Post-Operative Care for Cataract Surgery at 1 Month Follow-Up

Assessment and Management

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends evaluating the treatment effect, visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and tear break-up time at one month post-cataract surgery, with appropriate management of any complications and referral to their regular eye care provider for updated prescription and routine care 1, 2
Evaluate the treatment effect in cases where the patient received dry eye disease treatment, and assess visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and perform tear break-up time examination to assess ocular surface health 1
Topical steroids and NSAIDs are recommended for use within the first post-surgical month, with consideration of preservative-free artificial tears if dry eye symptoms are present 1, 2, 3
Monitor for steroid-related complications such as elevated intraocular pressure 4

Recommend updated prescription from regular eye care provider, and counsel regarding visual potential limitations due to amblyopia 1, 4, 5
Refer to regular eye care provider for updated prescription and routine eye care, and schedule additional follow-up at 2 months if needed to evaluate visual acuity progression, intraocular pressure stability, and refraction stability 1, 5

Instruct patient to contact the surgical center immediately for any concerning symptoms, such as sudden or worsening vision changes, new flashes or floaters, curtain-like vision loss, increasing pain or redness, or discharge from the eye 2, 4, 5
Educate regarding eye protection and activity restrictions, and advise patients to protect eyes from contact with water, avoid certain cosmetics, and maintain proper lid hygiene 2, 5
Dry eye disease exacerbation is a potential complication to monitor, and patients should be counseled about realistic visual expectations given pre-existing conditions 1, 2, 4, 5