WEDNESDAY, Jan. 12 (HealthDay News) -- Changes in visual acuity and function after cataract surgery may be predicted using visual acuity (VA) and the visual function index-14 (VF-14) test, according to a study published in the January issue of Ophthalmology.
Emilio Perea-Milla, M.D., Ph.D., of the Hospital de Marbella in Spain, and colleagues aimed to validate tools for use in predicting expected outcomes of cataract surgery. Predicted gains in objective (VA) and subjective (VF-14) scores for visual outcomes were determined for a sample of 5,512 patients awaiting cataract surgery. The team investigated the probability of postoperative improvement in VA and VF-14 scores. They also considered the effect of surgical complexity on the predictive accuracy of the VA and VF-14 scores.
The researchers determined the predictive variables for VA gain to be baseline VA, patient age, ocular comorbidity, and surgical complexity. Predictive factors for gain in VF-14 were the baseline VF-14, the eye with the better VA, and the surgical complexity.
"In conclusion, these scores, developed on the basis of simple and current data obtained before surgery, constitute an effective instrument to predict and identify patients who will benefit most from phacoemulsification and may be useful for ophthalmologists and patients to make informed decisions," the authors write.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
