Could Cataract surgery cause Branch Retinal Occlusion

[cap10pd]

Had cataract surgery on my left eye 3 weeks ago, was suppose to have right done 2  weeks ago but postponed due to issues with right eye.  Vision seems to be getting worse, black spots appearing randomly, color is off and distance vision is not there.  Doctor put in standard lens for distance.  Just got back from Dr. today( 2 weeks after surgery) and he now seems troubled with what hes seeing.  Area still swollen, he stating he is seeing hemorrhages which he did see before surgery but didn't seem too concerned then also nothing about occlusions was mentioned  before surgery.  Hes also stating that there is restricted blood flow in retina which is causing the blurred vision, black spots and color difference.  He has increased my eye drops to reduce swelling and has scheduled a angiogram  for both eyes.  He stated day after surgery during visit everything seem to be ok except pressure was 38 and eye swollen, he put some drops in for the pressure.  Now (14 days post surgery) hes going with worst case scenario, calling it some long medical name that will eventually end up losing vision in left eye totally....geeezz
Could the surgery have caused this or was this occlusion hiding behind the cataract?
Female, 58, healthy
Update: Had angiogram yesterday and Dr is seeing Branch retinal occlusions on top of retina (pressure 14/15 in both eyes).  Is this condition treatable?

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

Best of luck JCH MD

[cap10pd]

Have appt. with retina specialist next Thursday in Lafayette, La.  
Thanks  

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

It likely will not be able to sort out whether the BRVO was there before surgery and not with the cataract gone and the back of the eye more visible it can be seen now or whether it developed after surgery likely as a result of the high pressure in your eye.

Yes BRVO has treatment options: Lasers, injections of VEGF inhibitors (Avastin, Lucentis) or steroids. Some BRVO does not require treatment.

Suggest you get a second opinion from a retina specialist.

JCH MD