Posters

Cataract surgery outcome in the elderly population: a good outcome?

Poster Details

First Author: O.Berens PORTUGAL

Co Author(s):    B. Pina   I. Rodrigues   A. Rebelo   A. Candeias           

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To evaluate the result not only in visual acuity but also in quality of life after cataract surgery in the elderly population (≥ 80 years). The effectiveness of cataract surgery is generally well established. If there is no pre-existing eye comorbidity, more than 95% can be expected to achieve a visual acuity of 0.50 or better after cataract surgery. What about in the elderly (≥ 80 years) and very elderly population(≥ 85 years )? Do this growing subset of people fare that good?

Setting:

A prospective consecutive case series study of 26 patients ≥80 years undergoing cataract surgery at the Ophthalmology Department of Hospital of Espírito Santo EPE Evora; Portugal

Methods:

Assessment was performed using the following criteria: Surgical technique, systemic comorbidity; eye comorbidity, medication with ocular effects; BCVA pre and post op (Snellen scale), analysis of NEI VFQ-9 items( portuguese free translation) results using the score method published with the original instrument. We also used the T Student test to compare pre operatory (preop) and post operatory (postop) values on-visual acuity and all the items in NEI VFQ9.

Results:

16 women/10 men; 80 - 91years (mean 83 years); comorbid eye conditions -; systemic comorbidity - all patients. Phacoemulsification - both eyes - 17 patients, 1 eye -9 patients. Mean OU BCVA preop - 0.32, postop - 0.75. NEIVFQ9 scores: Global score preop-41, postop-75. Global Vision preop-38, postop - 75. Well being preop - 38, postop - 78. Subset score - near vision questions preop-40, postop-78. Driving (5 patients) preop-50, postop-95. Distance vision preop-39, postop-68. Role limitation preop-43, postop -74. Peripheral vision preop -44, postop-75. High significant value of p (p inferior to 0.000) for all items.

Conclusions:

80%(16)of patients had a postop BCVA of ≥0,70. 92%(24 patients) had significant improvements in both visual function and self reported quality of life. The benefits remained inconsistent in those with severe maculopathy . All NEI VFQ-9 items had a significant postop improvement. Self assessment of cataract surgery benefits was positive in 25 patients, including 1 patient with severe maculopathy. Albeit we need further studies focused in the elderly, cataract surgery is still a highly effective procedure for most elderly people with improvement of Visual acuity, of self reported visual function, and consequent autonomy with a deemed positive economical impact.

Financial Disclosure:

NONE