rss
Br J Ophthalmol 2000;84:432-434 doi:10.1136/bjo.84.4.432
  • Scientific correspondence

Use of vision tests in clinical decision making about cataract surgery: results of a national survey

  1. N A Frost,
  2. J M Sparrow
  1. Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bristol
  1. Mr N A Frost, Bristol Eye Hospital, Lower Maudlin Street, Bristol BS1 2LX
  • Accepted 19 November 1999

Abstract

AIM To provide information on the use of vision tests in clinical decision making about cataract surgery in the UK.

METHOD A questionnaire survey was mailed to 703 consultant ophthalmologists.

RESULTS A response rate of 70% was obtained. Monocular distance visual acuity was the only visual function that was tested routinely by all surgeons. Supplementary use of contrast sensitivity and glare testing was low. Many surgeons (35%) were willing to consider surgery at acuity levels better than 6/9 and a small but substantial number (12%) indicated that they did not use an acuity criterion. Being prepared to consider surgery at relatively good levels of acuity was not associated with more common use of other tests of vision.

CONCLUSION Many UK surgeons are prepared to consider cataract extraction at relatively good levels of visual acuity and use other vision tests infrequently.

Footnotes

    This Article

    1. Abstract
    2. Full text
    3. PDF

    Responses

    1. Submit a response
    2. No responses published

    Register for free content

    The full back archive is now available for all BMJ Journals. Institutional subscribers may access the entire archive as part of their subscription. Personal subscribers will also have access to all content when logged in. Non-subscribers who register have free access to all articles published before 2006 right back to volume 1 issue 1. Register here to access the free archive of all BMJ Journals.

    Don't forget to sign up for content alerts so you keep up to date with all the articles as they are published.