Patient-centered care and refractive cataract surgery.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Cataract surgery has evolved significantly during the last few years. The introduction of aspheric, presbyopic correcting and toric intraocular lenses have shifted the emphasis of cataract surgery from just treating patients' functional symptoms to optimizing the refractive outcome of the procedure.

RECENT FINDINGS: Studies emphasizing patient satisfaction and refractive visual outcomes have shifted the focus of cataract surgery to a more patient-centered approach. Refractive surgical technologies such as limbal relaxing incisions, laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis, photorefractive keratectomy and conductive keratoplasty can be used in conjunction with traditional cataract surgical techniques. The wide array of intraocular lens choices has broadened the scope of refractive cataract surgery providing surgeons and patients with more options in determining refractive outcomes.

SUMMARY: Cataract surgery has expanded into the realm of refractive surgery and there is a new emphasis on patient-centered care and an optimization of the refractive outcome of the procedure. This trend will continue as newer presbyopic correcting intraocular lenses become available.