Pre-operative Near Acuity Test as Predictor for Post-operative Distance Visual Acuity in Cataract Surgery
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56056/Keywords:
Cataracts, Macula, Preoperative Near Acuity Test, Visual acuityAbstract
Background and objectives: While surgical interventions are the most common and successful treatments for cataract, the need for preoperative assessment to accurately predict postoperative visual outcomes is crucial not only for patient counseling and surgical planning but also to set realistic expectations. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to evaluate the ability of the preoperative near acuity test to successfully predict the improvement in distance eyesight following the cataract surgery.
Methods: Data for this cross-sectional retrospective study was collected from North Eye Center, which is an ophthalmic medical center in Erbil, Iraq from January 2020 to January 2024. Results for the preoperative near acuity test from 400 patients, who were 40-80 years old prior to cataract surgery, were analyzed. Postoperative distance visual acuity data were also collected for these patients. The outcomes from the preoperative near acuity test were then compared with postoperative distance visual acuity results to assess the predictive accuracy of the test.
Results: The test was able to predict cataract surgical outcomes in 87.5% (350/400) of patients in comparison to 12.5% (50/400) who were not predicted by the test (P<0.001). Patients who were not predicted by the preoperative near acuity test were found significantly older (75.7±2.3 years) than patients who were predicted by the test, 75.7±2.3 vs. 60.4±2.2 years, respectively, P<0.01.
Conclusions: the preoperative near acuity test may serve as a valuable predictive tool in preoperative evaluations for cataract surgery, particularly effective in younger patients. Its integration into standard preoperative assessments could enhance surgical outcomes by enabling more personalized patient management strategies.
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