Cataract surgery for natural rubber latex allergic patients

The prevalence of reactions against natural rubber latex (NRL) is thought to be increasing in both the general public and healthcare workers. These can vary from mild benign skin reactions to bronchospasm, anaphylactic shock, and death. Difficulties exist for ophthalmic departments wishing to establish protocols in providing 'latex-free environments' for patients undergoing cataract surgery. Currently no legislation exists regarding the labelling of NRL-containing products in the United Kingdom with information on a product's NRL content provided by the manufacturer on a voluntary basis only. It is hoped this review article will act as a basic guide in the management of NRL-sensitive patients undergoing cataract surgery in the United Kingdom.