Perioperative retina evaluation of the cataract surgery patient

To describe recent evidence regarding cataract surgery in patients with coexisting retinal disease, focusing on factors that are important to the perioperative evaluation and treatment of this patient population.

Studies in patients with age-related macular degeneration have yielded good visual gains without progression of neovascular disease or increased need for intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor therapy. Uveitic patients similarly gain vision on average, and control of inflammation remains paramount. Perioperative treatment with intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor and corticosteroid help mitigate postoperative macular edema in patients with diabetic macular edema. Risk of retinal detachment is elevated postcataract surgery, but evidence regarding prophylactic treatment of peripheral retinal pathology is lacking. Intracameral antibiotics have reduced rates of postcataract surgery endophthalmitis in recent population-based retrospective studies.

Favorable visual acuity outcomes are possible following cataract surgery in patients with retinal disease, including uveitis, diabetic macular edema, and age-related macular degeneration. Perioperative control of retinal disease activity is desired, but level 1 evidence to guide best practices regarding optimal timing and nature of perioperative treatment remains limited. Prevention of postoperative retinal detachment and endophthalmitis is deserving of additional study.