Question about cataract surgery

[golgi]

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How soon after cataract surgery can a patient expect to see results? Can some patients see clearer immed postop once the eye patches come off or does it take some time? Thanks!

 

[Andrew_Doan]

How soon after cataract surgery can a patient expect to see results? Can some patients see clearer immed postop once the eye patches come off or does it take some time? Thanks!

Usually it takes about one week or longer for post-operative inflammation to quiet. Post-operative recovery depends on the surgeon, time of surgery, difficulty of the case, and other co-morbidities. Also, if patients have a dense cataract (hand motions visions or really bad), then they will have immediate improvement if there are no other ocular problems.

I've had patients who have seen 20/20 the next day. I've also assisted on patients with 20/20 vision on the same day! Most patients, however, require one week before the vision will clear, unless there is cystoid macular edema.

 

[golgi]

Thanks for your reply Andrew!

BTW, what particular anesthetic is used? Do you prefer to give it retrobulbar or peribulbar (I hear both are good)?

Also how long do the patches have to stay on for?

I am just curious because my grandfather will be getting cataract surgery soon 🙂

 

[Andrew_Doan]

Because I am a young surgeon, I prefer retrobulbar or peribulbar to prevent any eye movement during surgery.

As I gain more experience, I'll prefer topical anesthesia because patients do just as well. If topical anesthesia is used, then no patch is needed.

For retrobulbar and peribulbar, it's common to use a mix of bupivacaine and lidocaine. Bupivacaine has an effect for 8+ hours, so the patch should be used overnight because lid function will be impaired.

 

[Tony.]

Thanks for your reply Andrew!

BTW, what particular anesthetic is used? Do you prefer to give it retrobulbar or peribulbar (I hear both are good)?

Also how long do the patches have to stay on for?

I am just curious because my grandfather will be getting cataract surgery soon 🙂

golgi,
just an interesting article for you to read about how ocular disease and systemic diseases are related:

http://www.szp.swets.nl/szp/journals/op102107.htm

 

[golgi]

Hi Tony-

Thanks for the interesting link! I find it cool that according to the article, cataracts may indicate systemic disease (hence the higher mortality) but that having cataract surgery leads to a lower mortality than not having the surgery! Perhaps this indicates a psychological component to vision. My grandpa gets distressed about his current visual state and I have no doubt his well-being and quality of life will greatly improve after the surgery!

golgi

 

[Tony.]

Hi Tony-

Thanks for the interesting link! I find it cool that according to the article, cataracts may indicate systemic disease (hence the higher mortality) but that having cataract surgery leads to a lower mortality than not having the surgery! Perhaps this indicates a psychological component to vision. My grandpa gets distressed about his current visual state and I have no doubt his well-being and quality of life will greatly improve after the surgery!

golgi

you're welcome. good luck to your grandpa, he'll be just fine 😉