Ophthalmology
Intraocular surgery and dry eye: Understanding the link, minimising the risk and preparing for the future
Dry eye disease (DED) and ocular surface disease (OSD) are increasingly recognised as central factors in contemporary intraocular surgery. As cataract, glaucoma and vitreoretinal procedures advance toward greater refractive precision, patient expectations have risen and tolerance for postoperative visual fluctuation...
‘Phaco-plus’ procedures at forefront of modern glaucoma management
Glaucoma and cataract increasingly present as a ‘two-in-one’ surgical opportunity. In the UK, new modelling suggests ~1 million adults aged ≥40 may currently have glaucoma, with a projected rise to ~1.6 million by 2060 as the population ages and demographics...
Maximising the ocular surface prior to cataract surgery: The old and the new modalities of treatment
Cataract surgery is among the most commonly performed surgical procedures worldwide. Over time, it has evolved from a lens-extraction procedure into a refractive intervention that demands meticulous perioperative planning and precision to achieve optimal outcomes. Optimisation of the ocular surface...
Dropless cataract surgery
Dropless cataract surgery (DCS) describes the complete provision of anti-inflammatory and antibiotic prophylaxis intraoperatively. This eliminates the need for postoperative eyedrops to be self-administered by the patient and thus is also known as ‘dropless after cataract surgery’ (DACS) (n.b. this...
The role of artificial intelligence in cataract surgery: An overview
Cataracts are still a leading cause of blindness and, with an ageing population, that burden will only grow [1]. Increasingly experts are leaning on technology such as ‘Surgery 4.0’ [2] – where smart machines and artificial intelligence (AI) slide into...
Intraocular lens choice in patients who have undergone previous corneal refractive surgery
Patients who underwent vision correction in their 20s to 40s are now entering their 50s and 60s, the typical starting age for cataract development [1]. Consequently, ophthalmologists are increasingly encountering patients whose corneal profiles have been surgically altered, requiring advanced...
Astigmatism correction in cataract surgery: Why are we still hesitating?
Toric spectacle lenses were first described in 1847 by George Biddell Airy, and their adoption was, presumably, gradual at that time. Today, correction of astigmatism with glasses is routine. In a recent survey, 87.2% of spectacle prescriptions contained at least...
Cataract surgery in corneal disease
Cataract surgery in the presence of corneal disease presents multiple challenges, from determining whether symptoms are lenticular or corneal in origin, to decisions regarding timing of surgery, intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation, IOL selection, surgical technique and perioperative care. Realistic...
Everyone has a plan, until their hand goes numb…
Cataract surgery is the most frequently performed surgical procedure in the UK [1]. With financially strained NHS trusts and the rise of independent sector cataract providers, the drive from initiatives like Get It Right First Time (GIRFT) and market pressures...
Sustainability in cataract surgery: Everyday practice at Kabgayi
Reading the Royal College of Ophthalmologists’ (RCOphth) ‘Sustainable Cataract Surgery’ guidance (September 2025) was a pleasant surprise [1]. Many of its recommendations mirror what we have been doing at Kabgayi Eye Unit for years, not because of formal policy, but...
Congenital and paediatric cataract: Advances in diagnosis and management
Congenital and paediatric cataracts are relatively rare, although prevalence varies significantly between countries, influenced by factors such as nutrition, immunisation policy and population genetics [1]. In the UK, around 3–4 of every 10,000 babies are born with cataracts. It’s a...
Restoring sight and embracing culture: A voluntary cataract surgery experience in Morocco
It all came from networking Doing volunteer work is an integral part of being a doctor. Helping and treating those in need without financial recognition embodies righteousness and a pure spirit. As healthcare providers, we have an unwritten duty to...
