Review of the medical management of postoperative cataract complications.
BACKGROUND
With the increasing number of surgeons using phacoemulsification techniques combined with sutureless scleral tunnel and clear corneal incisions for cataract surgery, the majority of patients will undergo an uncomplicated course of visual rehabilitation requiring no more than standard topical antibiotic and steroid regimen. Occasionally--even with an uneventful surgical course--postoperative complications arise. Many of these postoperative complications can be managed medically, without surgical intervention. Topical and oral glaucoma and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents play an important role in the management of postoperative cataract complications.


METHODS
A review of the common postoperative complications and their medical management using topical and oral pharmaceutical agents are presented. Emphasis is placed on current trends in treatment following contemporary cataract surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
Although the complication rate is reduced with modern cataract surgery techniques, the primary care clinician should be prepared to identify and manage the most common clinical conditions. Armed with the proper knowledge of ophthalmic medications and their possible ocular and systemic interactions, optometrists can successfully manage and co-manage many postoperative cataract complications. Common postoperative complications are reviewed, along with current treatment regiments and dosage forms.
Jones Eye Clinic, Sioux City, Iowa, USA.
W C
WC
Hsieh
D002387:Cataract Extraction / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome