Variation of visual function and quality of life in patients after cataract surgery through phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implant

Objective: To determine the variation of visual function and quality of life in patients before and after phacoemulsification with IOL implantation. Methods: Longitudinal prospective analytical observational study in patients older than 50 years who underwent cataract surgery with phacoemulsification with IOL implantation. We evaluated by using the VFQ-25 and QOL.Q questionnaires, the variation of the visual function and quality of life, respectively, in patients with cataract surgery before and after 3 months. Results: The mean age of patients was 74 years ± 7.4 (55%). The 37.5% had previous cataract surgery. A favorable variation of visual function in the subscales of General health (P <.001), General vision (P <.001), Near activities (P <.001), distance activities (P <.001), Limitations (evidenced P =.001) and peripheral vision (P <.001). Quality of life measured with the QOL.Q also provided favorable variation evidencing a significant difference in the subscale of Satisfaction (P =.0001). The measurement of visual acuity showed favorable pre-to post-surgical increase from 0.29 to 0.43 (P <.001). Conclusion: The patients showed favorable response to the intervention, noting an increase in visual acuity, and visual function and quality of life.