Objective:

To compare the effectiveness and safety of cataract surgery in patients operated on by simultaneous bilateral phacoemulsification cataract surgery versus sequential bilateral phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation.

Methods:

A longitudinal study was conducted of 762 patients aged over 50 years, divided into two groups. We evaluated the variation of visual function and quality of life through the application of the questionnaire to analyze visual function before surgery and after 3 months. To evaluate the safety, the incidence of postsurgical complications trans and associated with the intervention was measured. As a measure of clinical effectiveness we used the best corrected and uncorrected visual acuity. The perceived effectiveness by patients was assessed by the specific questionnaire VF-14 of health-related quality of life.

Results:

The 61-80 years age group and female sex (75 %) prevailed in both groups. Comparisons of refractive variables and quality of life, according to the VF-14 visual function index, showed significant differences between preoperative and postoperative process, both for group I and group II (p< 0,001), with evident favorable postoperative results in both groups.

Conclusion:

Cataract surgery for simultaneous bilateral phacoemulsification is effective, due to the evidence of improvement in visual acuity, functionality and quality of life of patients, which Allows them to return early to their social activities and labor.

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