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Introduction to Cataract Surgery

Elizabeth Du, M.D.

This comprehensive course will give you the fundamental knowledge needed to begin performing cataract surgery by phacoemulsification and extracapsular removal. Each step from preoperative evaluation to postoperative care will be covered to help prepare you for the operating room.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Unit 1: Prior to the Operating Room
This unit describes what needs to take place prior to getting the patient to the operating room. Although this unit may seem trivial, knowing when to make the decision to do surgery, having a good informed consent discussion, selecting an intraocular lens and anesthetic type are critical to a successful surgery and happy patient.
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Unit 2: In the Operating Room and Getting to the Cataract
This unit begins in the operating room after the patient is prepped and draped. It covers each step needed for you to access the lens. Once you begin operating, you will realize that each step of surgery has a domino effect. If the beginning steps are not done skillfully, it will make the rest of the case more difficult.
Unit 3: Removing the Cataract and Intraocular Lens Placement
This unit is where all the fun begins. The lectures cover lens and cortex removal. We also discuss intraocular lenses and their insertion into the eye. While lens removal is the most critical step of surgery, it is also where the most serious complications occur, so pay attention!
Unit 4: Cataract Complications and Extras
This unit covers some additional tools and strategies you will need to manage complications and difficult cataracts. Just like every person isn’t the same, neither is every cataract. Fortunately, we have many tips and tricks that will help you succeed no matter what type of cataract you tackle.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Teaches phacoemulsification and extracapsular cataract surgery, which is standard in ophthalmic practice
Taught by Elizabeth Du, M.D. who is recognized in the field of ophthalmology
Builds a strong foundation for beginners in cataract surgery
Covers each step from preoperative evaluation to postoperative care in surgery

