Cataract Surgery Complications | Laser Cataract Surgery

Although you have cataracts, the next step is surgery which for some patients can be a daunting prospect. Taking the decision to proceed with surgery is a significant step, it is normal to have a sense of apprehension. Also, what final vision can you expect and what will it feel like during surgery? There are also different lens types and different surgical techniques too.

Dr Ben Connell values only using the latest technology and equipment to provide the best possible vision. You may also have specific circumstances or concerns. We have the experience to address these. Below are some specific circumstances which we frequently encounter although your own may not be included, we are very confident we will be able to address them.

For most patients, Cataract Surgery provides clearer day to day vision. This varies from patient to patient, it might mean being able to drive a car more confidently and safely, read more comfortably and for longer periods, or see the subtitles on television clearly. For many patients they also enjoy less requirement for glasses for day to day activities. The benefits vary from patient to patient, we would be very happy to discuss these at your consultation. We look forward to being able to explore these options with you.

Extreme Anxiety

Typically patients having cataract surgery under local anaesthetic progress through the procedure without any pain or discomfort post-operatively. In circumstances where there is discomfort it is almost always controlled with simple measures such as paracetamol. Most patients have an uneventful course.

Refractive Lens Exchange

Some patients who are particularly short-sighted, long-sighted or who have significant astigmatism may elect to have the cataract surgical procedure despite their lens being clear and without opacity, with the aim of reducing their dependence on glasses. As a consequence glasses prescribed for them are necessarily less powerful and the requirement to wear them for day-to-day activities is diminished.

Blood Thinners

Cataract surgery is performed on a part of the eye that is relatively free of blood vessels. Therefore the need for any blood-thinning medications to be temporarily discontinued is diminished.

Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy

Fuchs dystrophy is a condition of the endothelium.

Prior Corneal Transplantation

In patients presenting for cataract surgery who have previously had a corneal transplant, some of the same issues pertinent to Fuchs endothelial dystrophy apply. In such cases particular care and attention is made to minimise endothelial cell loss.

Higher Amounts of Myopia

Patients with medium to high amounts of myopia are dependent on lens correction for most activities. Without lenses, they have their best vision very close to their face, called their “working distance”. This may be at a distance they would comfortably thread a needle or read very fine print. It may be too close however for these tasks to be performed comfortably for long periods.

Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome (PXF)

Patients with this condition can develop elevated eye pressure, or glaucoma, which damages the optic nerve. Unfortunately in some patients with PXF, the pressure can become dramatically high and cause a particularly aggressive form of glaucoma.

Diabetes Mellitus

Patients with diabetes have a higher rate of cataract development when compared to patients without diabetes. Also, patients with diabetes develop signs on the retina of a condition called diabetic retinopathy. Typically this condition is asymptomatic in the early stages. It is only in the late stages that diabetic retinopathy manifests, most commonly as blurred vision. Patients with diabetes require regular examination of their retina with either their optometrist or ophthalmologist to identify any features of diabetic retinopathy.

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