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Cataracts: 20 over 40 or Better Visual Acuity within 90 Days Following Cataract Surgery

Compare Versions of: "Cataracts: 20 over 40 or Better Visual Acuity within 90 Days Following Cataract Surgery"

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Table Options
Measure Information 2022 Performance Period 2023 Performance Period 2024 Performance Period 2025 Performance Period
Title Cataracts: 20/40 or Better Visual Acuity within 90 Days Following Cataract Surgery Cataracts: 20/40 or Better Visual Acuity within 90 Days Following Cataract Surgery Cataracts: 20 over 40 or Better Visual Acuity within 90 Days Following Cataract Surgery Cataracts: 20/40 or Better Visual Acuity within 90 Days Following Cataract Surgery
CMS eCQM ID CMS133v10 CMS133v11 CMS133v12 CMS133v13
CBE ID* 0565e 0565e 0565e 0565e
MIPS Quality ID 191 191 191 191
Measure Steward American Academy of Ophthalmology American Academy of Ophthalmology American Academy of Ophthalmology American Academy of Ophthalmology
Description

Percentage of cataract surgeries for patients aged 18 and older with a diagnosis of uncomplicated cataract and no significant ocular conditions impacting the visual outcome of surgery and had best-corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better (distance or near) achieved in the operative eye within 90 days following the cataract surgery

Percentage of cataract surgeries for patients aged 18 and older with a diagnosis of uncomplicated cataract and no significant ocular conditions impacting the visual outcome of surgery and had best-corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better (distance or near) achieved in the operative eye within 90 days following the cataract surgery

Percentage of cataract surgeries for patients aged 18 and older with a diagnosis of uncomplicated cataract and no significant ocular conditions impacting the visual outcome of surgery and had best-corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better (distance or near) achieved in the operative eye within 90 days following the cataract surgery

Percentage of cataract surgeries for patients aged 18 and older with a diagnosis of uncomplicated cataract and no significant ocular conditions impacting the visual outcome of surgery and had best-corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better (distance or near) achieved in the operative eye within 90 days following the cataract surgery

Measure Scoring Proportion measure Proportion measure Proportion measure Proportion measure
Measure Type Outcome Outcome Outcome Outcome
Stratification *See CMS133v10.html *See CMS133v11.html

None

None

Risk Adjustment *See CMS133v10.html *See CMS133v11.html

None

None

Rationale *See CMS133v10.html *See CMS133v11.html

In the United States, cataracts affect more than 24 million adults over 40 years (National Eye Institute, 2019). According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (2021), cataract surgery has a substantial beneficial impact on visual function and on quality of life.

1. Scientific basis for measuring visual acuity outcomes after cataract surgery

The only reason to perform cataract surgery (other than for a limited set of medical indications) is to improve a patient's vision and associated functioning. The use of a 20/40 visual acuity threshold is based on several considerations. First, it is the level for unrestricted operation of a motor vehicle in the US. Second, it has been consistently used by the FDA in its assessment for approval of intraocular lens (IOL) and other vision devices. Third, it is the literature standard to denote success in cataract surgery. Fourth, work by West et al. in the Salisbury Eye Study suggests that 20/40 is a useful threshold for 50th percentile functioning for several vision-related tasks.

Most patients achieve excellent visual acuity after cataract surgery (20/40 or better). This outcome is achieved consistently through careful attention through the accurate measurement of axial length and corneal power and the appropriate selection of an IOL power calculation formula. As such, it reflects the care and diligence with which the surgery is assessed, planned and executed. Failure to achieve this after surgery in eyes without comorbid ocular conditions that would impact the success of the surgery would reflect care that should be assessed for opportunities for improvement.

The exclusion of patients with other ocular and systemic conditions known to increase the risk of an adverse outcome reflects the findings of the two published prediction rule papers for cataract surgery outcomes, by Mangione et al. (1995) and Steinberg et al. (1994). In both papers, the presence of comorbid glaucoma and macular degeneration negatively impacted the likelihood of successful outcomes of surgery. Further, as noted in the prior indicator, exclusion of eyes with ocular conditions that could impact the success of the surgery would NOT eliminate the large majority of eyes undergoing surgery while also minimizing the potential adverse selection that might otherwise occur relative to those patients with the most complex situations who might benefit the most from having surgery to maximize their remaining vision.

