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Retinal Detachment after Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation is the most common surgical procedure performed in America. One of the most devastating postoperative complications following cataract surgery is a retinal detachment (RD). It can occur weeks or months following uncomplicated cataract removal. Severe vision loss persists unless the retina is promptly reattached.
Years ago the risk of RD was in the 2-5% range. Contemporary advances in surgical technique have greatly reduced the its incidence. Theory has it that the surgical procedure led to traction by the clear vitreous gel which, in turn, tugged on the retina to form a tiny hole. Eventually liquid vitreous would enter the hole and elevate the retina (think water underneath the carpet - lots of water!)
A recently published study examined 45,000 cataract procedures that led to 845 RDs; that's about 1.8%.
The greatest risk factor identified was a tear in the lens capsule at the time of surgery. It alone contributed to 37% of RDs. Other troublemakers include larger than average eyes (greater than 23mm axial length), rupture of tiny lens zonules before or during surgery, and a history for previous RD in the fellow eye.
Age, type of surgical technique, and choice of anesthesia were not statistically significant.
What can you do with this information? If someone you know is having cataract surgery you can quickly assess the potential risk for a retinal detachment by asking the surgeon if there were any complications during the procedure. Don't be satisfied with "Everything went fine!" That could mean "There were problems but we fixed them!" Specifically ask if the posterior capsule remains intact, if there was any vitreous loss, and if there was any damage to the lens zonules. Don't be intimidated if the surgeon seems put-off - you are empowered with information like never before!
Related Links: Cataracts and Your Eyes, Fact of Fiction: Myths About Your Eyes
Technorati Tags: Cataracts, Cataract Surgery, Eye Surgery Complications, Retinal Detachment
Years ago the risk of RD was in the 2-5% range. Contemporary advances in surgical technique have greatly reduced the its incidence. Theory has it that the surgical procedure led to traction by the clear vitreous gel which, in turn, tugged on the retina to form a tiny hole. Eventually liquid vitreous would enter the hole and elevate the retina (think water underneath the carpet - lots of water!)
A recently published study examined 45,000 cataract procedures that led to 845 RDs; that's about 1.8%.
The greatest risk factor identified was a tear in the lens capsule at the time of surgery. It alone contributed to 37% of RDs. Other troublemakers include larger than average eyes (greater than 23mm axial length), rupture of tiny lens zonules before or during surgery, and a history for previous RD in the fellow eye.
Age, type of surgical technique, and choice of anesthesia were not statistically significant.
What can you do with this information? If someone you know is having cataract surgery you can quickly assess the potential risk for a retinal detachment by asking the surgeon if there were any complications during the procedure. Don't be satisfied with "Everything went fine!" That could mean "There were problems but we fixed them!" Specifically ask if the posterior capsule remains intact, if there was any vitreous loss, and if there was any damage to the lens zonules. Don't be intimidated if the surgeon seems put-off - you are empowered with information like never before!
Related Links: Cataracts and Your Eyes, Fact of Fiction: Myths About Your Eyes
Technorati Tags: Cataracts, Cataract Surgery, Eye Surgery Complications, Retinal Detachment
