Retinal detachment risks following cataract surgery have been cut in half every 5 years since phacoemulsification came online in the mid-1980s, according to a study published in the July issue of Archives of Ophthalmology.

Australian researchers reviewed medical record databases to identify patients who were hospitalized for retina reattachment surgery following cataract procedures between January 1989 and December 2001. The researchers counted 237 retinal detachments - one of the most frequent sight-threatening complications of cataract surgery, they note - following more than 65,000 cataract removals involving phacoemulsification performed on more than 46,000 patients.

According to the study, incidences of retinal detachment decreased over time: 0.96% from 1989 to 1993, 0.43% from 1994 to 1998 and 0.25% from 1999 to 2001. The study's authors suggest that surgeons' development of their skills, improved surgical techniques and advances in equipment technology since the advent of phacoemulsification have contributed to the steady decline.

But retinal detachment possibilities following cataract surgery persist. The study confirmed that younger patients, men and patients who undergo complex cataract procedures requiring anterior vitrectomy are at "significantly increased risk." Cataract surgeons must understand these dangers and use them to guide their pre-op assessments and post-op care of cataract patients, the researchers note.

Daniel Cook

Why should you store your drug inventory in wheeled wire racks? How can "order points" and "order quantities" simplify your purchasing process? What are the rules for locking up medications? When are ordering errors an advantage? These medication management tips can help you control your supply budget while ensuring safe and efficient drug storage and handling.

David Bernard

What percentage of your patient satisfaction surveys get returned? Whether you use paper surveys on self-addressed stamped envelopes or online surveys, tell us in this week's InstaPoll and check back next week to see the results.

About one-third (34%) of the 273 respondents to last week's poll have LEDs in their ORs, and another 12% are planning on installing light-emitting diodes.

Dan O'Connor