TJ-CEO
2009 , Vol 4 , Num 2
Informed Consent For Cataract Surgery
1Ankara Atatürk Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi, Göz, Ankara, Uzm. Dr.2Hacettepe Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi, Deontoloji ve Tıp Tarihi A.D., Ankara, Asist. Dr. The distinction between cataract surgery and refractive surgery almost disappeared with the recent developments both in cataract surgery and intaocular lens (IOL) technology. Increase in expectations of patients, parallel to efforts of doctors to attain an excellent vision, caused an increase in malpractice claims. A carefully executed informed consent process, performed before cataract operations, is the most effective measure against such claims. Therefore informed consent process for cataract operations must be updated in accordance with recent developments. Informed consent process is more crucial in special circumstances such as pediatric cases, refractive surgeries, multifocal IOL implantations, cases with a high expectations of intra/ postoperative complications. Determination of objectives of patients and doctors with a reasonable bilateral argumentation, and sharing possible risks on the road to these objectives is only possible with a carefull performation of informed consent process. Keywords : Cataract, surgery, informed consent