Early uncorrected visual acuity as a measurement of the visual outcomes of contemporary cataract surgery.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) on the first postoperative day and the fifth week after routine slow-motion phacoemulsification with posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation.


METHODS
Cincinnati Eye Institute, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.


METHODS
This retrospective chart review performed by 3 research fellows analyzed the UCVA 1 day and 5 weeks postoperatively in 100 consecutive best-case scenario eyes of 99 patients who had routine slow-motion phacoemulsification with implantation of an AcrySof single-piece IOL (Alcon). Reasons for UCVAs worse than 20/40 were sought. The stability of the visual result was analyzed.


RESULTS
The UCVA was 20/40 or better in 98% of eyes at 1 day. Ninety-seven percent had a UCVA of at least 20/40 by 5 weeks, confirming stability of acuity. The percentage of patients with a UCVA of 20/20 or 20/25 increased from 49% at 1 day to 77% at 5 weeks.


CONCLUSIONS
The UCVA 1 day after slow-motion phacoemulsification was 20/40 or better in 98% of eyes and remained stable to the last measurement at 5 weeks. Early UCVA can serve as a more sensitive measurement than best corrected visual acuity for assessing new surgical technologies and techniques.
Osher
Robert H
RH
Cincinnati Eye Institute, Cincinnati, OH 45242, USA. rhosher@cincinnatieye.com
Barros
Marcílio G
MG
Marques
Daniela M V
DM
Marques
Frederico F
FF
Osher
James M
JM
D000180:Acrylic Resins; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular; D007910:Lenses, Intraocular; D008875:Middle Aged; D018918:Phacoemulsification; D011184:Postoperative Period; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology*
D000180:Acrylic Resins