Elderly Care: Helping You Deal With the Dying Process
Weighing The Risks Of Cataract Surgery
Julio Carr
Cataracts cause the lens of the eye to become increasingly cloudy over time, decreasing your field of vision. While cataract surgery can help you improve your eyesight in some cases, there are some risks associated with this procedure. Learn more about the risks so you can discuss them with your doctor and determine which approach to your eye health is best for you.
Glaucoma
Cataract surgery can affect the intraocular pressure in your eyes, resulting in glaucoma. The glaucoma can be temporary in some cases, while it may be permanent in rare cases. If you have pressure spikes after cataract surgery, your doctor can prescribe medication to reduce the pressure and restore the health of your eyes. Some people may find that they have more than one eye condition, so the cataracts may have been masking your glaucoma symptoms. Talk to your doctor about treatment options if you discover that glaucoma was an underlying issue.
Retinal Detachment
People who undergo cataract surgery are more likely to experience retinal detachment than those who don't. Retinal detachment occurs when the retina is pulled from its natural position, causing impaired vision which can lead to blindness if left untreated. Some people are more at risk for RD than others, so if you fall into a risk category, you should disclose that information to your doctor before surgery. Some risk factors include:
- Family history of retinal detachment
- Previous cataract surgeries
- Glaucoma
- Nearsightedness
- Weak spots in the retina
Retinal detachment should be treated immediately to prevent vision loss. If you experience floaters or flashing lights that appear in your field of vision after your surgery, contact your doctor for an exam to determine if you have RD.
Secondary Cataracts
Some patients get secondary cataracts, or posterior capsule opacification, after surgery. This occurs when the eye's lens capsule becomes cloudy, resulting in impaired vision. The good news is that this condition can be treated with a quick outpatient procedure that is not as invasive as the original cataract surgery. There are some risks associated with this treatment, including retinal detachment, so be sure to talk to your doctor about these risks as you prepare to treat your secondary cataracts.
Cataract surgery complications are rare, but it is important to discuss all the risk factors with your doctor before going through this or any other medical procedure. You'll be better prepared to look for symptoms after the operation, and you'll have all the information you need to make an informed decision about your treatment options.
For more information, visit an eye doctor such as Thomas L. Lawrence, M.D., P.A.
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As an elderly care worker, I have witnessed the deaths of many individuals. I have seen family members become angry, sad, and completely silent at the end. I have also seen individuals refuse to see family members out of denial. People deal with death in different ways, and the strong emotions are often unfamiliar and scary. If you have a parent or grandparent who is elderly, then I want to share with you what I know about end of life care and dying process. We are a society that does not talk about death, and this can cause great pain when a family member dies. Learn about the process and find out how to deal with your own emotions and how to love your family members at the end. If there is only a small amount of time left, then I want you to cherish the final moments.