Diabetic Retinopathy: Minimising the Risk of Cataract Surgery Complications

Cataract surgery is an ideal approach to restoring good vision. In general, this process involves the removal of the clouded natural eye lens in the eyes. These are then replaced with an artificial lens. This form of treatment is quite straightforward. However, if you have diabetic retinopathy, there will be a significant risk of complications. Simply speaking, cataract surgery can cause the diabetic eye disease to progress a little faster and even affect vision. If you have both of these eye ailments, use these simple guidelines to minimise the risk of complications.

Choose Early Surgical Treatment

The most important step for protecting your eyes if you have diabetic retinopathy is to see treatment for the cataracts as early as possible. Often, people wait for the progression of vision problems before seeking medical attention. Unfortunately, if the eye structures are extensively damaged, the probability of healing issues will be high. Timely cataract surgery has been found to promote faster recovery in diabetics and is associated with fewer complications.

Disclose Potential Risk Factors

It is advisable to have an in-depth consultation with your cataract doctor before scheduling the surgical session. This will give you an opportunity to disclose your concerns and provide more comprehensive information about your health status. Keep in mind that withholding details could cause problems during the treatment. For instance, if you are taking any unrecorded medicine such as over-the-counter drugs or alternative supplements, you should disclose this. A seemingly innocuous substance could affect your recovery.

Use the Prescribed Medication

Good postoperative care is indispensable after cataract surgery in an individual with diabetic retinopathy. Therefore, you must follow the instructions presented by the doctor for quick recovery. Usually, the specialist will provide medication to alleviate pain and discomfort while promoting better healing. It is important to check the prescriptions and follow the instructions correctly. The most common drugs given after the surgery are anti-inflammatory medicines and topical steroids. These prevent swelling and pain, and they minimise the risk of severe macular oedema.

Monitor and Report Problems

Finally, you should be diligent in monitoring the state of your eyes after the cataract surgery. The doctor will provide details on what you should expect during the recovery process. They will also inform you about potential signs of complications and poor healing. You must not ignore these symptoms. All anomalies should be reported immediately to allow for timely treatment. Also, it is advisable to keep the postoperative appointments for check-up in case you miss an unfavourable sign.

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