Postoperative period after cataract surgery

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed procedures worldwide, as the natural aging of the lens affects individuals aged 50 and older. With increasing age, the development of cataracts becomes an inevitable process, making surgical intervention necessary for the majority of individuals. Given the routine nature of this procedure, it is important to emphasize the postoperative period, which can play a crucial role in all dimensions of a patient’s post-surgical visual quality of life. Aim To synthesize and analyze the existing body of literature on the postoperative period following cataract surgery. Materials and Methods: A secondary data analysis, summarizing and condensing literature mainly from the databases “Elsevier“, PubMed”, “Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews”, “Wiley Online Library”, “Springer Link”, “ScienceDirect” on postoperative period after cataract surgery. Results The incidence of postoperative complications is generally low, with factors influencing their occurrence such as incision site, fluid egress from the corneal incision site and inadequate use of intracameral antibiotics. Patient-specific factors also play a critical role, such as the axial length of the eye, preexisting ocular conditions, and systemic comorbidities, particularly diabetes mellitus. Additionally, the risk of complications may be exacerbated by the contamination of surgical instruments or material properties of intraocular lenses. Visual acuity outcomes are mainly dependent on surgical complications and ocular diseases. The most common postoperative complications following cataract surgery include ocular pain, presenting with a variety in prevalence which can be effectively reduced by NSAIDs, dry eye syndrome, corneal oedema, cystoid macular oedema, secondary cataract, elevated intraocular pressure, and subconjunctival hemorrhage. Although rare, a potential complication includes endophthalmitis, characterized by inflammation of all ocular layers and others such as intraocular lens dislocation, retinal detachment, and, in severe cases, even blindness. There might be no need for routine postoperative follow-up visits in all patients without surgical complications or ocular diseases; multifocal IOLs tend to provide better near vision, at the same time presenting with more side effects compared to monofocal lenses. There is conflicting evidence on the effect of cataract surgery on Diabetic Retinopathy and Age-Related-Macular Degeneration, with some research suggesting a negative impact on the progression of these diseases. Conclusion Comprehensive knowledge about the postoperative period after cataract surgery plays a vital role in the achievement of the best possible corrected visual acuity. A robust understanding of this sensitive period promotes long-term visual stability and faster recovery in patients undergoing this surgery.