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Duration of self assessed benefit of cataract extraction: a long term study

M Lundström and E Wendel

Department of Ophthalmology, Blekinge Hospital, SE-371 85 Karlskrona, Sweden

Correspondence to:
Correspondence to:
Mats Lundström
MD, PhD, Department of Ophthalmology, Blekinge Hospital, SE-371 85 Karlskrona, Sweden; mats.lundstrom{at}ltblekinge.se

Aim: To investigate how long patients’ improved visual function lasts after a cataract extraction.

Methods: Patients’ self assessed visual function was evaluated using the Catquest questionnaire both before and 6 months after a cataract extraction. The study population consisted of 615 patients undergoing a cataract extraction during 1995–2002. A final follow up with a new questionnaire was performed in 2003, between 1 year and 8 years after surgery.

Results: 445 (72.4%) patients were alive at follow up and agreed to participate in the study. The number of subjects still showing improved visual function after surgery decreased with longer follow up. After 7 years, 80% had improved visual function compared with before surgery. 50% of all originally operated subjects were alive 7 years postoperatively and enjoyed better visual function than they had done before surgery. Ocular co-morbidity in the operated eye or self assessed poor visual function before surgery was significantly related to deteriorated visual function at follow up.

Conclusion: The number of subjects who experienced improved visual function after a cataract extraction decreased over the course of time postoperatively. Presence of ocular co-morbidity was significantly related to worsened function.

Abbreviations: ANOVA, analysis of variance; ARMD, age related macular degeneration; DS, total disability score sum; ECCE, extracapsular cataract extraction; NCR, national cataract register; QoL, quality of life; VA, visual acuity

Keywords: cataract extraction; visual function

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