Purpose: To determine the heterogeneity of post-operative instructions following uncomplicated phacoemulsification cataract surgery.
Methods: A survey was sent to a random sample of 115 cataract centres in the United Kingdom. Eighty questionnaires were returned, corresponding to a response rate of 70%.
Results: The time at which post-operative advice was given, the nature of post-operative problems, and advice regarding the instillation of post-operative eye drops were all very similar among centres. There was mild variability among centres in the advice given on post-operative analgesia, eye cleaning and hair washing. However, there were marked differences in the advice given to patients regarding how long an eyeshield should be worn, and also regarding daily activities such as lifting objects and driving. Thirty-five per cent of centres adopted a single post-operative review. No centre had more than three post-operative reviews for an uncomplicated phacoemulsification. The final refraction was conducted by at least 30% of centres within the first month, and by at least 92% within 2 months.
Conclusions: Phacoemulsification with a self-sealing tunnel is now the technique of choice for an uncomplicated cataract extraction and is increasingly conducted on a daycase basis. However, our survey reveals that there is considerable heterogeneity in the postoperative instructions given to patients following this procedure, and we would suggest that considerable benefits would result from further work in this area. Standard guidelines would not only benefit the patient in terms of improved patient education and rehabilitation, but would also result in economic benefits from reduced post-operative visits.