MANAGEMENT OF FUNCTIONAL IMPAIRMENT DUE TO CATARACT IN ADULTS

Cataract surgery performed to redress functional impairment due to cat aract in the adult is the most common surgical procedure performed on Americans age 65 and over. As a result, cataract surgery is a signific ant item in the Medicare budget. It is important to recognize the impa ct of cataract-related disability on an individual's ability to functi on autonomously. The goal of the guideline is to promote appropriate m anagement of adults with functional impairment due to cataract. The Gu ideline Report consists of recommendations for providing the highest q uality of care, based on an extensive review of the relevant literatur e and on expert opinion and panel consensus. Functional impairment due to cataract is a broad topic that includes the following consideratio ns: ethical issues, natural history and risk factors, access to and re ferral for care, setting of care, preoperative tests, various aspects of surgery and preoperative management, postoperative care, rehabilita tion, and YAG capsulotomy. The Guideline Report is the basis for three companion publications that serve as references for clinicians and pa tients: the Clinical Practice Guideline, the Quick Reference Guide for Clinicians, and the Patient's Guide.