Post-Surgical Ocular Inflammation
Post-Surgical Ocular Inflammation: What It Is and How to Treat It
Post-surgical ocular inflammation is an undesirable side effect of ocular surgeries, such as cataract surgeries or glaucoma procedures. It can occur in the days or even months following surgery, and if not treated properly can cause lasting damage to the eye.
Symptoms of post-surgical ocular inflammation can include redness, pain or discomfort, blurry vision, and increased light sensitivity. Diagnosis is usually done through an examination of the eye, either by in-person or through a slit-lamp exam. Treatment should be started immediately after diagnosis to prevent any further damage to the eye.
Common treatments for post-surgical ocular inflammation include:
- Prescription ophthalmic drops or ointments.
- Oral medications, such as prednisone.
- Intravitreal injections of corticosteroids.
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
- Platelet Rich Plasma, or PRP, injections.
- Laser or cold therapy.
In some cases, other treatments may be necessary to reduce the inflammation. These treatments could include drops to prevent scarring, intravitreal injections of medications that inhibit the growth of inflammation, and injections of enzyme inhibitors, such as bevacizumab or ranibizumab.
It is important to seek treatment as soon as possible after diagnosing post-surgical ocular inflammation. If left untreated, it can lead to more serious conditions such as scarring or even blindness. With proper treatment, the inflammation can usually be reduced and the patient’s vision and ocular health can be restored to normal.