Is an ophthalmic check‐up needed after uneventful cataract surgery? A large retrospective comparative cohort study of Finnish patients

Abstract Purpose To evaluate retrospectively the potential benefit of a routine 1‐month ophthalmic check‐up after cataract surgery, and the potential harm after terminating this practice and only organizing a check‐up for those patients anticipated to need such. Methods In 2006, cataract patients of the Oulu University Hospital Eye Clinic were advised to have a check‐up at an ophthalmologist 1 month after uneventful surgery, while in 2009, no check‐up was regarded necessary. The consecutive first 1000 cataract surgery visits in both 2006 and 2009 are included in this study. Data on intra‐ and postoperative complications, ocular comorbidity, planned and unplanned postoperative out‐patient visits, nights in the hospital and phone calls were gathered until 2014. In both time periods, a hospital check‐up was provided for patients experiencing complications or symptoms. Results There were 31 complications identified during or immediately after cataract surgery in 2006, and 23 in 2009. Fifty‐eight (2006) and 27 patients (2009) were assigned an out‐patient visit to the hospital. Additional 42 (2006) and 39 patients (2009) contacted the hospital because of symptoms, five (2006) and three (2009) with a referral. Medical or surgical intervention was needed by a third. Long‐term complications other than secondary cataract were rare in both groups. Problems attributable to the lack of a 1‐month check‐up were not found in the later patient group during 5 years of follow‐up. Conclusion According to this study, ophthalmic check‐up arranged at 1 month after uneventful cataract surgery is unnecessary. However, the 5–10% of patients with intraoperative problems or ocular comorbidities that could interfere with recovery, or postoperative symptoms, should be seen at low threshold.