Q: I wish to know as to why some people, despite being cleared by a retina specialist prior to cataract surgery, develop complications such as glaucoma and/or retinal detachment after the surgery. They don't seem to be having hypertension, diabetes or high myopia. In fact, high myopics are advised lens implantation surgery without cataract being present, and they don't develop retinal detachment. Does one blame the surgeon or are there unforeseen problems that can develop?

A:This is quite possible if there is any complication during the cataract surgery, which disturbs the vitreous (gelly behind the eye). Some people may be prone to raised eye pressure and subsequent glaucoma after use of steroid eye drops, which is usually recommended after cataract surgery due to familial predisposition. Moreover, retina or glaucoma problems can develop later on just as any one can develop it completely unrelated to cataract surgery. In high myopia, retina is potentially thin and more prone to retinal tear and detachment any time. Hypertension and diabetes are not linked to these conditions as such.