[Evaluation of the success of cataract surgery from the viewpoint of the patient].

The relationship between visual acuity assessed by the ophthalmologist and functional visual disorders evaluated by the patient himself by means of special tests is an important indicator of successful cataract operations. At present for this purpose four tests are used: VF 14, CSS, evaluation of problems of vision, evaluation of satisfaction with vision. The use of the above tests under local conditions was tested in a small group of 60 patients, 43 (72%) being women. One third of the patients had cataracts of both eyes operated. 20% of the patients suffered from the dry from of age related macular degeneration of the fundus before operation. These patients suffered after surgery from poorer near vision and a poorer resulting corrected far vision. The results of the trial provided evidence that the patients are indicated for surgery of the second eye when vision is better and the subjective complaints are smaller, in order to restore rapidly binocular vision. This corresponds with higher values of the VF index after surgery of both eyes. In patients with age related macular degeneration there is a markedly reduced value of the VF index after surgery, while the CSS before surgery is the same as in patients with a normal finding. This test cannot be used for accurate evaluation of the part played by age related macular degeneration and cataract in the deterioration of visual functions.