Modern OptometryA Pre-Surgery Checklist for Optometrists

Navigating Preoperative Protocols for Refractive IOL Surgery

For physicians involved in co-managing patients undergoing refractive intraocular lens (IOL) surgery, a comprehensive pre-surgery checklist is crucial for optimal outcomes. This checklist should encompass patient candidacy, communication strategies, lifestyle considerations, and ocular health assessments.

Key Points:

• A presurgical checklist is essential for determining patient candidacy and includes criteria for cataract surgery and refractive lens exchange.
• Effective communication with the refractive surgeon and among healthcare providers is vital for patient confidence.
• Lifestyle and visual expectations must be assessed to tailor the surgical approach, including lens selection.
• Preexisting ocular conditions and systemic medications that could affect surgery outcomes need to be identified and managed.
• Ocular surface optimization, including dry eye treatment, is necessary for improving postoperative results.

Additional Points:

• Refractive lens exchange is an elective procedure and not covered by insurance.
• Patients with rigid gas permeable lenses or a history of monovision have specific preoperative considerations.
• A multifaceted approach to dry eye treatment can include steroids, hypochlorous acid solutions, and punctal occlusion.

Conclusion:

• A well-structured pre-surgery checklist that includes patient assessment, communication, and ocular surface optimization can significantly enhance the success rate of refractive IOL surgeries.

“Providing patients with the necessary tools before surgery will make them feel empowered and confident, creating an optimal environment for achieving excellent results.”
– M. Nabila Gomez, OD, FAAO

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