Preoperative evaluation and workup of the cataract and intraocular lens implant patient

1. Cataract and intraocular lens (IOL) implant surgery is the most common operation in ophthalmology. Much of the success of cataract and implant surgery depends on thorough and accurate preoperative patient counseling, testing, and biometric measurements. 2. The preoperative workup of cataract and implant surgery should include a complete ocular history and physical examination, patient education, preoperative testing, and informed consent. 3. Essential preoperative testing includes keratometric readings, ultrasound axial length of the eye (A-scan), and a calculation of implant power requirements using a modern implant formula. 4. In some circumstances, corneal endothelial cell counts, corneal pachymetry, and B-scan ultrasonographic scanning of the posterior segment will be needed. Optional testing also might include potential visual acuity (PVA) testing, ophthalmic photography, and corneal topographic scanning.