative care is vital for achieving the best visual outcomes after cataract surgery, and understanding these aspects can help alleviate concerns and promote a smoother recovery process.

Similar Q&A

Post-Cataract Surgery: Choosing the Right Glasses and Vision Concerns

Hello Doctor: I underwent cataract surgery on my left eye in August 2018 and on my right eye at the end of September. I had laser treatment at the end of October due to my preoperative high myopia, with my left eye measuring -10.00 diopters and my right eye -8.00 diopters. The do...

Dr. Liang Ce reply Ophthalmology
Question 1: It is recommended that you consult your ophthalmologist regarding any questions related to wearing glasses. Question 2: It is advisable to give your eyes more rest. Question 3: It is suggested that you ask your ophthalmologist about any postoperative concerns, as each...

Understanding Complications After Cataract Surgery: What to Expect

Hello Doctor, my mother underwent her first cataract surgery two weeks ago. Her preoperative vision was approximately 0.2. During the surgery, the doctor mentioned that the lens was overripe and difficult to operate on, resulting in the loss of many epithelial cells. After the su...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello Sandy: The intraocular lens should only be repositioned; whether it needs to be removed and reinserted is something that should be discussed with the surgeon. The physician should create the best plan for the patient, and any procedure should be considered with the patient&...

Understanding Post-Cataract Surgery Discomfort: Causes and Treatment Options

Hello Dr. Gao! My father underwent cataract surgery on one eye three months ago, opting for femtosecond laser refractive surgery at a cost of NT$72,000, plus an out-of-pocket expense for the intraocular lens of NT$50,000 (which included correction for astigmatism). However, he st...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello: 1. The most likely causes of the postoperative eye condition could be corneal edema, macular edema, or other underlying issues such as amblyopia or other pathologies. 2. The choice of surgical combination techniques may need to be discussed with the surgeon, as it is impor...

Understanding Vision Changes After Cataract Surgery: Common Concerns

Dear Dr. Gao, Thank you very much for your detailed response to #166210. I have three questions to ask you today: 1. I had cataract surgery on my right eye (monofocal aspheric) and my vision was 1300 degrees without any residual prescription. It has been a month since the sur...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello Jane, 1. Is it possible that the suspected astigmatism issue is causing a vision of 0.5? Yes, astigmatism can potentially affect vision. 2. What is the normal recovery period for vision after cataract surgery with an intraocular lens? It varies; it depends on the surgery ...