Outcomes of Traumatic Cataract Surgery: A Retrospective Analysis of Visual Acuity and Refractive Error

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the visual and refractive outcome of cataract surgery and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in adults with traumatic cataract. Methods: Patients who underwent cataract surgery and IOL implantation due to closed or open eye injuries were included in this retrospective case series. All patients were contacted and asked for complete ocular reexamination. Medical records were also reviewed for baseline data, surgical details and complications. Results: Seventy-two eyes from 72 patients (84.7% male) with mean age of 39.5±13.6 (range, 21-68) years were included. Forty-one (56.9%) eyes had open globe injuries and 31 (43.1%) eyes had closed globe injuries. Final corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) was 20/40 or better in 43 (61.1%) eyes. The absolute prediction error was 1.0 diopter or less in 58.3% of eyes. There was no significant difference in final mean absolute prediction error between eyes with closed or open injuries (P>0.05). Eyes with open globe injury were more likely to achieve CDVA of 20/40 or less (Odds ratio, [95% confidence interval]: 0.331 [0.121-0.910]; P=0.032). Conclusion: Visual acuity significantly improved after traumatic cataract extraction. Most cases achieved satisfactory visual acuity. Eyes with open globe injuries might have less favorable visual prognosis. Refractive outcome was similar in open and closed injuries.