Effect of bilateral age-related cataract on stereoacuity.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The objective of this study is to determine the effect of bilateral age-related cataract on stereoacuity. The outcome of cataract surgery is usually measured against the gold standard of visual acuity but stereoacuity necessary for fine motor tasks is often ignored.

METHODOLOGY: Stereoacuity threshold was measured in 142 participants with bilateral age-related cataracts using Frisby stereo test prior to any cataract surgery and 6 weeks after cataract surgery in the second eye with bilateral monofocal PMMA PC-IOL implantation.

OUTCOME: Significant improvement in postoperative stereoacuity was found after extraction of bilateral age-related cataracts and PMMA PC-IOL implantation (p < 0.0001). Reduced stereoacuity was associated with increased age. There was no significant correlation of postoperative stereoacuity with duration of symptoms (p = 0.883).