Duration of self assessed benefit of cataract extraction: a long term study.

AIM To investigate how long patients' improved visual function lasts after a cataract extraction. METHODS Patients' self assessed visual function was evaluated using the Catquest questionnaire both before and 6 months after a cataract extraction. The study population consisted of 615 patients undergoing a cataract extraction during 1995-2002. A final follow up with a new questionnaire was performed in 2003, between 1 year and 8 years after surgery. RESULTS 445 (72.4%) patients were alive at follow up and agreed to participate in the study. The number of subjects still showing improved visual function after surgery decreased with longer follow up. After 7 years, 80% had improved visual function compared with before surgery. 50% of all originally operated subjects were alive 7 years postoperatively and enjoyed better visual function than they had done before surgery. Ocular co-morbidity in the operated eye or self assessed poor visual function before surgery was significantly related to deteriorated visual function at follow up. CONCLUSION The number of subjects who experienced improved visual function after a cataract extraction decreased over the course of time postoperatively. Presence of ocular co-morbidity was significantly related to worsened function.