Correlation between early, measurable improvement in quality of life and speed of visual rehabilitation after phacoemulsification

Purpose: To assess whether improvements in measurable health-related qualit y-of-life (HR-QoL) functions parallel the rapid visual recovery after phaco emulsification. Setting: The Cataract Treatment Center, Sunderland Eye Infirmary, Sunderlan d, England. Methods: This study comprised 144 patients having first-eye phacoemulsifica tion cataract extraction, They were assessed using a standard EuroQoL gener ic (non-disease specific) multidimensional HR-QoL instrument to evaluate pr eoperative and 1 month postoperative health profile measures in social, psy chological, and general health aspects. Results: Within 1 month of phacoemulsification, change in vis on was accomp anied by significant changes in HR-QoL functions such as home activities, s ocial activities, self-care, mobility, and psychological well-being. Conclusion: The speed of visual rehabilitation after phacoemulsification wa s paralleled by improvement across HR-QoL functions, resulting in the rapid recovery of functional independence and health status. (C) 1999 ASCRS and ESCRS.