DO PATIENTS WITH AGE-RELATED MACULOPATHY AND CATARACT BENEFIT FROM CATARACT-SURGERY

Aims-To assess the benefits of cataract extraction in patients with ag e related maculopathy (ARM). Methods-1073 randomly selected cataract o perations were reviewed and 99 cases of preoperatively recognised ARM were identified for investigation. Data relating to visual function we re retrieved from case notes, and patient responses to a questionnaire were analysed. Results-98% had dry or unspecified ARM. Only 2% had ex udative maculopathy. 81% of cases had an improvement in best distance acuity; mean change 0.44 logMAR (change of 6/36 to 6/12). 65% responde d to the questionnaire; 67% felt that the operation had been worthwhil e, 17% had mixed feelings, and 17% thought it not worthwhile. Conclusi on-This study, which is the first of its kind to be reported, shows a clear benefit from cataract surgery in the majority of patients with A RM. However, the prevalence of ARM in this study is lower than expecte d, suggesting that some patients with both ARM and cataract were not l isted for surgery. The design of a prospective study to quantify the s ubjective and objective benefits of cataract surgery in these patients is outlined and predictors of successful outcome identified. This wil l promote the development of guidelines for the surgical management of this group of patients.