When dealing with Ocular Inflammation After Surgery, a painful swelling of eye tissues that can follow procedures such as cataract extraction, LASIK or glaucoma surgery. Also known as post‑operative eye inflammation, it often signals the eye's response to trauma, infection or medication irritation. Understanding this condition helps you catch warning signs early and choose the right care.
The most common subtype is Uveitis, inflammation of the uveal tract that may appear days after surgery. A more serious, though less frequent, form is Endophthalmitis, an intra‑ocular infection that can threaten vision if not treated promptly. Both conditions ocular inflammation after surgery requires timely intervention, often with Corticosteroid Eye Drops, topical steroids that reduce swelling and immune response or, in infection cases, appropriate antibiotics. Risk factors like diabetes, advanced age, or previous ocular disease influence the likelihood of postoperative endophthalmitis, while surgical technique and sterile environment affect overall complication rates.
Typical symptoms include redness, pain, blurred vision, light sensitivity and a gritty feeling in the eye. If you notice any of these within the first week after surgery, call your ophthalmologist right away. Early detection of uveitis or endophthalmitis can mean the difference between a quick recovery and permanent vision loss. Your doctor may prescribe a tapering course of corticosteroid eye drops, topical NSAIDs, or oral anti‑inflammatory meds, depending on severity. In infection scenarios, intravitreal antibiotic injections are often the standard of care.
Preventive steps are just as important. Pre‑operative screening for systemic diseases, proper pupil dilation, and the use of povidone‑iodine on the ocular surface dramatically cut infection risk. Post‑operative instructions—like avoiding water exposure, not rubbing the eye, and adhering to prescribed drop schedules—help keep inflammation at bay. Patients with known risk factors should discuss prophylactic measures, such as peri‑operative antibiotics, with their surgeon.
Our collection below dives deeper into each of these topics. You'll find articles that explain how different eye surgeries trigger inflammation, compare medication options, outline emergency signs of endophthalmitis, and offer practical tips for managing post‑surgical eye health. Whether you're a recent surgery patient or just curious about eye‑care safety, the posts ahead give you clear, actionable information to stay ahead of complications.
A practical, step‑by‑step guide to controlling eye inflammation after surgery at home, covering drops, cold therapy, monitoring signs, and when to seek help.