[Cataract surgery and age-related maculopathy: benefits in terms of visual acuity and quality of life--a prospective...

To assess the benefits of cataract surgery in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in terms of visual acuity and quality of life.

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.

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).

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.