Cataract Surgery Outcomes In Nonagenarians

Published 2026 - 44th Congress of the ESCRS

Reference: POCAT167 | Type: Poster | DOI: 10.82333/nk3d-kf46

Authors: Ms Enida Hoxha* ¹ , Ms Oluwadamilola Oguntoye ¹ , Mr Anish Malik ¹ , Ms Doa’a Kerwat ¹ , Prof. Ejaz Ansari ²

¹Ophthalmology,Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust,Maidstone,United Kingdom, ²Ophthalmology,Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust,Maidstone,United Kingdom;Institute of Medical Sciences,Canterbury Christ Church University,Canterbury,United Kingdom

Purpose

Advancements in surgical techniques and increased life expectancy have led to more individuals aged 90 or older undergoing cataract surgery. However, there remains a paucity of published evidence regarding surgical outcomes in this demographic. The present study aims to evaluate whether cataract surgery confers a significant benefit to nonagenarian patients.

Setting

Single-centre study conducted within the ophthalmology department at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust.

Methods

This retrospective case series reviewed cataract procedures undertaken between January 2023 and August 2025. The primary endpoints were the difference between pre- and post-operation best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and the proportion of patients achieving a BCVA of 0.3 logMAR or better. Secondary endpoints included the incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications and other adverse events. Demographic data collected comprised patient age, sex, relevant ocular and systemic conditions, the operating surgeon’s level of experience, and the anaesthetic method used.

Results

387 cataract surgeries were performed in 267 patients, with 229 eligible cases analysed for visual outcomes. Mean BCVA improved from 0.78 to 0.45 logMAR, with 62% achieving 0.3 logMAR or better. Ocular comorbidities included age-related macular degeneration (52%), glaucoma (16.2%), and CRVO (4.8%), while systemic comorbidities were hypertension (96%), type 2 diabetes mellitus (31%), chronic kidney disease (24.9%), and prior stroke (18.3%). Intraoperative complications were rare: posterior capsular rupture (1.6%), iris prolapse (1.6%), anterior capsular tear (0.6%), and zonular dialysis (0.3%). Postoperative complications included posterior capsular opacification (10%) and cystoid macular oedema (1%). Endophthalmitis rate was 1%.

Conclusions

Despite the presence of multiple comorbidities, cataract surgery in nonagenarians consistently resulted in significant improvements in visual acuity. These findings support the value of phacoemulsification in enhancing the quality of life for this elderly patient population.