Detecting and managing complications in cataract patients.

In order to ensure good cataract outcomes with the minimum of complications, a number of key aspects are essential. Even if these are all in place, problems can arise with a patient who can’t keep still in theatre, an eye that is deep-set and difficult to access, a small pupil, weak lens zonules (whether due to pseudo-exfoliation or subluxation) or a hyper-mature cataract that requires a high degree of surgical skill

Working with patients to optimise cataract outcomes.

One of the delights of ophthalmology is to witness the joy on the face of a patient with cataract when the dressing is taken off and sight has been restored. Unfortunately, for some patients, the result does not live up to their expectations. Despite cataract surgery being one of the most successful surgical interventions available, there is evidence that the visual outcome of cataract surgery in sub-Saharan Africa is not always good (defined as a VA of 6/18 or better). The proportion of good outcomes range from only 23% up to 70%, failing to reach the WHO target of 85% or better