A Guide To Optometric Eye Care For The Pre And Post-Operative Cataract Patient.

In 1989 it is estimated that over l million cataract extractions will be performed in the United States. In fact, cataract extraction is the most frequent surgery in patients older than 65
(1). As the intraocular lens (IOL) patient population increases it is important that optometrists receive a thorough understanding of the pre and post-operative responsibilties of managing the cataract patient. The emphasis of this article is pre and post-operative management
of planned extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) with nuclear expression and phaco-emulsification. In the future the optometrist may become more involved with this aspect of care. The following discussion will assist the clinician in identifying pre and post-operative complications, expected that occur following surgery, the time refractive changes
periods in which complications most often occur, and the proper co-management for
each complication.