Clinical outcomes following cataract surgery in patients over 90 years old

Abstract

Purpose The aim of our study was retrospectively evaluate the effect and safety of cataract surgery and intraocular lens implantation (IOL) for patients aged 90 years or older. Methods In the study we involved a total of 122 patients (122 eyes) with senile cataract between the ages of 90 and 100 (mean age 91,22±2,28 years and the gender distribution was 79 females and 43 males). 113 of 122 eyes had phacoemulsification (Phaco) and 9 of 122 eyes had extracapsular extraction (ECCE). Postoperative visual acuity and intraocular pressure (IOP) were observed and analysed on the first day, three months, and six months after surgery. In analysed group there were 26 of 122 patients (21,31%) with glaucoma and 54 of 122 patients (44,26%) with degeneration of the central retina. Results The best uncorrected preoperative visual acuity was ≤ 0,1 in 94 of 122 eyes (77,05%), between 0,2‐0,4 in 24 of 122 eyes (19,67%) and between 0,5‐0,7 in 4 of 122 eyes (3,28%). Visual acuity improved in 102 of 122 eyes (84%) and remained the same in 20 of 122 eyes (16,39%). In our investigations we have also found statistically significant implications of cataract surgery on decreasing IOP (intraocular pressure) in the studied group of patients suffering from glaucoma, which were not found in patients without glaucoma. The most important cause of visual impairment after cataract surgery was AMD in the studied group. The central degeneration of retina was found in 54 of 122 patients (44,26%). Conclusion We concluded that advanced age isn’t a contraindication for cataract removal and we have found that cataract surgery with IOL implantation is an effective procedure in aged patients.