Self-assessed visual function for patients with posterior capsule opacification before and after capsulotomy.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the functional outcome, as defined using the Catquest questionnaire, for patients with posterior capsule opacification (PCO) after capsulotomy.


METHODS
A total of 47 patients with PCO were examined before and 1 month after capsulotomy. In addition to the ophthalmic examination, Catquest was completed and a digital image of the posterior lens capsule acquired.


RESULTS
Capsulotomy resulted in a good level of benefit, as defined using Catquest, for 77% of the patients. No subgroup of patients who derived an exceedingly good or poor level of benefit was identified. Disabilities in daily life, satisfaction with vision and symptoms of glare improved from treatment (p < 0.001, p < 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively). The results were comparable with the benefits of cataract surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
Self-assessed visual function as defined using Catquest improved after capsulotomy for the vast majority of patients with PCO. No group of patients with exceptionally good or poor levels of benefit could be identified with certainty. However, the majority of those with a poor outcome were elderly individuals with ocular comorbidity. The overall functional results from treatment of PCO were very similar to those achieved after cataract surgery.
Sundelin
Karin
K
Department of Ophthalmology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden. karin.sundelin@oft.gu.se
Lundström
Mats
M
Stenevi
Ulf
U
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002386:Cataract / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D007903:Lens Capsule, Crystalline / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D016353:Self-Examination; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology*