Influence of cataract surgery for the first or second eye on vision-related quality of life (VR-QOL) and the predictive factors of VR-QOL improvement.

PURPOSE

To assess improvements in vision-related quality of life (VR-QOL) in patients undergoing their first or second eye cataract surgery, as well as clinical factors related to VR-QOL.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective case series.

METHODS

We examined 282 patients undergoing their first (222) or second (60) eye cataract surgery. VR-QOL was evaluated before and after surgery using the 25-item National Eye Institute visual function questionnaire (VFQ-25), along with the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), uncorrected visual acuity, and the lens opacities classification system III (LOCSIII). The resulting VFQ-25 subscale scores were compared between patients undergoing their first or second eye cataract surgery, including multiple regression analysis.

RESULTS

The mean VFQ-25 composite score (CS) was 71.5 ± 14.2 before and 84.0 ± 10.2 after the first eye cataract surgery and 73.5 ± 12.7 before and 85.4 ± 10.2 after the second eye cataract surgery. VFQ-25 scores improved significantly, with reduced disparity among patients after surgery in both groups. Preoperative CS was related to the preoperative sum of the BCVA (standardized partial regression coefficient (β) =  - 0.254, P < 0.001). Improvement in the CS was related to a preoperative poor BCVA (β = 0.203, P < 0.001), low CS (β =  - 0.693, P < 0.001), and high general health score (β = 0.118, P = 0.025).

CONCLUSIONS

VR-QOL improved after the first and second eye surgery. Many VFQ-25 subscales were related to the BCVA or LOCSIII scores. Low preoperative VR-QOL and BCVA were related to an improved postoperative VR-QOL.