**Question:** The patient developed pain and severe vision loss 2 days after cataract surgery. On examination the following findings are seen. All are true about the given condition except?

A. Peripheral retinal hemorrhages
B. Hyphema
C. Corneal edema
D. Endothelial cell loss

**Core Concept:** Post-operative complications following cataract surgery can involve the eye, vision, and systemic factors. The given condition is related to the eye and vision.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right:**

The correct answer is D - Endothelial cell loss. Cataract surgery involves the removal of the cloudy lens and replacement with an artificial lens. The primary purpose of the surgery is to restore vision and prevent further deterioration of vision due to cataracts. Endothelial cell loss is a complication that occurs during phacoemulsification, a common technique used in cataract surgery. Phacoemulsification involves breaking up the cataract using ultrasound energy, and this process can damage the corneal endothelium, which is responsible for maintaining corneal transparency.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**

A. Peripheral retinal hemorrhages (Option A) are not a complication specific to cataract surgery. They can result from various ocular and systemic causes, making it less specific to the given condition involving pain and severe vision loss after cataract surgery.

B. Hyphema (Option B) occurs when blood enters the anterior chamber of the eye, which is less specific to the primary issue of severe vision loss and pain following cataract surgery.

C. Corneal edema (Option C) is a complication of cataract surgery, mainly due to endothelial cell damage during phacoemulsification. However, it is not mentioned as a unique complication in the question, making it less specific to the given condition.

**Clinical Pearl:**

Cataract surgery is a common procedure with a low complication rate. While endothelial cell loss can occur during phacoemulsification, a combination of severe vision loss and pain is unusual unless there are additional complications. This highlights the importance of thorough patient evaluation and monitoring post-operatively to identify and manage potential complications promptly.

**Correct Answer:** D - Endothelial cell loss.