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Reviews summary

Informative cataract surgery course

Learners say that this informative course on cataract surgery largely met their expectations. According to students, videos, interactive assignments, and other materials were particularly well received.
Course materials are accessible for more than just medical professionals.
"Myself and my husband took this course together at a time when he was preparing to have cataract surgery."
"While I understand that it's really aimed at clinicians, this course answered so many questions for us and helped us to identify the right questions to ask before and after the procedure."
Course materials are well-received and educational.
"Great intro to clinical evaluation and surgical approach for cataract extraction!"
"It includes videos and interactive questions through the classes"
"We both found it immensely interesting as well as reassuring and enlightening."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to Cataract Surgery with these activities:
Volunteer at Eye Clinic
Gain valuable hands-on experience and interact with patients in a real-world ophthalmology setting.
Browse courses on Hands-on Experience
Show steps
  • Contact local eye clinics to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Complete any necessary training or orientation.
  • Assist with patient care and administrative tasks.
Review: Pre-operative Evaluation
Prepare for the first unit in this course by reviewing the process of evaluating a patient before cataract surgery.
Show steps
  • Gather information about patient history and medical conditions.
  • Review patient's medications and allergies.
  • Explain the surgical procedure and risks to the patient.
  • Obtain informed consent from the patient.
  • Select the appropriate intraocular lens for the patient.
Case Study Discussion Group
Engage with peers to discuss and analyze real-life cataract surgery cases.
Browse courses on Case Studies
Show steps
  • Review a provided case study.
  • Participate in a group discussion to analyze the case.
  • Share insights and perspectives with peers.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Phacoemulsification Simulation
Gain hands-on experience in cataract removal through a simulation.
Show steps
  • Set up the simulation equipment.
  • Practice fragmenting and removing the cataract.
  • Control the irrigation and aspiration during the procedure.
  • Evaluate the outcome of the simulation.
Surgical Plan Presentation
Apply your knowledge by creating a comprehensive surgical plan for a cataract surgery patient.
Show steps
  • Identify the patient and their specific condition.
  • Develop a detailed plan for the surgical procedure.
  • Present the surgical plan to a mock audience.
Intraoperative Complications Management
Enhance your knowledge of handling potential complications during cataract surgery.
Show steps
  • Identify and review common intraoperative complications.
  • Learn strategies for managing these complications.
  • Practice these techniques through guided tutorials.
Contribute to Cataract Surgery Forum
Engage with the broader cataract surgery community by actively participating in an online forum.
Browse courses on Knowledge Sharing
Show steps
  • Join the cataract surgery forum.
  • Share your knowledge and experiences.
  • Answer questions from other forum members.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Cataract Surgery will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Ophthalmic Surgeon
An Ophthalmic Surgeon performs surgical operations on the eye to treat cataracts. This course, which teaches the basics of cataract surgery, would provide a solid foundation for a career as an Ophthalmic Surgeon. The course covers topics such as preoperative evaluation, intraocular lens placement, and cataract complications. This knowledge would be essential for success in the field of ophthalmic surgery.
Ophthalmic Technician
An Ophthalmic Technician assists Ophthalmologists in providing patient care. This course would be helpful for someone interested in becoming an Ophthalmic Technician. The course covers topics such as preoperative evaluation, intraocular lens placement, and cataract complications. This knowledge would be beneficial for an Ophthalmic Technician to have in order to assist Ophthalmologists in providing patient care.
Ophthalmic Pathologist
An Ophthalmic Pathologist examines eye tissue to diagnose and treat eye diseases, including cataracts. This course would be helpful for someone interested in becoming an Ophthalmic Pathologist. The course covers topics such as preoperative evaluation, intraocular lens placement, and cataract complications. This knowledge would be beneficial for an Ophthalmic Pathologist to have in order to examine eye tissue to diagnose and treat eye diseases.
Optometrist
An Optometrist provides primary eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of cataracts. This course would be helpful for someone interested in becoming an Optometrist. The course covers topics such as preoperative evaluation, intraocular lens placement, and cataract complications. This knowledge would be beneficial for an Optometrist to have in order to provide primary eye care.
Ophthalmic Nurse
An Ophthalmic Nurse provides nursing care to patients with eye conditions, including cataracts. This course would be helpful for someone interested in becoming an Ophthalmic Nurse. The course covers topics such as preoperative evaluation, intraocular lens placement, and cataract complications. This knowledge would be beneficial for an Ophthalmic Nurse to have in order to provide nursing care to patients with eye conditions.
Biomedical Engineer
A Biomedical Engineer designs and develops medical devices, including those used in cataract surgery. This course would be helpful for someone interested in becoming a Biomedical Engineer. The course covers topics such as preoperative evaluation, intraocular lens placement, and cataract complications. This knowledge would be beneficial for a Biomedical Engineer to have in order to design and develop medical devices.
Medical Device Sales Representative
A Medical Device Sales Representative sells medical devices, including those used in cataract surgery. This course would be helpful for someone interested in becoming a Medical Device Sales Representative. The course covers topics such as preoperative evaluation, intraocular lens placement, and cataract complications. This knowledge would be beneficial for a Medical Device Sales Representative to have in order to sell medical devices.
Pharmaceutical Scientist
A Pharmaceutical Scientist develops and tests drugs, including those used to treat cataracts. This course would be helpful for someone interested in becoming a Pharmaceutical Scientist. The course covers topics such as preoperative evaluation, intraocular lens placement, and cataract complications. This knowledge would be beneficial for a Pharmaceutical Scientist to have in order to develop and test drugs.
Vision Scientist
A Vision Scientist conducts research on the visual system, including the causes and treatment of cataracts. This course would be helpful for someone interested in becoming a Vision Scientist. The course covers topics such as preoperative evaluation, intraocular lens placement, and cataract complications. This knowledge would be beneficial for a Vision Scientist to have in order to conduct research on the visual system.
Public Health Educator
A Public Health Educator promotes health and wellness, including eye health. This course would be helpful for someone interested in becoming a Public Health Educator. The course covers topics such as preoperative evaluation, intraocular lens placement, and cataract complications. This knowledge would be beneficial for a Public Health Educator to have in order to promote eye health.
Health Policy Analyst
A Health Policy Analyst analyzes health policy, including policies related to cataract surgery. This course would be helpful for someone interested in becoming a Health Policy Analyst. The course covers topics such as preoperative evaluation, intraocular lens placement, and cataract complications. This knowledge would be beneficial for a Health Policy Analyst to have in order to analyze health policy.
Healthcare Administrator
A Healthcare Administrator manages the operations of a healthcare facility, including those that provide cataract surgery. This course would be helpful for someone interested in becoming a Healthcare Administrator. The course covers topics such as preoperative evaluation, intraocular lens placement, and cataract complications. This knowledge would be beneficial for a Healthcare Administrator to have in order to manage the operations of a healthcare facility.
Science Writer
A Science Writer writes about scientific topics, including medical advances in cataract surgery. This course would be helpful for someone interested in becoming a Science Writer. The course covers topics such as preoperative evaluation, intraocular lens placement, and cataract complications. This knowledge would be beneficial for a Science Writer to have in order to write about scientific topics.
Patent Attorney
A Patent Attorney helps inventors protect their intellectual property, including inventions related to cataract surgery. This course would be helpful for someone interested in becoming a Patent Attorney. The course covers topics such as preoperative evaluation, intraocular lens placement, and cataract complications. This knowledge would be beneficial for a Patent Attorney to have in order to help inventors protect their intellectual property.
Medical Librarian
A Medical Librarian manages and provides access to medical information, including information on cataract surgery. This course would be helpful for someone interested in becoming a Medical Librarian. The course covers topics such as preoperative evaluation, intraocular lens placement, and cataract complications. This knowledge would be beneficial for a Medical Librarian to have in order to manage and provide access to medical information.

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Introduction to Cataract Surgery.
Comprehensive and up-to-date textbook on cataract surgery. It covers all aspects of the procedure, from preoperative evaluation to postoperative care.
A comprehensive textbook on cataract surgery, covering techniques, complications, and management. Provides in-depth knowledge beyond the scope of the course, serving as an excellent reference for practicing surgeons.
Comprehensive atlas of cataract surgery, with over 1,000 high-quality images illustrating the surgical techniques. It valuable resource for both beginning and experienced cataract surgeons.
Practical and concise guide to cataract surgery, written by two experienced cataract surgeons. It provides step-by-step instructions on the surgical techniques and discusses the potential complications and how to manage them.
Concise and practical guide to cataract surgery, written by an experienced surgeon. It provides step-by-step instructions on the surgical techniques and discusses the potential complications and how to manage them.
Concise and practical guide to cataract surgery, written by a leading cataract surgeon. It covers all aspects of the procedure, from preoperative evaluation to postoperative care.
A highly specialized book focusing on phacoemulsification, a common technique in cataract surgery. Offers advanced insights and techniques not covered in the course, making it suitable for surgeons seeking to refine their skills.
A practical guide that takes a step-by-step approach to cataract surgery. Provides clear instructions and illustrations, making it suitable for surgeons of all levels seeking to refine their techniques or gain a comprehensive understanding of the surgical process.
A practical guide designed for surgeons in training or those seeking to refresh their knowledge. Provides step-by-step instructions and clear illustrations, complementing the theoretical foundations covered in the course.
A comprehensive guide that addresses both glaucoma and cataracts, offering a holistic perspective on these conditions. Provides valuable insights for surgeons managing patients with co-existing diseases, as well as those seeking to expand their knowledge in both areas.

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