What Your Cataract Surgeon Never Told You | FIVE Common *Secret* Side Effects Of Cataract Surgery!

Summary

Dr. Michele Lee, an ophthalmologist, discusses cataract surgery and its potential complications. She reveals five lesser-known aspects: dry eyes, which affect 42% of patients post-surgery; ptosis, or droopy eyelids, occurring in up to 21% of cases; dysphotopsias, causing unwanted visual disturbances; increased floaters due to vitreous detachment; and secondary cataracts from scar tissue, treatable with a YAG laser. This video aims to inform patients about these common yet under-discussed post-surgical experiences.

Takeaways

• 👨‍⚕️ Dr. Michele Lee is a board-certified ophthalmologist who performs cataract surgery.
• 👀 Cataracts are a common age-related condition where the eye's lens becomes cloudy.
• ⚠️ Cataract surgery carries risks including complications, prolonged inflammation, infection, and the need for additional surgery.
• 🌟 Many patients experience life-changing improvements in vision after cataract surgery.
• 👁️‍🗨️ Post-surgery, 42% of patients report dry eye symptoms, often due to eye drops, inflammation, or corneal nerve damage.
• 😓 Droopy eyelids, or ptosis, can affect up to 21% of patients post-surgery and may be due to the use of an eyelid speculum during surgery.
• 🤔 Dysphotopsias, or unwanted optical images, can cause dissatisfaction post-surgery but often resolve over time.
• 🌈 Floaters may become more noticeable after cataract surgery due to vitreous detachment or post-surgical inflammation.
• 🛡️ Some patients develop scar tissue behind the new lens, requiring a YAG laser treatment to clear vision.
• 👍 The YAG laser treatment for secondary cataracts is quick and effective, with no need for repeat treatments.

Q & A

What is a cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the eye's lens, which can impair vision and typically develops over time.

What are the common risks discussed during a cataract surgery consultation?

The common risks discussed include complications, prolonged inflammation, infection, and the possibility of needing additional surgery.

Why do patients often wish they had cataract surgery sooner?

Patients often express this sentiment because the surgery can be life-changing, significantly improving their vision and quality of life.

What percentage of patients reported dry eye symptoms after cataract surgery according to the survey study mentioned?

42% of patients reported experiencing dry eye symptoms after cataract surgery.

Why are eye drops used after cataract surgery potentially contributing to dry eyes?

The eye drops used post-surgery often contain preservatives that can dry out the eyes, contributing to dry eye symptoms.

What is ptosis and how is it related to cataract surgery?

Ptosis, or droopy eyelid, is an overlooked side effect that can occur in up to 21% of patients after cataract surgery, possibly due to the use of an eyelid speculum during the procedure.

Why should someone considering eyelid surgery postpone it until after cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery can exacerbate pre-existing droopy eyelids, making it important to address cataracts first to avoid complications with eyelid surgery.

What are dysphotopsias and how are they related to cataract surgery?

Dysphotopsias are unwanted optical images, such as arcs of light or shadows, that can result from the design of the intraocular lens implanted during cataract surgery.

What is a common cause of increased floaters after cataract surgery?

A common cause is the occurrence of a vitreous detachment, which is the separation of the vitreous gel from the retina, leading to an increase in floaters.

What is the term for the scar tissue that can form behind a new intraocular lens and how is it treated?

The scar tissue is referred to as a 'secondary cataract' and is treated using a YAG laser, which can clear the tissue and restore vision.

Why might a patient need a laser treatment after cataract surgery?

Patients might need a laser treatment to remove scar tissue that can form behind the new intraocular lens, which can cause symptoms similar to a cataract, such as glare, decreased vision quality, and blurry vision.