Cataract surgery
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