Economic costs of cataract surgery using a rigid and a foldable intraocular lens

Optimal delivery of healthcare requires consideration of various costs. A f oldable intraocular lens (IOL) is more expensive than an equivalent rigid I OL. However, surgical and post-operative costs may make a foldable IOL econ omically preferable. We compared the economic costs of cataract surgery plu s implantation of a foldable IOL with implantation of a rigid IOL. Prospect ive audit of the clinical records of 82 pseudophakes; 39 implanted with a r igid IOL and 43 implanted with a foldable IOL by one surgeon. Average follo w-up periods were 25 +/- 7 months and 23 +/- 5 months respectively. There w as no difference between the two groups for the follow-up period (P = 0.55) , number of post-operative complications (P = 0.25) or cost of post-operati ve visits (P = 0.83). The cost of single-use theatre equipment was greater for the rigid-IOL group (P = 0.0001). The total identified cost per patient was greater for the foldable-IOL group (P = 0.0001), Despite possible tech nical advantages, implantation of the foldable IOL did not provide an econo mic benefit, either in the initial cost or in the costs of post-operative c are. Over the 2-year period, implanting with the rigid IOL cost, on average , pound 57 less per patient. Despite this economic difference, a cost-benef it analysis is required, since other factors may be more important. (C) 200 1 The College of Optometrists. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All right s reserved.