Cataract surgery. Computer-based registration and analysis of data

Consecutive registration, rapid retrieval and relevant analysis of information about cataract patients were obtained by applying a data form. The form was designed to be used with a statistical computer program (SPSS/PC). Data describing cataract cases, operations and postoperative controls were recorded. The information is contained in 76 variables, each with up to 10 alternative answers. The main advantages are the opportunity for quality control and clinical research. As an example, an analysis of the pre- and postoperative visual acuity is presented. Originally, the material consisted of 969 eyes, and of these, 948 eyes were available for follow-up. The postoperative corrected visual acuity was 5/5 or better in 57.2% of the eyes. In 80.4% of the eyes a visual acuity better than 5/10 was achieved. The main cause of postoperative visual acuity less than 5/8.5 was age-related macular degeneration (115 eyes). This maculopathy was recognized preoperatively in 76 eyes.