Long-Term Visual Quality after Microincision Cataract Surgery

PURPOSE: Few studies have focused on long-term postoperative visual quality. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term visual quality after microincision cataract surgery (MICS). METHODS: 96 patients (144 eyes) diagnosed with age-related cataracts were enrolled in this one-year study. The patients underwent MICS and received aspheric monofocal intraocular lens implants. Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) was evaluated together with best-corrected distance visual acuity (BCDVA), best-corrected near visual acuity (BCNVA), contrast sensitivity, and surgically induced astigmatism (SIA). RESULTS: Compared to preoperative measurements, UDVA, BCDVA, and BCNVA were significantly better after surgery (P < 0.001), and they remained stable throughout follow-up. Contrast sensitivity was also significantly better after surgery (P < 0.001). Mean SIA during follow-up was 0.57 ± 0.33 D at 1 week, 0.36 ± 0.25 D at 3 months, and 0.18 ± 0.16 D at 1 year. SIA decreased significantly during the postoperative period (P < 0.001). The 1-year postoperative absolute residual diopter value was 0.32 ± 0.28 D. CONCLUSION: MICS can provide excellent visual quality as soon as on postoperative day 1, which persists during the follow-up period of 1 year. In contrast to previous studies, SIA decreases over time and may not completely stabilize for as long as 1 year postoperatively.