Signs & Symptoms of an Eye Infection After Cataract Surgery

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By Dominique Brooks
eHow Contributing Writer

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Endophthalmitis is a very serious eye infection that can occur after cataract surgery. The ophthalmologist takes precautions before eye surgery to avoid this condition. This type of infection rarely occurs.

Endophthalmitis and Bacteria

An infection after cataract surgery is usually caused by bacteria. The main causes of these types of infections are staph bacteria or strep bacteria. Both live on the skin.

Pain

Normally, there is very little pain after cataract surgery. In endophthalmitis, the eye begins to hurt. This pain might be related to sensitivity to light.

Photosensitivity

A sudden sensitivity to light can be a sign of infection after cataract surgery. The inflammation associated with the infection can cause this sensitivity.

Decrease in Vision

With modern cataract surgery, vision generally improves within a few days after the surgery, but in endophthalmitis, the vision starts to get worse.

Floaters

In endophthalmitis, particles of cells or clumps of bacteria fill the jelly in the back of the eye. The patient often can see these particles "floating" around in the eye.