Danish cataract surgery preferences reported during ESCRS

MUNICH, Germany — Phacoemulsification is the procedure of choice for ophthalmologists in Denmark, according to the 10th annual survey of Danish cataract surgery practice styles and preferences.

The survey, distributed to 100 surgeons in Denmark, had a 95% response rate. Tom Eggert Hansen, MD, reported the results of the survey here at the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons meeting.

According to the survey, the number of cataract procedures performed increased from 36,000 in 2001 to 39,000 in 2002. The numbers of procedures performed in hospitals and in outpatient centers was about equal, Dr. Hansen said.

Dr. Hansen said phaco is widely preferred over extracapsular cataract extraction and is now performed by 99.6% of surgeons. Eighty-nine percent of surgeons surveyed said they prefer to use a two-handed technique for extraction, and a no-suture technique was preferred by 98% of respondents.

In 2002, the Danish government paid for about 68% of all procedures, with private payers covering the remaining 32%.

Dr. Hansen said the type of anesthesia most often preferred is topical, which is used by 44% of surgeons.

He said an oblique incision approximately 1 mm behind the limbus is preferred by 76% of surgeons. A corneal incision was preferred by 30% of surgeons.

Forceps were preferred by 79% of surgeons for making the capsulotomy. In cases where the patient has small pupils, using hooks or simply stretching the iris were equally preferred for enlarging the pupil.

Acrylic lenses were used by 61% of surgeons; 81% of respondents said they believe acrylic IOLs are the most promising materials.