Complications of the vitreous capsule after phaco surgery

This is an automatically translated article.

This article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Hoang Thanh Nga - Ophthalmologist - Department of Medical Examination and Internal Medicine - Vinmec Ha Long International General Hospital.
Phaco surgery is the best cataract treatment method today with many outstanding advantages such as: small incisions, fast surgery time, patients can return to normal life immediately after surgery. However, this method of treatment will also leave some complications after surgery.

1. Overview of Cataracts

The lens is an important part of the eye, has a transparent, biconvex lenticular structure. The lens is an important component for light to pass through and light rays are properly focused on the retina to be able to see objects clearly.
Cataract is a common disease in the elderly. The focusing power of the lens plays a very important role in the refractive system, helping the focus of the image to focus properly on the retina when looking at a distance. The ability of the lens to change the thickness of the lens, called accommodation, helps the eye to see clearly near objects.
When this transparency disappears, the lens becomes opaque and light is difficult to pass through. Patients experience visual impairment, blurred vision and possibly even blindness.
The treatment with phaco surgery is increasing in popularity and it is also the best cataract treatment. Its advantages are small incisions, quick vision recovery, few complications, patients can quickly return to normal life.
Although current phaco surgeries only last about 5 to 10 minutes, in fact cataract surgery is classified as a major surgery because it is an intraocular surgery and directly affects vision.

2. Complications after Phaco surgery

Although there is little risk of complications, a small percentage of people who have phaco surgery experience complications after surgery. Especially the group of patients:
People with other eye diseases People with diabetes, hypertension, cancer. People who are taking the muscle relaxer Tamsulosin or an alpha-1 blocker.

2.1 Complications due to surgery

When performing surgery, due to many factors, there can also be risks such as:
Failure to completely remove the cloudy lens; Tear of the membrane that supports the vitreous; Bleeding in the eye; Part of the lens that has been cloudy is left behind in the back of the eye; Injury to other parts of the eye, most commonly the cornea.

2.2 Possible complications after surgery

However, complications are rare and usually less serious. But there is still a risk of complications including:
Posterior capsule: This is one of the most common complications after cataract surgery. During surgical removal of the cloudy lens, some epidermal cells may develop abnormally in the posterior capsule of the lens, causing posterior capsule opacification. The risk of developing capsular opacities after using a square intraocular lens (artificial lens) is lower than with a circular intraocular lens. Swelling and Inflammation: After surgery for the first few days or up to a week, there is inflammation causing swelling. This complication can be very dangerous for patients with uveitis. Retinal detachment: The retina at the back of the eye can detach after vitreous replacement surgery. Glaucoma: After surgery, patients may develop glaucoma due to abnormally high pressure of the aqueous humor in the eye. Pressure from glaucoma puts pressure on the retina and optic nerve. If not treated in time, this disorder can lead to damage to the optic nerve, severely affecting vision, or completely blind. Infections: Infections can occur because the surgery is not sterile, the patient has poor resistance, or the postoperative care is not guaranteed to avoid infection. This is a serious complication after cataract surgery, occurring with a very low probability, about 0.2%. Bleeding: Bleeding can occur inside the eye. Hemorrhagic complications can occur at the incision site. Blurred vision: After cataract surgery, vision may be blurry for the first few days but will improve gradually over time. If you experience this complication, you should pay attention when driving, it is best not to drive yourself after the blurred vision is gone. Double Vision: One of the common complications after cataract surgery is double vision. However, this complication does not last long and will disappear as the recovery process takes place.

3. How to prevent complications after surgery?

Use the full medicine and follow-up examination according to the instructions of the doctor after surgery. Usually to avoid some complications, the doctor will prescribe some medications such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, eye drops or topicals. Post-operative eye care: After surgery, the patient should change the bandage gently and clean the eye by dipping a clean cloth in clean warm water to wipe the eye. Then put a new patch on to make sure it doesn't get into your eyes and doesn't come off to protect your eyes all day and night. Avoid vigorous exercise; do not bend forward; avoid lifting heavy objects; Limit reading books, TV, phone and sleep on your back to avoid glaucoma complications. After surgery, vision can change after a period of time, affecting the ability to see, so it is necessary to have the support of relatives so that the patient can recover after surgery until the vision is better. Complications after phaco surgery are rare, but if you see any abnormal signs after surgery, you should immediately contact a medical facility for timely examination and treatment.
Vinmec International General Hospital is evaluated as one of the best phaco cataract treatment hospitals today. Vinmec uses the most modern Phaco surgical machine today, Centurion achieves high safety, effective dispersion, good energy balance. With a small incision < 2.2 mm, no stitches, no bleeding, no pain, minimizing the possibility of astigmatism and complications after surgery, the recovery time after surgery is very fast, the patient can see right away. the first days after surgery.
Using the highest quality replacement lenses available today, Vinmec International General Hospital is the first hospital in Vietnam to provide boxes and cards that guarantee information and quality about artificial lenses for patients. Customers include:
Good adhesion, minimizing displacement in the eyes. The special design minimizes the incidence of secondary posterior capsular opacities. Intra-capsular stability provides the best possible vision. Capable of filtering blue light, filtering UV - which are harmful rays to the retina, causing macular degeneration (AMD) 100% new disposable surgical consumables set, ensuring safety High safety in surgery If you do not fully understand your condition, which type of lens should be replaced, you should use Vinmec's Cataract Surgery Consultation and Examination Package. Customers will receive:
Comprehensive eye exam. Indications for surgery (if any) Selection of artificial lens, eye ultrasound, blood test. Advice on drugs, food, factors that can affect surgery. Anesthesia and resuscitation examination to assess the preoperative condition. Surgical prognosis With 10 years of experience in the field of Ophthalmology, he used to work at Thai Nguyen Central Hospital and held the position of deputy head of the department and in charge of the Department of Ophthalmology at Thai Nguyen University of Medicine and Pharmacy. Master Hoang Thanh Nga has a lot of experience in the field of examination and treatment of eye diseases. Currently, he is an Ophthalmologist at the Department of General Internal Medicine, Vinmec Ha Long International General Hospital.

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