The cataract revolution: what the primary care physician needs to know

Older patients often come first to their primary care physicians with complaints of blurred vision associated with cataracts. An initial office-based diagnosis includes a simple patient history and examination of the retina with an ophthalmoscope. Early referral for an ophthalmologic examination is recommended. Deciding which patients are candidates for surgery depends largely on the cataract's impact on individual lifestyle and ability to function. Patients should be informed of the risks and benefits of surgery as well as some measures that may delay the need for it. Postsurgical complications, although uncommon, require immediate diagnosis and treatment.