Post Operative symptons

[DB1960]

Dear Dr.

My 87yr old mother had cataract surgery in her right eye almost 4 weeks ago. In the past week she has started to see black spots floating around the room. This is not a constant thing but is happening often enough during the course of the day and night to cause me concern.  When this occurs I try to rinse the eye with a saline solution in an effort to provide some relief for her but without much success.  I have also noticed a white coloured discharge similar to sleep in her eye which I also rinse out with the saline or remove with a tissue.  My mother has an appointment with her surgeon in 2 weeks, is this problem something that can wait until then or should I contact him immediately?
Regards
Debra

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

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[DB1960]

Dear Dr Feldman,

Thank you for your response, it's much appreciated.

Regards
Debra  

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear Debra
I would recommend that you should contact your mother's doctor to determine whether the floaters are of a concern.  If you mother's vision is reduced, she sees a sudden increase in the number of floaters, a curtain coming down, or flashing lights with her eyes closed, you should take your mother to a doctor immediately as these can be symptoms of a retinal detachment, a serious eye condition.  However, floaters do develop commonly following cataract surgery and it is important to get them checked.