How to Know When to Call the Doctor After Cataract Surgery

While cataract surgery is generally very safe because of new medical technologies, there are still possibilities for side effects and complications. The procedure involves an incision in the eye and the insertion of a special lens after the cataract is dissolved. You should know when to call your doctor after cataract surgery because of the delicate nature of this procedure.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Know When to Call the Doctor After Cataract Surgery

1. Watch for any severe nausea or vomiting less than 24 hours after the surgery. Some people have a delayed reaction to the anesthetics, sedatives or tools used during this procedure.
2. Look for secretions from the corrected eye. Your body may react to the new lens that is inserted in your eye and try to fight it. Call the 24-hour contact number you were given by your surgeon if you notice this symptom. You may need to have the lens removed.
3. See if the swelling around your eye doesn't get better after 1 to 2 days. In this case, you might only need a stronger anti-inflammatory medicine to reduce the swelling.
4. Call your doctor if you feel a popping sensation in your eye followed by eye irritation. In very rare instances, the incision can re-open and the new lens can be exposed. You'll need to have this condition corrected immediately.
5. Know that there is small chance that you will experience complications 2 years or longer after your surgery. You may develop a second cataract behind your new lens. This problem can be corrected with a laser operation. See your eye doctor when your vision ever becomes cloudy or blurry.
6. Notify your doctor if you every experience acute pain in the eye that was operated on. Sometimes complications can arise weeks or months after you appear to have recovered.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure you get a 24-hour contact number for someone at the hospital. This number will put you in touch with an eye expert who can address any concerns you may have and advise you how to proceed.
• Know the ingredients of your medication and whether you are allergic to any of them. Your surgeon or doctor should go over the possible reactions to your medication prior to surgery.
• Be aware that you may have to still wear corrective glasses after your surgery.
• Never increase your own dosage of anti-inflammatory medicine if you think it's not working. Always contact your doctor before changing a dosage.