Selecting for Patient Success

Eighty-five to 95 percent of the time, outcomes in cataract, refractive, and corneal inlay surgery are excellent (1,2). To help with that troublesome last 5-15 percent, we now have numerous advances in surgical technology, novel diagnostic equipment and improved patient screening at our disposal. Major improvements in laser technology through faster excimer lasers, more accurate eye trackers, and very precise femtosecond lasers mean that much of the potential for human error during surgery has been eliminated.  It is now up to us to use the best diagnostic devices available to ensure that patients who are poor candidates do not slip through the safety net of proper screening. Here are my views on the diagnostic technologies that help to achieve optimal outcomes.