Our Summary

This study looked at the results of cataract surgery in patients with HIV. It focused on those who received surgery between January 2017 and December 2020 and was followed up for at least 6 months. The research did not include children or people who had combined surgeries.

The study found that of the 107 HIV patients who underwent cataract surgery, 31% had mature cataracts. Some of them showed signs of eye inflammation or retinal disease related to HIV. Two types of cataract surgeries were performed: phacoemulsification (a technique using ultrasonic vibration to remove the cloudy lens) on 34.1% of patients and manual small incision cataract surgery on 65.9% of patients. Only a small number (3.1%) experienced complications during surgery.

The good news is that after 6 months, there was significant improvement in most patients’ vision. However, the results were not as good for those who had previous inflammation or retinal disease due to HIV. This means that HIV patients often come with advanced cataracts, but the visual outcomes after surgery are usually good, except for those with pre-existing HIV-related eye conditions.

FAQs

  1. What was the focus of the study on cataract surgery in patients with HIV?
  2. What types of cataract surgeries were performed on the patients and what percentage of patients experienced complications during surgery?
  3. How was the visual outcome after surgery for HIV patients with advanced cataracts and pre-existing HIV-related eye conditions?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing retinal surgery to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including using prescribed eye drops and attending follow-up appointments. They may also advise the patient to avoid strenuous activities that could put pressure on the eyes and to protect their eyes from bright lights and UV exposure. It is important for the patient to communicate any changes in vision or discomfort to their doctor promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended retinal surgery include those with retinal detachments, macular holes, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, retinal vascular occlusions, and other conditions affecting the retina. These conditions can cause vision loss or distortion and may require surgical intervention to prevent further damage or improve vision. Retinal surgery is often recommended when other treatments such as medications or laser therapy are not effective in treating the underlying condition.

Timeline

Before retinal surgery, a patient may experience symptoms such as blurred vision, floaters, flashes of light, or a dark curtain over their vision. They may undergo a comprehensive eye exam, including imaging tests like optical coherence tomography (OCT) or fluorescein angiography, to determine the extent of their retinal condition.

After retinal surgery, patients may initially experience some discomfort or blurry vision, which should improve as the eye heals. They will need to follow their doctor’s post-operative instructions carefully, which may include using eye drops, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow-up appointments to monitor their recovery. Over time, their vision should gradually improve, and they may notice a significant improvement in their visual acuity and overall quality of life.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with retinal surgery in patients with HIV?
  2. How will my HIV status impact the success of the surgery and my recovery process?
  3. Are there any special precautions or medications I should take before or after the surgery due to my HIV status?
  4. Will my HIV medication or treatment regimen need to be adjusted before or after the surgery?
  5. What is the expected timeline for recovery and when can I expect to see improvements in my vision?
  6. Are there any specific post-operative care instructions I should follow to ensure the best possible outcome?
  7. How frequently will I need to follow up with my doctor after the surgery to monitor my progress?
  8. Are there any lifestyle changes or activities I should avoid to protect my eyes post-surgery, especially considering my HIV status?
  9. What are the long-term implications for my eye health following retinal surgery as an HIV patient?
  10. Are there any support services or resources available to help me cope with any emotional or psychological effects of the surgery, particularly given my HIV diagnosis?

Reference

Authors: Sankarananthan R, Prasad S, Shekhar M, Narendran S, Balakrishnan L, Rathinam SR. Journal: Int Ophthalmol. 2023 May;43(5):1601-1609. doi: 10.1007/s10792-022-02559-0. Epub 2022 Oct 23. PMID: 36273361