This case was anonymously submitted and the question was posed: is it permissible to use all of these techniques in a routine cataract case? The surgeon first uses a femtosecond laser to create a capsulotomy and to divide the lens nucleus. Then a subtenon’s block is given through a conjunctival opening and a traction suture is placed at the limbus and the eye is fixated. Fluorescein dye is used to stain the blade while 4 paracentesis incisions are made. To an experienced surgeon, this seems like a lot of additional and perhaps unnecessary steps for a routine cataract surgery. But if you feel that you need to do these steps to achieve a good outcome for your patient, then please, by all means, do whatever you need to do. Just be cautious of using too many crutches which could impeded the development of your own skills. What is your take on this routine cataract case? And what advice do you have to offer this beginning surgeon? Please comment below
