Infection is a risk common to all surgery. Surgery inside the eye, eg cataract surgery, may lead to intra-ocular infection (endophthalmitis) with a risk of approximately 1 in 500-1000. Wound infections following surgery to tissues around the eye are relatively rare owing to the rich blood supply in this area.
Clinical Features
Endophthalmitis
Pain
Redness of the eye
Blurred vision
Photophobia, watering
Onset usually within a few days of surgery
Wound infection
Pain
Swelling
Redness
Discharge
Onset usually within a few days of surgery
Management
See ophthalmologist urgently; endophthalmitis needs to be seen the same day
