[Influence of axial length in refractive outcome after cataract surgery]

To analyse the influence of axial length (AL) and age on refractive outcome after cataract surgery in terms of uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and subjective refraction.

A retrospective review of 171 consecutive cases of uncomplicated cataract surgery was done. The refractive outcome was analysed (UCVA, BCVA and postoperative retraction) according AL before surgery (AL < 22 mm, between 22 and 25 mm and AL > 25 mm) and age (< 40, between 40-60 years and > 60 years).

After surgery mean UCVA was 0.6 ± 0.33 Diopters (D) and mean BCVA was 0.93 ± 0.23 D. Mean refractive outcome was 0.89 ± 0.78 D. There were no significant differences in post-operative UCVA, BCVA and refraction between the three age groups. There were statistically significant differences (p = 0.004) in UCVA between the three AL groups. The group with AL between 22 and 25 mm had better UCVA. Mean refractive outcome was -0.95 ± 1.91 D in the group with AL < 22 mm, -0.36 ± 0.88 D in the group with AL between 22 and 25 mm and 0.23 ± 1.15 D in the group with AL > 25 mm.

AL influences refractive outcome and UCVA after cataract surgery. Eyes with AL < 22 mm have a worse refractive outcome.