Cataract Surgery

What causes Cataract?

The most common cause of cataract is ageing.

The two preventable causes of cataract formation would be:

• Smoking
• UV radiation (sunlight) exposure

Cataract can also occur at a younger age if you:

• Have poorly controlled diabetes
• Take certain types of medication such as corticosteroid, etc.
• Are born with it (congenital) Experienced previous trauma to the eye

What are the risks of cataract surgery?

As with any surgery, cataract surgery poses risks such as infection and bleeding. Before cataract surgery, your ophthalmologist may ask you to temporarily stop taking certain medications that increase the risk of bleeding during surgery.

A possible complication that can occur during surgery is the rupture of the lens capsule (“bag”) that supports the lens. As a result of this complication, the artificial lens implant may have to be placed in a suitable alternative position, different from the original intended position. This may be performed during the same surgery or arranged as a separate operation.

Possible complications that may arise after cataract surgery include:

• Infection (Endophthalmitis)
• Inflammation
  
• Retinal detachment
• High eye pressure for a few days
• Leaking wound which may require stitching
• Cloudiness of the cornea
• Swelling of the retina
• Sensitivity to eye drops
• Displacement of the lens implant
• Droopy eyelids