Visual acuity outcomes following cataract extraction in adult Latinos: The Los Angeles Latino Eye Study

Purpose. To determine prevalence, primary causes, and risk indicators of visual impairment (VI) in cataract-operated eyes.;Methods. Participants with cataract extraction underwent an in-home interview and a comprehensive ophthalmologic examination. VI in the cataract-operated eye was defined by: presenting visual acuity (PVA)≤20/40 or best corrected visual acuity (BCVA)≤20/40. The association of cataract extraction status (aphakic, pseudophakic) and severity of VI was evaluated. Risk indicators associated with VI by BCVA in the worse seeing cataract-operated eye were evaluated.;Results. The prevalence of VI was 32.2% defined by BCVA vs. 48.1% defined by PVA in all cataract-operated eyes. Uncorrected refractive error, age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy were the major primary causes of VI. History of glaucoma, barriers to eye care, and unmarried participants were independent risk indicators associated with VI (p<0.05).;Conclusions. Despite cataract surgery, a significant proportion of participants had residual visual impairment demonstrating the need for regular ophthalmologic exams in cataract-operated patients.