Cataract surgery is a common and generally safe operation performed to restore vision by removing a clouded lens. Before the procedure, surgical teams prioritize patient safety by carefully assessing overall health. This assessment includes checking for active infections, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI), to determine if surgery can proceed.
Understanding the Connection Between UTIs and Cataract Surgery
A urinary tract infection (UTI) affects any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, bladder, and connecting tubes. While a UTI is confined to the urinary system, bacteria from the infection can spread to the bloodstream, a condition known as bacteremia. This can occur with severe UTIs or in individuals with risk factors like diabetes or a weakened immune system.
Although rare, if bacteria enter the bloodstream, they could travel to the eye, leading to a severe complication called endogenous endophthalmitis. Endophthalmitis is an inflammation or infection inside the eye, which can cause rapid and progressive vision loss. While the primary source of infection in endophthalmitis after cataract surgery is often the eye’s own surface bacteria, minimizing any potential source of systemic infection, such as an active UTI, is important for preventing serious postoperative complications.
Routine Pre-Surgical Infection Screening
Surgical teams conduct a thorough pre-operative assessment to ensure patient safety. This involves reviewing a patient’s medical history, performing a physical examination, and ordering laboratory tests to detect active infections.
A urine sample may be collected for urinalysis or urine culture to check for bacteria or signs of infection. This screening helps identify potential issues before surgery. However, routine screening for asymptomatic bacteriuria (bacteria in the urine without symptoms) is generally not recommended for cataract surgery in healthy individuals. The risk of complications from this condition is low, and it can lead to unnecessary antibiotic use. If UTI symptoms are present, a urine culture is important for further investigation.
Managing a UTI Before Cataract Surgery
If a symptomatic urinary tract infection is detected during the pre-operative assessment, cataract surgery will almost certainly be postponed. Delaying the procedure allows for the infection to be effectively treated, reducing the risk of complications from proceeding with an active infection. The patient will typically receive antibiotics to clear the infection.
It is important to complete the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if symptoms improve. A follow-up test, such as a repeat urine culture, may be recommended to confirm the infection has fully cleared before rescheduling. Open communication with the surgical team and following their instructions are important to ensure the infection is resolved, allowing the surgery to proceed safely and with the best possible outcome.