Cataract standard set for outcome measures: An Italian tertiary referral centre experience

Implementation of the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurements (ICHOM) standard for cataract surgery into clinical practice at an Italian tertiary referral centre.

Prospective, observational, descriptive study consisting of the registry and analysis of cataract surgeries performed during a 6-month enrolment period at the University Eye Clinic of Trieste, Trieste, Italy. Outcomes were recorded and analysed according to the ICHOM Cataract Standard Set version 2.0.1. Records included clinician-reported outcome measures (CROMs) - visual outcome and complications - and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) - self-assessed vision with the Catquest-9SF questionnaire. Correlations between PROMs and CROMs were evaluated. A multiple linear regression was used for predicting the change in PROMs with surgery.

A total of 218 eyes (of 218 patients) were analysed. Postoperative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) was ⩾0.3 in 89.0% (194/218) of eyes. There was a statistically significant improvement of the post-operative Catquest-9SF global average score. (p < 0.001). The change in the Catquest-9SF score significantly correlated with the change in Item 2 score (related to intermediate vision) (r = 0.634, p < 0.001). A predictive model of the change in the Catquest-9SF score was found (p < 0.001, R²: 0.527) based on preoperative Catquest-9SF total score, presence or not of macular degeneration, presence or not of intraoperative complications, age >75 years old, and preoperative CDVA.

Cataract surgery improves the functional vision, with some factors limiting the outcomes such as comorbidities. Self-perceived improvement in intermediate vision significantly influenced the improvement in self-assessed vision.