[Uncorrected visual function after cataract surgery].

PURPOSE To study the relationship between refraction after cataract surgery and the use of spectacles in patients older than 65 years. METHODS Retrospective case control study. The study included 40 retired subjects older than 65 years-old who fulfilled our inclusion criteria. Clinical ophthalmic and optical information was collected, and patients were requested to complete a validated questionnaire of visual function (VF14) and a test of independence of spectacles. The difference between VF14 test results with and without glasses (difVF14) was calculated. RESULTS The study included 16 men and 24 women, with a mean age of 74 years. There was a significant correlation between difVF14 and postoperative refraction, with lower difVF14 values associated with postsurgical refraction in the range -0.50 to -1.00 D (OD 0.479 [95% CI; 0.286-0.804]). The questionnaire of independency of lenses did not show significant correlation with postoperative refraction. CONCLUSIONS Patients with postsurgical refraction between -0.50 and -1.00 diopters displayed better visual function without glasses than those with refraction out of that range. Neutral distant refraction and positive lenses for near vision might not be the ideal solution for every patient. Postsurgical refraction should be individualized for each patient according to their personal preferences, in order to achieve the best visual function and the best vision-related quality of life.