Development of Day Case Cataract Surgery at Prince Rashid Hospital

Objective: To study the safety, applicability and problems of cataract surgery as an outpatient procedure at this hospital instead of the practiced inpatient policy. Methods: This is a retrospective study of all patients who underwent cataract surgery as outpatients during the period between May 2001 to July 2003. All nine hundreds and eighty five patients who were planned for cataract surgery during this period were evaluated for having their surgery on outpatient basis. Results: Seven hundreds and seventy eight patients (79%) were found suitable for outpatient service and were enrolled in this study. Two hundreds and seven patients i.e., 21% were excluded for different reasons. Complications included one case of endophthalmitis, one case of retrobulbar hemorrhage and one case of expulsive hemorrhage. No unexpected complications happened. Conclusion: This study confirms the safety of change to outpatient cataract service at this hospital