From the Guidelines
I strongly recommend consulting an ophthalmologist promptly to evaluate the increased blinking sensation following the motor vehicle collision (MVC) after cataract surgery, as this symptom could indicate several possible issues, including corneal irritation, foreign body sensation, dry eye exacerbation, or trauma-related complications to the surgical site 1.
Possible Causes and Complications
The blinking sensation may be the body's protective response to potential trauma from the MVC, as blinking helps distribute tears and protect the cornea. However, the recent cataract surgery makes the eye more vulnerable to complications, so professional assessment is essential to rule out:
- Wound dehiscence
- Lens displacement
- Other surgical complications that could threaten vision if left untreated
Interim Management
In the meantime, the patient can use preservative-free artificial tears every 2-4 hours to lubricate the eye surface, as recommended by recent guidelines 1. It is also essential to:
- Avoid rubbing the eye
- Wear protective eyewear when outdoors
- Continue using prescribed post-operative eye drops (typically antibiotic and anti-inflammatory medications like moxifloxacin and prednisolone) as directed
Importance of Prompt Evaluation
Prompt evaluation by an ophthalmologist is crucial to diagnose and manage any potential complications, as dry eye syndrome is a common ocular condition that can compromise the results of cataract surgery and affect the patient's quality of life 1. The ophthalmologist will perform a comprehensive assessment, including a slit-lamp biomicroscopy, measurement of visual function, and counseling/education for the patient or patient’s caretaker 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
ADVERSE REACTIONS ... Ocular adverse reactions occurring in 5%-15% of patients treated with loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic suspension ... included ... foreign body sensation, ... ADVERSE REACTIONS ... Other ocular adverse reactions occurring in less than 5% of patients include ... ocular irritation/pain/discomfort, ...
The patient's extra blinking sensation following cataract surgery may be related to ocular irritation or foreign body sensation, which are listed as possible adverse reactions to loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic suspension 2 2. However, extra blinking sensation is not explicitly mentioned in the drug label.
From the Research
Post-Cataract Surgery Symptoms
- The patient reports an extra blinking sensation following cataract surgery, which may be related to postoperative inflammation or pain 3, 4.
- Studies have shown that loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic ointment or gel can be effective in reducing inflammation and pain after cataract surgery 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, none of the provided studies specifically mention an extra blinking sensation as a symptom or side effect of cataract surgery or treatment with loteprednol etabonate 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
Treatment Options
- Loteprednol etabonate has been shown to be efficacious and well-tolerated in the treatment of ocular inflammation and pain following cataract surgery 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The choice of treatment may depend on various factors, including the severity of inflammation and pain, as well as the patient's individual response to different medications 5, 7.
Safety and Efficacy
- The safety and efficacy of loteprednol etabonate have been evaluated in several studies, with results indicating that it is generally well-tolerated and effective in reducing inflammation and pain after cataract surgery 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- However, as with any medication, there may be potential side effects or adverse events, and patients should be monitored closely during treatment 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.