Evidence-based guidelines for cataract surgery: guidelines based on data in the European Registry of Quality Outcomes for Cataract and Refractive Surgery database.

In March 2008, the European Registry of Quality Outcomes for Cataract and Refractive Surgery (EUREQUO) commenced. This 3-year project was cofunded by the European Union (EU) and the European Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS). The ESCRS became the lead partner in the project with 11 national societies as associated partners. The aims of the project were to improve treatment and standards of care for cataract and refractive surgery and to develop evidence-based guidelines for cataract and refractive surgery across Europe. Surgeons from all participating societies contributed to the database, which contained data on 820,000 cataract surgeries in November 2011. The present guidelines are based on data entered from January 1, 2009, to August 28, 2011 (523,921 cataract extractions). The guidelines include only those steps in the cataract surgery process that can be analyzed by the database.