Background: This study was carried out to determine the visual acuity and complications following cataract surgery in a consecutive case series of functionally (<20.200) versus completely (no light perception) monocular patients.

Materials and Methods: This prospective study was performed on all monocular patients with cataract and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of less than 20/200. Snellian visual acuity, preoperative and 3 months postoperative visual acuity, intraoperative complications and cause of decreased vision in the fellow eye were recorded. All patients were followed up at least 3 months after the surgery.

Results: Mean age of patients was 52±13 years. Fifty-eight percent of the patients were female. The most common cause for decreased vision in group I were diabetic retinopathy (32.4%) and trauma (31%), but in group II were diabetic retinopathy (41.7%), age-related macular degeneration (18.6%) and trauma (14.2%). Visual acuity three months after operation was ≥20/40 in 58% and 42% of the operated eyes in groups I and II, respectively. Results showed no significant difference in visual acuity between the two groups after three months.

Conclusion: Phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation is safe in monocular patients and can improve visual acuity.