Table 6. Postoperative Follow-Up Schedule
Patient Characteristics First Visit Subsequent Visits
Without high risks or signs
or symptoms of possible
complications following small-
incision cataract surgery
Within 48 hours of
surgery
Frequency and timing
dependent on refraction,
visual function, and medical
condition of the eye
Functionally monocular;
intraoperative complications; high
risk of immediate postoperative
complications, such as IOP spike
Within 24 hours of
surgery
More frequent follow-up
usually necessary
Provider and Setting
Î The ophthalmologist's training, clinical experience, and judgment are
necessary to evaluate the medical, ocular, and psychosocial factors
used to determine the appropriateness and timing of surgery. (III, G, S)
Î Cataract surgery, including use of the femtosecond laser, should be
performed only by an appropriately trained ophthalmologist. (III, G, S)
Î While the performance of certain diagnostic procedures (e.g.,
measurement of IOP, refraction, biometry) may be delegated to
appropriately trained personnel supervised by the ophthalmologist,
interpretation of these procedures requires the clinical judgment of
the ophthalmologist. (III, G, S)
Î The surgical facility should comply with local, state, and federal
regulations and standards governing the particular setting of care.
(III, G, S)
• Inpatient surgery may be necessary if there is a need for complex anesthetic or
surgical care, multiple procedures, or postoperative care requiring an acute-care
setting.
Î Costlier new infection-control measures for ophthalmic surgery
should not be arbitrarily imposed by regulatory agencies without
evidence-based support. (III, G, S)
Counseling and Referral
Î The patient should be informed preoperatively about the possibility of
visual impairment continuing after cataract surgery and the potential
for rehabilitation in such cases. (III, G, S)
• More information on vision rehabilitation, including materials for patients, is
available at www.aao.org/smart-sight-low-vision.
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