Changes in visual function and quality of life in patients with senile cataract following phacoemulsification.

BACKGROUND

Phacoemulsification is the accepted first-line treatment for cataracts. This study aims to explore the changes in visual function and quality of life in patients with senile cataracts following phacoemulsification, and its risk factors.

METHODS

The clinical data of 104 patients (202 eyes in total) with senile cataract who underwent phacoemulsification in our hospital from August 2017 to August 2019 were retrospectively analyzed, and finally 102 cases (198 eyes) were enrolled according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. These eyes were divided into the low vision group (n=75) and non-low vision group (n=123) The changes in pre- and post-operative visual function and quality of life of patients were compared. Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors of visual function of patients with senile cataract after phacoemulsification. The correlation between visual function and quality of life was examined.

RESULTS

The postoperative subjective vision, peripheral visual field, visual adaptation, and stereo vision scores, as well as the total score were higher at both 3 days and 3 months compared to the preoperative scores (P<0.05). Also, the postoperative self-care ability, mobility, psychological states, and social ability scores, as well as the total scores were higher at both 3 days and 3 months than the preoperative scores (P<0.05). Age (≥80), preoperative corrected visual acuity (<0.1), a history of glaucoma, postoperative corneal edema, fundus lesions, and a longer phacoemulsification time were independent risk factors affecting the visual function of patients with senile cataract following phacoemulsification (P<0.05). The visual function indexes of patients were positively correlated with the quality of life (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Phacoemulsification can improve the short-term visual function of patients with senile cataract and improve their quality of life. Advanced age, preoperative corrected visual acuity (<0.1), a history of glaucoma, postoperative corneal edema, fundus lesions, and a longer phacoemulsification time are independent risk factors that affect the visual function of patients with senile cataract after phacoemulsification. For patients with the aforementioned high-risk factors, enhanced clinical intervention and evaluation is required to reduce the risk of poor postoperative vision.