The evolution of small-incision cataract surgery with foldable IOLs

The use of phacoemulsification and soft foldable IOLs has decreased the incision size necessary to perform cataract surgery with implants. With this decreased incision size, significantly less surgically induced astigmatism is present, thus affording early visual rehabilitation and more rapid prescribing of postoperative spectacles. The evolution of this advanced technique and a review of small-incision lenses is presented. Their application in the everyday management of postoperative cataract patients by the practicing optometrist is stressed.