Analysis of visual recovery after phacoemulsification in advanced age patients

Objective To analyze the visual recovery after phacoemulsification in patients under 80 years old and over 80 years old. Methods The data of 40 eyes of 40 cases with cataract from Jan.2018 to Apr. 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. There were 20 eyes of 20 cases under 80 years old as group A and 20 eyes of 20 cases over 80 years old as group B. All cases underwent phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens implantation. The patients were followed up for 1 month after operation. The postoperative visual acuity and intraocular pressure were analyzed. Results At 1 week after operation, the visual acuity (logMAR) was 0.21 ± 0.11 in group A and 0.31 ± 0.20 in group B, the difference in visual acuity was not statistically significant between the two groups (P=0.070). At 1 month after operation, the visual acuity was 0.18±0.10 in group A and 0.29±0.21 in group B, the difference was statistically significant between the two groups (P=0.036). The visual disability rate of group A was 100% and 90% of group B. The intraocular pressure at 1 week after operation of group A was (15.24±3.17) mmHg and (16.48±3.46) mmHg of group B (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), there was no significant difference in intraocular pressure between the two groups (P=0.245). The intraocular pressure of group A was (13.93 ±2.77) mmHg and (14.69±2.82) mmHg of group B at 1month after operation. The difference in intraocular pressure was not statistically significant between the two groups (P=0.392). Conclusion The cataract patients of ordinary age have better long-term vision and better visual recovery effect than the cataract patients of advanced age (≥ 80 years). Key words: Cataract, advanced age; Phacoemulsification; Visual acuity, postoperative