Factors Affecting the Visual Outcome of Cataract Surgery in the Very Elderly

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To analyze the outcome of cataract surgery and to determine factors influencing the postoperative visual acuity in patients aged 85 years and older. METHODS: The best corrected visual acuity before and 3 months after cataract surgery in patients aged 85 years and older was measured. Age, sex, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, astigmatism, corneal endothelial cell count, ocular comorbidity, and intraoperative complication were analyzed to determine which factors influence the postoperative visual acuity. RESULTS: The postoperative visual acuity improved in 87% of patients, and a visual acuity of 20/40 or better was achieved in 56% of patients. Posterior capsular rupture and zonular dialysis were found as intraoperative complications in 16% of patients. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine which factors influence the postoperative visual acuity; age(p=0.009), ocular comorbidity (p=0.009), and intraoperative complication (p=0.010) were significantly associated with postoperative visual acuity. CONCLUSIONS: The postoperative visual acuity following cataract surgery in patients aged 85 years and older improved in 87% of patients, and old age, ocular comorbidity, and intraoperative complication were predictors of a poorer visual outcome.