The New Zealand cataract and refractive surgery survey 1997/1998.
BACKGROUND
This study documents the current practice for cataract and refractive surgery in New Zealand.


METHODS
A postal questionnaire was distributed in late 1997 to all consultant members of the Ophthalmological Society of New Zealand that were resident in the country at that time. Most questions were identical to the 1997 survey of the American Society of Cataract and Refraction Surgeons (ASCRS) to enable a comparison.


RESULTS
There were 98 returns from 101 surveys distributed. Of the returns, 72 performed cataract surgery, 23 performed PRK and 11 performed LASIK. ASCRS members did more refractive surgery than did New Zealanders: 28 versus 1% of 1-5 RK per month, 7 versus 1% of 1-2 clear lens extractions per month and 85 versus 51% had access to an excimer laser. For cataract surgery, ASCRS members used more topical anaesthesia (30 vs 5.5%), used no sutures more often (73 vs 51%), used more preoperative antibiotics (76 vs 26%) and used fewer injections of antibiotic/steroids (38 vs 61%). Otherwise the two groups were broadly similar.
Department of Ophthalmology, Christchurch Hospital, New Zealand. marke@chhlth.govt.nz
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Elder
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Tarr
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Leaming
D000328:Adult; D002386:Cataract / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002387:Cataract Extraction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D054018:Lasers, Excimer; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand / Q000453:epidemiology; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012030:Refractive Errors / Q000453:epidemiology*; D054140:Refractive Surgical Procedures; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires