Changes in quality of life shortly after routine cataract surgery

Abstract

ObjectiveA pilot study to explore use of a generic patient-reported outcome measure to assess patient-perceived improvements in quality of life within 2-4 weeks of routine cataract surgery, and to explore differences after first or second eye surgery. Secondary analysis explored effects of gender and ethnicity. DesignProspective observational study. ParticipantsConsecutive patients attending a weekly nurse-led postoperative clinic. MethodsThe Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI), a validated, post-interventional questionnaire (not specific to one particular medical or surgical intervention), was administered. Mean scores were calculated. Scores were compared when patients were grouped by first or second eye, and by gender or ethnicity (unpaired t test). Scores potentially range from +100 (maximum benefit) to -100 (maximum detriment). 3 ResultsThe GBI was administered 113 times to 109 patients (4 patients were seen following both first and second eye surgery). Mean overall score was +22.8 (median +19.4; SD 19.7; 95% CI +19.2 to +26.4). Mean (SD) sub-scores were +30.5 (25.3), +17.8 (26.7) and -3.1 (19.9) for general, social support and physical health sub-domains respectively. Total benefit scores were not significantly different for first or second eye surgery, or across gender (p>0.3). Scores for patients of African (including African Caribbean) ethnicity were significantly higher than those obtained from European patients (p=0.002).

Prevalence of pseudophakia: U.S. population–based study

“…14 Compared with unilateral pseudophakia, bilateral pseudophakia is associated with improved patient-reported physical and social health, improved visual acuity, and increase quality-adjusted life years. 14,15 Among our pseudophakic population, bilateral pseudophakia increased from 22% in 1988 to 60% in 2018, showing that bilateral pseudophakia has now become the predominant visual status of our residents.…”

“…Although individuals living with pseudophakia have improved vision and an improved quality of life, an increase in the prevalence of pseudophakia also creates a need to effectively manage the long-term eyecare requirements of this growing population and to address the burden of subsequent procedures (ie, YAG capsulotomy) and complications, such as retinal tears or detachments. 14,15…”

Estimates of visual impairment and its causes from the National Eye Survey in Malaysia (NESII)

“…Widespread visual dysfunction reduces national economic growth, decreases productivity and increases healthcare costs [ 1 ]. Treatment of avoidable causes of blindness, especially cataract, has shown to improve quality of life, enhance overall health, alleviate poverty and elevate the economic status of a community [ 2 – 4 ]. The efficient implementation and evaluation of ocular health programs require population-based data on prevalence, causes of blindness and extent of ophthalmological coverage.…”

Cataract in the Adult Eye Preferred Practice Pattern®

“…120,124,146,[1168][1169][1170][1171][1172][1173] Patients who had surgery in both eyes were significantly more satisfied with their visual function than patients who had surgery in only one eye. 1168,1174,1175 One study demonstrated that the cataractous eye interfered with the visual function of the pseudophakic eye and that complaints of visual disability were eliminated after second-eye surgery. 1176 Another study found that the presence of stereoacuity increased from 32% after first-eye surgery to 90% after second-eye surgery.…”