Complications of cataract surgery

Abstract

Modern cataract surgery is safe in more than 95 per cent of patients. In the small number of cases where a serious complication occurs, the most common is an intra‐operative posterior capsular rupture. This can lead to vitreous loss or a dropped nucleus and can increase the risk of post‐operative cystoid macular oedema or retinal detachment. Post‐operatively, posterior capsular opacification is the most common complication and can be readily treated with a YAG capsulotomy. The most devastating complication is endophthalmitis, the rate of which is now significantly decreased through the use of intracameral antibiotics. As a clinician, the most important step is to assess the patient pre‐operatively to predict higher risk individuals and to counsel them appropriately. In these patients, various pre‐ or intra‐operative management steps can be taken in addition to routine phacoemulsification to optimise their visual outcome.

Key words:

• capsular rupture
• cataract surgery
• complications
• phacoemulsification