After cataract surgery, eye does not respond to light

Mother (76 yrs old) had cataract surgery on 10/20/08 and had pain in her head after surgery for a few weeks.  She has been back several times to DR; they give eye drops and antibiotics.  Pain has mostly gone away but her GP Doctor noticed the "eye does not respond to light".  That was verified today by the operating Doctor's office, but by a different doctor.  How could this happen and what should/can be done to rectify? Thank you.

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

In some cases the pupil does not respond to light after cataract surgery.  There are number of causes, including elevated eye pressure, prolonged inflammation, etc.  Nothing needs to be done unless she has symptoms.  She should follow up with the ophthalmic surgeon.