The outcomes for cataract surgery patients in Guernsey have been found to better than those in the UK in the 2024 National Cataract Audit report.
The Medical Specialist Group (MSG) submits its cataract surgery data into the Royal College of Ophthalmologists’ annual audit, which aims to improve the care that patients undergoing cataract surgery receive.
The latest report covers the year ending March 2023 and focuses on two key outcome measures: the rate of posterior capsule rupture and avoidance of sight loss.
Posterior capsule rupture occurs when there is an unintended break or tear in the back portion of the lens capsule during cataract surgery and is the most important risk factor for serious postoperative complications.
In Guernsey 99.2% of operations were completed without this complication, compared with a UK average of 98.9%.
On the avoidance of sight loss measure, 100% of operations were completed in Guernsey without deterioration of vision against a UK average of 99.1%. The patient’s vision is measured at their post-surgery follow up with the MSG or their optometrist, using a sight test reading chart.
Dr Steve Evans (pictured), MSG chair, said: “Our ophthalmologists get lots of great feedback from our patients who are delighted with how much better they can see after a cataract operation. But it’s also important that we review and reflect on how our results compare with those achieved in treatment centres around the UK and constantly look for ways in which we can improve.
“Our results are based on 511 operations, which is a small number relative to the 481,530 operations included in the audit, and if just one or two operations do not go to plan it can make a big difference to our percentages. We’re delighted that the National Cataract Audit has confirmed that our outcomes for patients in Guernsey are within the expected limit.”
