Visual results better after phaco than extracap

SINGAPORE — Patients who underwent phacoemulsification achieved better final visual acuity than patients who underwent extracapsular cataract extraction, according to a large study here. Additionally, patients without existing eye disease or with poorer baseline visual acuity reported more improvement in their sight after cataract surgery than other patients, study authors noted.

Researchers here measured visual function and visual acuity in 460 cataract surgery patients both preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively. Improved visual acuity in the operated eye was measured in 85% of patients, and 78% reported improved visual function on a pre- and postop questionnaire.

Patients who underwent phaco had better final visual function (P = .006) and better final visual acuity (P < .001) than those undergoing extracap.

Several factors affected final visual function, including presence of existing eye disease, baseline visual function, age, education, postop complications and baseline visual acuity.

The study is published in the Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery.