Clinical study of functional visual recovery following phacoemulsification with IOL implantation

To evaluate the functional visual recovery following phacoemulsification cataract surgery with foldable intraocular lens implantation through a temporal clear corneal incision. This prospective study was conducted at a tertiary health care centre in Western Maharashtra over a period of 2 years. Detailed history was taken and thorough ocular examination of was done. Visual Acuity, Color vision, Contrast sensitivity, Binocular vision was noted. Visual Fields were examined and Glare Disability was assessed. All patients underwent temporal clear corneal Phacoemulsification surgery through a 3.2 mm incision with implantation of an Aspheric Monofocal Foldable IOL under LA. All patients were started on tapering dose of antibiotic − steroid over 6 weeks and followed up post operatively on day 1, week 1, week 2, 6 weeks, 3months and at 6 months. 50 eyes of 46 patients with immature cataract aged between 40 to 80 years were included. At the end of 24 weeks the Distance Vision was ≥ 6/9 in 31 eyes, 6/18–6/12 in 17 eyes and < 6/18 in 2 eyes. It was a statistically significant difference (P<0.0001). No significant difference in near vision was seen at the end of 6 months. The difference in astigmatism post operatively in all 50 eyes was not statistically significant at the end of 6 months (P<0.05). Significant improvement in contrast sensitivity was seen post operatively (P<0.0001). The mean glare disability was 14.06 s at 24 weeks. No significant difference was seen (P>0.05). Colour vision and Field of vision were similar postoperatively. All the patients maintained grade 3 binocular vision at end of the study. Phacoemulsification with monofocal foldable intraocular lenses can be the choice of technique in treatment of cataract as being able to provide excellent visual results and also being cost effective.