[Influence of axial length in refractive outcome after cataract surgery].

PURPOSE: To analyse the influence of axial length (AL) and age on refractive outcome after cataract surgery in terms of uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and subjective refraction.

METHODS

A retrospective review of 171 consecutive cases of uncomplicated cataract surgery was done. The refractive outcome was analysed (UCVA, BCVA and postoperative retraction) according AL before surgery (AL < 22 mm, between 22 and 25 mm and AL > 25 mm) and age (< 40, between 40-60 years and > 60 years).

RESULTS

After surgery mean UCVA was 0.6 ± 0.33 Diopters (D) and mean BCVA was 0.93 ± 0.23 D. Mean refractive outcome was 0.89 ± 0.78 D. There were no significant differences in post-operative UCVA, BCVA and refraction between the three age groups. There were statistically significant differences (p = 0.004) in UCVA between the three AL groups. The group with AL between 22 and 25 mm had better UCVA. Mean refractive outcome was -0.95 ± 1.91 D in the group with AL < 22 mm, -0.36 ± 0.88 D in the group with AL between 22 and 25 mm and 0.23 ± 1.15 D in the group with AL > 25 mm.

CONCLUSIONS

AL influences refractive outcome and UCVA after cataract surgery. Eyes with AL < 22 mm have a worse refractive outcome.