[Cataract surgery and age-related maculopathy: benefits in terms of visual acuity and quality of life--a prospective study].
OBJECTIVE
To assess the benefits of cataract surgery in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in terms of visual acuity and quality of life.


METHODS
Forty-two eyes of 30 patients were included in this prospective study between October 2003 and January 2005. The eyes were divided into two groups: the first group (n=12) with geographic atrophy and neovascularization (late-stage AMD) and the second group (n=30) with drusen and retinal pigment epithelium abnormalities (early-stage AMD). Assessment included best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and quality-of-life measures (VF-14 questionnaire) before surgery and BCVA and the VF-14 score after surgery.


RESULTS
In the first group, there was no statistical difference but a trend toward improvement in BCVA (p>0.05). In terms of quality of life, there was a statistical difference between pre- and postoperative VF-14 (p=0.0078). In the second group, there was a statistical difference between pre- and postoperative BVCA (p<0.0001). In terms of quality of life, there was a statistical difference between pre- and postoperative VF-14 (p<0.0001).


CONCLUSIONS
This study shows a benefit in terms of visual acuity and quality of life in the majority of patients with age-related maculopathy after cataract surgery, even in late-stage AMD. Indeed, we noted a marked improvement in visual acuity in cases of early-stage AMD and a slight improvement of visual acuity in late-stage AMD. Quality of life was improved at both stages. In conclusion, cataract surgery is justified in patients with AMD.
Rohart
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C
Service d'ophtalmologie, Hôpital Avicenne, Université Paris XIII, Bobigny, France. charlotterohart@yahoo.fr
Fajnkuchen
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F
Nghiem-Buffet
S
S
Abitbol
O
O
Badelon
I
I
Chaine
G
G
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002386:Cataract / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D009896:Optic Atrophy / Q000150:complications*; D018918:Phacoemulsification; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D015593:Retinal Drusen / Q000150:complications*; D015861:Retinal Neovascularization / Q000150:complications*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity