After-cataract
After-cataract surgery after cataract surgery
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INTRODUCTION
During cataract surgery, the posterior lens capsule is needed to anchor the artificial lens. This can become somewhat cloudy over time, leading to renewed visual deterioration. Without treatment, vision may slowly continue to deteriorate. Laser removal is a short, non-painful treatment to restore visual acuity.
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TREATMENT
A precisely targeted laser beam is directed into the eye, and onto the posterior lens capsule. This laser beam opens and separates out the clouded posterior lens capsule. It then sinks into the vitreous cavity behind the lens, and can sometimes be seen as a transparent floating shadow in the first few days. In adults, recurrence of after-cataract does not occur subsequent to this.
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COMPLICATIONS
Serious complications in treatment of after-cataract are extremely rare. Nevertheless, it is important to point out possible complications so that one knows what to expect postoperatively. The following complications could occur despite the greatest care:
- in 2-3% of patients, a temporary increase in intraocular pressure occurs after laser treatment. Therefore, the intraocular pressure must be controlled in the first days postoperatively, and this must be treated with medication if necessary.
- Damage to the artificial lens due to laser treatment rarely occurs. If so, it can cause increased glare sensitivity and visual disturbances.
- Between one in five patients swelling of the center of the retina occurs, which can temporarily lead to a deterioration of visual acuity. If this occurs, postoperative eye drops must be given for an extended period.
- in about one in 30 patients, retinal detachment occurs after treatment, the origin of which we do not understand precisely. Then surgery must be performed to reattach the retina. If dots are perceived in front of the eye in the first days postoperatively, this is normal. However, if dots or flashes appear later than 1 week after the treatment, or one notices an opaque shadow, or a wall that slowly grows larger, one must immediately report to the ophthalmologist.