Cataract surgery in adolescents can lead to complications.
July 9, 2012 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Frauke Gehring
Dear Sir or Madam,
My nephew underwent surgery for cataracts on June 25th. He is 20 years old and has eczema. After 4 days, he had to return to the hospital because his eye was completely swollen shut and he couldn't see anything. Now he has been given antibiotics that didn't work and now cortisone. However, there has been no improvement at all. The doctors say they have never encountered such a case before and don't know what to do next. Should we seek a second opinion at another hospital and do you know if there are doctors specializing in this field? We are very worried that he could go blind in that eye.
Thank you for your time and effort.
Sincerely, Sandra
Good evening,
If the doctors don't know what to do next, it is reason enough to take your nephew to a clinic where they have more experience with complications! This is definitely the eye clinic at the nearest university. Outpatient doctors lack the fast-working laboratory for quick tests, etc.
Antibiotics were given because an infection was suspected during the operation; cortisone helps against allergic reactions and inflammation in general. I really hope that they have ruled out a herpes infection. If not, this should be done because herpes gets worse with cortisone.
Hopefully, they are not just treating blindly now. Surely they have taken bacterial cultures and are checking if there are detectable pathogens that can be treated with antibiotics (and which antibiotic to use). Hopefully, they have also checked if the vitreous humor was accidentally injured during the surgery; this sometimes happens in cataract surgeries and can lead to stubborn inflammations.
Corneal infections can also be very stubborn. Most of the possible complications do not lead to blindness, but to a significant visual impairment if not promptly and appropriately treated.
That's why I wouldn't leave the young man in the care of doctors who are at a loss! A referral to the university hospital should be arranged and supported by them.
With best wishes for a speedy recovery and kind regards, Dr. Höllering
