Routine Preoperative Medical Testing Before Cataract Surgery

Abstract

The Study of Medical Testing for Cataract Surgery was a randomized clinical trial in patients scheduled to undergo elective cataract surgery to determine whether routine medical testing before cataract surgery reduced the rate of complications during the perioperative period. The study showed that routine preoperative medical testing before cataract surgery does not reduce the risk of intraoperative or postoperative adverse medical events when compared to selective or no testing, nor does it reduce the rate of ocular surgical complications (such as posterior capsule rupture) or influence visual acuity outcome. The authors recommended that preoperative clinical assessment by a physician at least 7 days before surgery is a more logical and efficient approach. Tests should be ordered only when indicated by the history or findings on physical examination.