Case Studies: Cataract complications

Betty, a 73-year-old woman, presented for a post-operative cataract assessment. This was Betty’s first visit to the practice. She had undergone right eye (RE) cataract surgery about six weeks ago at the local eye department. She had noticed that the surgery did not make much of an improvement in the RE but at least it had not been getting any worse. Betty felt that the left eye (LE) seemed OK and she did not experience any flashes, floaters, diplopia, headaches, nausea, pain, photophobia or any other symptoms.  

Her general health was good, no diabetes or hypertension and no medications or allergies. Questioning about her previous ocular history revealed she had undergone LE cataract surgery about a year ago without any complications at the local eye department. No other eye hospital visits, no trauma, lazy eye or infections were reported. There was also no family history of glaucoma or other eye conditions. Betty reported that she did not drive and was retired. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading and knitting scarves for her family.