[Complications and after care in aphakic and pseudophakic patients]

The aim of every cataract operation is optical rehabilitation. With the greater social demands made today by aphakic and pseudophakic patients, the recognition and treatment of diseases with early or late onset after cataract extraction assumes greater importance. The early aims are rapid mobilization, complete absence of irritation, and normalization of pressure. Regular administration of corticosteroids, essential in the post-operative treatment of pseudophakia, may mask a bacterial or mycotic infection. The sole indication for removal of an implant is the uveitis-glaucoma-hyphema syndrome. The prevention and treatment of cystoid macular edema is discussed: whether or not the posterior lens capsule is intact seems to play a major role in the pathogenesis of this early or late complication in both aphakia and pseudophakia.