Adding straylight to preop considerations may improve cataract surgery results

More predictable postoperative results were obtained when straylight measurements were included in preoperative indications for cataract surgery, according to a study.

“Straylight and visual acuity measure different aspects of quality of vision and influenced subjective visual quality almost equally,” the study authors said. “When straylight was added to preoperative considerations of cataract extraction, postoperative results were more predictable. … The results in our study indicate that using straylight in addition to visual acuity will improve the preoperative decision-making process for cataract surgery.”

The prospective, interventional cohort study included 217 patients with a mean age of 72 years who were received a preoperative assessment for cataract surgery.

The researchers sought to determine whether visual acuity and straylight behave independently and to evaluate to what degree they contribute to subjectively experienced quality of vision. In addition, they looked at whether adding straylight to current preoperative considerations leads to a clearer indication for cataract extraction and an increased chance of improvement.

The study results indicated that the mean straylight was 1.55 log(s) preoperatively, improving a mean 0.31 log(s) postoperatively. The mean preop corrected distance visual acuity was 0.28 logMAR, improving a mean 0.26 logMAR postop. There was little correlation between visual acuity and straylight.

Questionnaires were administered before and after surgery, showing that straylight and visual acuity had a nearly equal influence on quality of vision.

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Source:

J Cataract Refract Surg. 2012;38(5):840-848.