In a group of 71 patients with cataract aged 90 years or more operated between July 1 1997 and December 31 1998 at the Ophthalmological Clinic, Faculty Hospital Hradec Králové (operations of 79 eyes) a modified questionnaire was used based on VF 14, to assess the benefit of cataract surgery in patients of this age. Replies were obtained only from 38 questionnaires, completed by the patient with the assistance of relatives. Fourteen questionnaires were supplemented by a letter where the relatives described their view on the benefit of the operation for the patient. To the remainder the questionnaire could not be delivered. Improvement of the quality of life after surgery was recorded in 32 instances , once deterioration and four times the condition did not change. The majority of patients (33, i.e. 87%) would, if there was an opportunity have the operation again, while four patients would not have it and one patient did not know. Two of four patients who would not have another operation had severe senile macular dege- neration (SMD) of the fundus, another two suffer in addition to SMD from glaucoma (G) with loss of visual functions already before surgery. The questionnaire method gives a better idea of the benefit of surgery for the patient than mere evaluation of visual acuity. From the results ensues that it is necessary to pay special attention to indications for surgery in patients with severe SMD and indicate surgery very carefully also in other complicating diseases in view of the higher risk of the operation. Patients of this age take a poor effect of cataract surgery very badly, while, on the other hand, a successful operation leads to general improvement of their condition and they respond very favourably.

        Key words: surgery of cataract, groups of longevous patients