Authors' objectives:

The aim of this bulletin is to summarise the evidence about the effectiveness of treatments and to highlight research results relevant to some of the key issues in the provision of health care for people with cataract.

Authors' recommendations: Cataract is an opacity in the lens of the eye which progressively reduces visual functioning. Cataract rates increase with age. Community studies indicate that there may be significant unmet need for treatment in older people. Decisions on need for surgery should be based on levels of visual functioning and quality of life, not just visual acuity. Cataract surgery is a highly effective and cost-effective procedure which leads to improved levels of visual acuity and/or functioning in 80% to 95% of patients. Surgery on a second affected eye results in significant benefit which may be nearly as great as from surgery on the first eye. About 20% of patients need laser treatment for opacification of the posterior capsule within 2 years of surgery. This should be taken into account by purchasers. Day case surgery is as effective as inpatient care, about 30% cheaper, and acceptable to patients. Around 80% of cataract operations could be done as day cases, almost four times the current UK average.

Authors' methods: Systematic review

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.york.ac.uk/inst/crd/ehcb.htm

Year Published: 1996

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: England

Organisation Name: University of York

Contact Address: University of York, York, Y01 5DD, United Kingdom. Tel: +44 1904 321040, Fax: +44 1904 321041,

Contact Name: crd@york.ac.uk

Contact Email: crd@york.ac.uk

Copyright: Centre for Reviews and Dissemination