Visual function in octogenarian and nonagenarian patients operated on for cataract of the first eye

Abstract

Introduction: In very old people, there is an increase in the incidence of senile cataract and its consequent visual deterioration and quality of life. Objective: To compare the clinical and refractive results, as well as the quality of life after cataract surgery of the first eye in octogenarian and nonagenarian patients. Material and Methods: A longitudinal, prospective, pre-experimental case series investigation was carried out in 56 octogenarian and 32 nonagenarian patients operated on for cataract of the first eye. The preoperative characteristics of the patient, pre- and postoperative visual function and quality of life, the surgical technique used, intraoperative and postoperative complications, as well as the postoperative ocular comorbidities found were studied, which were presented in the form of means, as well as absolute and relative frequencies in every separate group and then statistically compared with each other. Results: Visual function and self-perceived quality of life improved significantly postoperatively in both groups of patients, although octogenarians experienced quantitatively superior results in both variables. Age-related macular degeneration was the main comorbidity associated with postoperative visual difficulty in both age groups, but with a higher prevalence in nonagenarians. Conclusions: Cataract surgery of the first eye improves visual function and vision-related quality of life in octogenarian and nonagenarian patients, even in the presence of age-related macular degeneration and other ocular comorbidities related to postoperative visual difficulty. However, quantitatively inferior postoperative results are observed in nonagenarians

Keywords

• cirugía de catarata
• octogenarios
• nonagenarios
• función visual
• calidad de vida.