Antithrombotic treatment in ophthalmic surgery

Abstract

Ophthalmic surgery is generally performed in elderly people, many of whom are on systemic medications such as antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapies. These drugs are routinely discontinued preoperatively to prevent severe intraand post-operative bleeding. Nonetheless, premature discontinuation of antiplatelet therapy or interruption of anticoagulation increases the risk of thromboembolic complications including death. It is important to balance the risk of thrombotic complications and the benefit of avoiding intraand post-operative bleeding.