Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed type of eye surgery. Due to the advances in technology and techniques of cataract surgery, complications are rare. Dr. Tayfour has been performing cataract surgery since 1988 giving him vast knowledge and experience in the prevention and treatment of complications.

The most significant risks and complications are

1. Infection:

Great efforts are made at the time of surgery to reduce the possibility of infection. Patients receive antibiotic drops 3 days prior to surgery and at the time of surgery. The surface of the eye and the skin around the eye is disinfected and the patient’s face except for the eye is covered with sterile drapes. All the instruments are sterilized and after the surgery antibiotic drops are prescribed. Even with all of these precautions, infections occur in approximately 1 out of every 3000 cases. Symptoms are excessive redness, pain, light sensitivity and worsening vision.

2. Bleeding:

Is very uncommon since the location of the incision is through the cornea.

3. Retinal Detachment:

Patients who are nearsighted have an increased risk of this.

4. Glaucoma (High Pressure in the eye):

Occasionally after surgery fluid that is used during surgery does not drain from the eye causing the pressure inside the eye to increase. You will experience headaches or sharp pain in the eye. Medications are used to lower the pressure during this time.

5. Corneal Swelling:

Is the cornea responding to the insertion of the surgical instruments during surgery. It can develop a few hours after surgery. You may notice things looking a bit distorted. This usually improves on its’ own but eye drops can be prescribed to resolve this.