Visual acuity improved after cataract surgery in patients with varying degrees of age-related macular degeneration, according to a large study.

"Cataract and age-related macular degeneration often present concurrently in older persons," the study authors said. "The presence of AMD has been highlighted as an important risk factor for poor visual outcome after cataract surgery. Given the expected increase in AMD prevalence during the next 2 decades, an analysis of the potential risks and benefits of cataract surgery in patients with AMD is of public health interest."

The study included 1,939 eyes of 1,244 patients who underwent cataract surgery during the Age-Related Eye Disease Study, a prospective, multicenter epidemiological study. The authors graded standard lens and fundus photographs taken at baseline and during annual office visits.

The mean interval from final preoperative best corrected visual acuity measurement to date of surgery was 6.6 months; the mean interval from date of surgery to postoperative BCVA assessment was 6.9 months. Data were adjusted for age, gender, and cataract type and severity.

Change in BCVA from before cataract surgery to after surgery was the primary outcome measure.

Study data showed that eyes without AMD gained 8.4 letters; eyes with mild AMD gained 6.1 letters; eyes with moderate AMD gained 3.9 letters; and eyes with advanced AMD gained 1.9 letters. All gains were statistically significant and were maintained an average of 1.4 years postoperatively.

Additionally, 40.9% of non-AMD patients, 32.4% of mild AMD patients, 28.8% of moderate AMD patients and 23.6% of advanced AMD patients improved by more than 10 letters, the authors said.