Permanent iris dilation after cataract surgery

During cataract surgery, my mother-in-law's iris was mechanically
dilated (very painful; insufficient anaesthesia). How usual is it,
following this procedure, for the iris to be permanently dilated? Is
this result within the "normal" bounds? Thx. T-L

 

Dear Trent,

This would depend on the drug of choice.

Atropine (Bella Donna) is the historical drug.

It is a poision. Most people have no reaction
as you describe -- but some do. You mother-in-law
might be that 1 in 1,000 who does.

Other drugs should be available to counter act
this effect.

Her ophthalmologist will know how to do this.

Best,

Otis
Engineer

*****

 

Great. Otis, don't you feel a little uneasy about giving such medical advice
especially in a surgicall case such as this?? Or is this now your field of
expertise?? Don't cha think this is over over your head just a bit??

To the o.p.- if there was no damage to the iris or sphincter muscle the
pupil might return to pre-surgery status but there's a likely chance it
might now be a keyhole or an oval. In any case, I have not heard of
any medication (err...earth to Otis, atropine DILATES and the pupil is
already dilated!!) that is utilized if the pupil is permanently altered.

frank

 

Usually, a large pupil will not affect reading ability after cataract
surgery. The cataract surgery affects the reading ability, since an implant
lens has no accommodation for near. This function needs to be replaced by
proper strength readers or bifocals.