Reduced mortality compared to national averages following phacoemulsification cataract surgery: a retrospective observational study
- Michael SJ Blundell (msjb1{at}doctors.org.uk),
- Linda P Hunt (l.p.hunt{at}bristol.ac.uk),
- Eric J Mayer (e.mayer{at}bristol.ac.uk),
- Andrew D Dick (a.dick{at}bristol.ac.uk),
- John M Sparrow (john.sparrow{at}doctors.org.uk)
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, University of Bristol and Bristol Eye Hospital, United Kingdom
- Department of Clinical Sciences South Bristol, University Of Bristol, United Kingdom
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, University of Bristol and Bristol Eye Hospital, United Kingdom
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, University of Bristol and Bristol Eye Hospital, United Kingdom
- Bristol Eye Hospital and International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene &Tropical Med, United Kingdom
- Published Online First 6 October 2008
Abstract
Background: Higher or equal rates of mortality are associated with cataract surgery compared with the general population. Cataract surgery has advanced and the clinical characteristics of the patient undergoing cataract surgery have changed.
Aims: To re-investigate survival following cataract surgery.
Method: Survival data were gathered up to the end of 2006 on 933 consecutive patients who underwent cataract surgery between December 2000 and February 2001. These data were compared to national and regional mortality figures and Standardised Mortality Rates, SMR, were calculated.
Results: After adjusting for age and sex there was a statistically significant reduced mortality compared to national, (SMR=0.88 (95% CI 0.79-0.99)), and regional figures, (SMR=0.87 (95% CI 0.78-0.98)).
Conclusion: All previous studies found decreased survival among cataract surgery cohorts. Our data differ from data at earlier times as cataract surgery seems to be associated with increased survival. This illustrates the need for continual re-evaluation of accepted medical knowledge in the light of changes in practice and population demographics.
