I had cataract surgery a week ago. Before the surgery was done I was left in the operating suite for a period of 10-15 minutes with my eye totally exposed For most of the time someone poured water on my eyeball, but there was a period of several minutes when no one was there. Now I am bleeding into my retina and must go to a retina doctor to get a shot into my eyeball once a month for a year. Could this have been caused by the problem in the surgery suite?
Hello, guest.
Cataract surgery is generally a safe procedure, but like all surgeries, it carries potential risks and complications. Retinal bleeding or hemorrhage is not a common complication of cataract surgery, but it can occur in rare cases. The exact cause of such complications can vary and may not always be immediately clear.
Regarding the specific situation you described in the operating suite:
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Exposure of the Eye: During cataract surgery, it's normal for the eye to be exposed and immobilized to allow the surgeon to work. The eye is usually kept moist with a saline solution to prevent drying.
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Unattended Eye: The period when your eye was left unattended, although understandably concerning, may not necessarily be linked to your current condition. However, the standard of care in an operating suite does involve continuous monitoring.
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Cause of Retinal Bleeding: Retinal bleeding post-cataract surgery can be due to several factors, including pre-existing conditions of the eye, intraoperative complications, or postoperative factors. It's difficult to establish a direct cause without a thorough medical examination and review of the surgical procedure.
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Seeking a Specialist's Opinion: Consulting with a retinal specialist is a crucial step. They can assess the cause of the bleeding, the relation (if any) to the cataract surgery, and the appropriate treatment plan. The recommendation for injections in the eye is likely to treat or stabilize the condition and prevent further vision loss.
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Discussing Concerns with Your Surgeon: It would be beneficial to discuss your concerns directly with the surgeon who performed the cataract surgery or the healthcare team involved. They can provide specific insights into what occurred during the surgery and how it might relate to your current condition.