Evaluation of Results of Cataract Surgery in Subjects 90 Years Old and Older

Overview

In a group of 71 patients with cataract aged 90 years or more operated betweenJuly 1 1997 and December 31 1998 at the Ophthalmological Clinic, Faculty HospitalHradec Králové (operations of 79 eyes) a modified questionnaire was used basedon VF 14, to assess the benefit of cataract surgery in patients of this age.Replies were obtained only from 38 questionnaires, completed by the patient withthe assistance of relatives. Fourteen questionnaires were supplemented by a letterwhere the relatives described their view on the benefit of the operation for thepatient. To the remainder the questionnaire could not be delivered.Improvement of the quality of life after surgery was recorded in 32 instances ,once deterioration and four times the condition did not change. The majority ofpatients (33, i.e. 87%) would, if there was an opportunity have the operation again,while four patients would not have it and one patient did not know. Two of fourpatients who would not have another operation had severe senile macular dege-neration (SMD) of the fundus, another two suffer in addition to SMD fromglaucoma (G) with loss of visual functions already before surgery.The questionnaire method gives a better idea of the benefit of surgery for thepatient than mere evaluation of visual acuity. From the results ensues that it isnecessary to pay special attention to indications for surgery in patients with severe SMD and indicate surgery very carefully also in other complicating diseases inview of the higher risk of the operation. Patients of this age take a poor effect ofcataract surgery very badly, while, on the other hand, a successful operation leadsto general improvement of their condition and they respond very favourably.

Key words:
surgery of cataract, groups of longevous patients