Visual Outcome Following Phacoemulsification with Intraocular Lens Implantation in Age-related Cataract

Background: Age-related cataract is the leading cause of reversible blindness worldwide. Phacoemulsification with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation is the standard surgical treatment, offering rapid visual recovery and minimal complications. Objective: To evaluate the visual outcomes following phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation in patients with age-related cataract. Methods: This descriptive observational study included 250 patients undergoing cataract surgery. Pre-operative assessment included visual acuity, slit lamp examination, intraocular pressure, and biometric measurements. All patients underwent small incision cataract surgery with posterior chamber IOL implantation using the SRK/T formula. Postoperative visual acuity was assessed on Day 1, Week 1, and Week 4–6. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and comparison between pre- and postoperative outcomes was performed. Results: The mean age of patients was 64.8 ± 9.2 years, with a slight female predominance. Preoperatively, most patients had visual acuity between 6/36–6/60 (36.4%). On Day 1, good visual outcome (6/6–6/18) was achieved in 88.8% of cases, which remained 56.0% at Week 1 and 30.8% at Week 4–6 due to incomplete follow-up. No poor visual outcomes (<6/60) were observed. There was a statistically significant improvement in vision after surgery (p<0.001). Conclusion: Phacoemulsification with IOL implantation is a safe and effective procedure for age-related cataract, providing significant improvement in visual acuity with excellent early postoperative outcomes.