Minimizing Refractive Errors Key too Patient Satisfaction After Cataract Surgery
Even small residual refractive errors, as little as 0.25 diopters, can substantially impact a patient’s happiness following refractive cataract surgery, according to recent findings.
WAIKOLOA, Hawaii – Achieving optimal patient satisfaction after refractive cataract surgery hinges on meticulous attention to residual sphere and cylinder, experts say. The focus should extend beyond objective measurements to encompass the patient’s perception of the outcome.
“The major outcome in [refractive] cataract surgery is really the patient’s perception of outcome,” a speaker stated at Hawaiian Eye 2026.”It’s not what you measure them at or their postoperative refraction. It’s how happy they are. That comes down to a very existential question: What makes people happy?”
Patients undergoing monofocal lens implantation are twice as likely to express dissatisfaction if they have 0.5 D of residual sphere post-surgery.Therefore, surgeons should strive for the closest possible plano result when utilizing monofocal lenses.
Multifocal lenses, however, demand even greater precision. These lenses are “exquisitely sensitive” to even minor deviations – as small as 0.25 D – possibly necessitating postoperative touch-ups. “Nailing that refractive outcome really matters in multifocal lenses,” the speaker emphasized. “Residual cylinder is also associated with dissatisfaction. The engaging thing about this is that this affect starts even at 0.25 D of residual cylinder and really becomes pronounced at 0.5 D.”
Beyond refractive accuracy, addressing dry eye disease is paramount. According to the presentation, dry eye is the single largest modifiable factor influencing patient satisfaction. “If somebody tells you their eyes are dry, listen to them,” the speaker advised. “In every study I’ve ever run,dry eye is a major predictor of dissatisfaction.Drive to make patients happy and drive for better uncorrected distance acuity.”
The research was presented at Hawaiian Eye 2026, held January 17-23, 2026, in Waikoloa, Hawaii.The speaker, julie Schallhorn, MD, reported no relevant financial disclosures.
Image: Eamon N. Dreisbach | Healio.
Source: Schallhorn J. Aiming for plano: The role of refractive targeting in patient satisfaction.Presented at: Hawaiian eye 2026; Jan. 17-23, 2026; Waikoloa, Hawaii.
Substantive News Report:
why: new research presented at Hawaiian Eye 2026 highlights the critical link between minimizing refractive errors and maximizing patient satisfaction following cataract surgery. The study emphasizes that even small residual errors, notably in sphere and cylinder, can significantly impact a patient’s perceived outcome and overall happiness.
Who: The findings were presented by Julie Schallhorn, MD, at the Hawaiian Eye 2026 conference held January 17-23, 2026, in Waikoloa, Hawaii. Dr. Schallhorn reported no relevant financial disclosures. The research impacts ophthalmologists and cataract surgeons.
What: The research revealed that patients with 0.5 D of residual sphere after monofocal lens implantation are twice as likely to be dissatisfied. Multifocal lenses are even more sensitive, with deviations as small as 0.25 D potentially requiring touch-up procedures. Moreover, the study identified dry eye disease as the single largest modifiable factor influencing patient satisfaction.
How: The study suggests surgeons should strive for the closest possible plano result, especially with monofocal lenses, and exercise extreme precision with multifocal lenses. Crucially, clinicians should prioritize patient perception of outcome over objective measurements. Addressing and managing dry eye disease is also essential.
