Though cataract removal is considered among the safest and most common procedures performed in the U.S., errors during cataract surgery in persist. The Betsy Lehman Center convened an expert panel of ophthalmologists, anesthesiologists, nurse managers and patient representatives to more closely examine the risks surfaced by these incidents and to develop recommendations for mitigating them. 

Panel recommendations:

  • Use multiple, unique patient identifiers
  • Use uniform procedures for managing lenses and marking operative eye
  • Improve time-out practices and onboarding of contracted staff
  • Use the least invasive form of anesthesia appropriate for the patient
  • Engage patients in decisions about anesthesia and sedation

Related resources

Tools

The safe cataract surgery toolkit includes IOL verification protocols, surgical checklists, patient decision aids, and more

Peer-reviewed articles

Preventing Adverse Events in Cataract Surgery (Narrative review article)

Patient Harm in Cataract Surgery (Brief report)

Podcast

OpenAnesthesia talks to expert panel co-chair Dr. Karen C. Nanji