AIM: To evaluate the visual acuity, visual function, quality of life, and cost/effectiveness of cataract surgery in patients with low socioeconomic status(LSES)who received government subsidies for free cataract surgery.

METHODS: Retrospectively, 334 eyes of 334 patients were reviewed. Visual function and quality of life questionnaires were available in 83 patients. The cost/effectiveness of cataract surgery was analyzed in 225 patients with LSES and 120 patients who received standard cataract surgery. Multiple linear regression analysis and logistic regression analysis were used to assess the factors affecting the postoperative visual acuity.

RESULTS: At 1wk postoperatively, uncorrected visual acuity(UCVA)was improved significantly compared to these preoperatively(P<0.05), 235 eyes(70.4%)had UCVA of 20/40 or better, and 16 eyes(4.8%)had UCVA worse than 20/400. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that other ocular diseases and cataract classification were factors contributing to postoperative UCVA. Logistic regression analysis showed that low preoperative visual acuity and other ocular diseases were risk factors of postoperative low vision, and the odds ratio(95% confidence interval)values were 6.5(2.8-14.8)and 1.3(1.0-1.6), respectively. Visual function and quality of life were significantly improved after the surgery. The cost/effectiveness of cataract surgery in patients with LSES was lower than that in standard cataract patients.

CONCLUSION: Visual acuity and visual function were significantly better after the surgery in cataract patients with LSES, and the operation cost was low. Quality of life in these patients was significantly improved.