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Here's an interesting question for general ophthalmologists (& it would be interesting to hear retina opinions on this too)
Let's say you have someone with a retinal problem and a moderate cataract, say 2+ NS. They need a Vitrectomy, let's say for a macular hole. Now, we know that the cataract will likely progress after the surgery, in some cases very quickly.
How much of an issue is it, whether the cataract extraction is combined with the retinal procedure, done before the Vx or done later.
For the patient's benefit, the ideal procedure in many cases is a combined Phaco / Vitrectomy. Do general guys like to come along & do that & then hand over to the retina guy? I would imagine that it is a big hassle to come into the OR to just do one case & it would be better to spend that time in clinic seeing another 5-10 people.
I get the impression that in some cities, no-one cares & the retina guy would do the phaco/vit & in other cities, it is a big deal & the retina guy has to struggle through the Vitrectomy with a poor view, so he can send the cataract back to the referring doc
This is an interesting topic with lots of clinical, financial & ethical issues...
Let's say you have someone with a retinal problem and a moderate cataract, say 2+ NS. They need a Vitrectomy, let's say for a macular hole. Now, we know that the cataract will likely progress after the surgery, in some cases very quickly.
How much of an issue is it, whether the cataract extraction is combined with the retinal procedure, done before the Vx or done later.
For the patient's benefit, the ideal procedure in many cases is a combined Phaco / Vitrectomy. Do general guys like to come along & do that & then hand over to the retina guy? I would imagine that it is a big hassle to come into the OR to just do one case & it would be better to spend that time in clinic seeing another 5-10 people.
I get the impression that in some cities, no-one cares & the retina guy would do the phaco/vit & in other cities, it is a big deal & the retina guy has to struggle through the Vitrectomy with a poor view, so he can send the cataract back to the referring doc
This is an interesting topic with lots of clinical, financial & ethical issues...