An update of recommendations for follow-up care following unsuccessful cataract surgery

IntroductionUnsuccessful cataract surgery includes complicated cataract surgery with intraoperative or postoperative complications hampering the visual outcome. Uneventful cataract surgery with suboptimal visual outcomes due to residual refractive errors may be termed as a functionally unsuccessful surgery. In addition, dissatisfied patients after uneventful surgery and optimal visual acuity also constitute a type of unsuccessful cataract surgery.Areas coveredWe discuss various causes of unsuccessful cataract surgery with emphasis on their management and follow-up. A comprehensive pubmed search was performed using 'phacoemulsification', 'complications', 'post-phacoemulsification', 'cataract surgery complications', and 'postoperative assessment' as keywords.Expert opinionPatient counseling and reassurance is the key to providing optimal follow-up care in complicated cases. Early detection and timely intervention can help in preventing further worsening of complications and help achieve optimal outcomes. Regular follow-up, proper management of complications, and reassurance to the patient are required in all cases of unsuccessful surgery.