2. Evidence of a gap in care

Cataract surgery successfully restores vision in the majority of people who have the procedure.

Data from a study of 368,256 cataract surgeries show that corrected visual acuity (CDVA) of 0.5 (20/40) or better was achieved in 94.3% and CDVA of 1.0 (20/20) or better was achieved in 61.3% of cases (Lundstrom, Barry, Henry, Rosen & Stenevi, 2013).

Additionally, data from a UK multi-center Cataract National Dataset found a postoperative visual acuity of 6/12 (20/40) or better was achieved for 94.7% of eyes with no co-pathologies and in 79.9% of eyes with one or more co-pathologies (Jaycock et al., 2009).

 

A rate of 85.5-94.7% of patients achieving a 20/40 or better visual acuity in the context of approximately 3 million cataract surgeries in the US annually would mean that between 160,000 to 435,000 individuals would not achieve a 20/40 or better visual acuity which suggests an opportunity for improvement.

In the United States, cataracts affect more than 24 million adults over 40 years (National Eye Institute, 2019). According to (Miller et al., 2022), cataract surgery has a substantial beneficial impact on visual function and on quality of life.

1. Scientific basis for measuring visual acuity outcomes after cataract surgery

The only reason to perform cataract surgery (other than for a limited set of medical indications) is to improve a patient's vision and associated functioning. The use of a 20/40 visual acuity threshold is based on several considerations. First, it is the level for unrestricted operation of a motor vehicle in the US. Second, it has been consistently used by the Food and Drug Administration in its assessment for approval of intraocular lens (IOL) and other vision devices. Third, it is the literature standard to denote success in cataract surgery. Fourth, work by West et al. in the Salisbury Eye Study suggests that 20/40 is a useful threshold for 50th percentile functioning for several vision-related tasks.

Most patients achieve excellent visual acuity after cataract surgery (20/40 or better). This outcome is achieved consistently through careful attention through the accurate measurement of axial length and corneal power and the appropriate selection of an IOL power calculation formula. As such, it reflects the care and diligence with which the surgery is assessed, planned and executed. Failure to achieve this after surgery in eyes without comorbid ocular conditions that would impact the success of the surgery would reflect care that should be assessed for opportunities for improvement.

The exclusion of patients with other ocular and systemic conditions known to increase the risk of an adverse outcome reflects the findings of the two published prediction rule papers for cataract surgery outcomes, by Mangione et al. (1995) and Steinberg et al. (1994). In both papers, the presence of comorbid glaucoma and macular degeneration negatively impacted the likelihood of successful outcomes of surgery. Further, as noted in the prior indicator, exclusion of eyes with ocular conditions that could impact the success of the surgery would NOT eliminate the large majority of eyes undergoing surgery while also minimizing the potential adverse selection that might otherwise occur relative to those patients with the most complex situations who might benefit the most from having surgery to maximize their remaining vision.

2. Evidence of a gap in care

Cataract surgery successfully restores vision in the majority of people who have the procedure.

Data from a study of 368,256 cataract surgeries show that corrected visual acuity (CDVA) of 0.5 (20/40) or better was achieved in 94.3% and CDVA of 1.0 (20/20) or better was achieved in 61.3% of cases (Lundstrom et al., 2013).

Additionally, data from a UK multi-center Cataract National Dataset found a postoperative visual acuity of 6/12 (20/40) or better was achieved for 94.7% of eyes with no co-pathologies and in 79.9% of eyes with one or more co-pathologies (Jaycock et al., 2009).

 

A rate of 85.5-94.7% of patients achieving a 20/40 or better visual acuity in the context of approximately 3 million cataract surgeries in the US annually would mean that between 160,000 to 435,000 individuals would not achieve a 20/40 or better visual acuity which suggests an opportunity for improvement.

Clinical Recommendation Statement *See CMS133v10.html *See CMS133v11.html

This is an outcome measure. As such, there is no statement in the guideline specific to this measurement topic.

This is an outcome measure. As such, there is no statement in the guideline specific to this measurement topic.

Improvement Notation

Higher score indicates better quality

Higher score indicates better quality

Higher score indicates better quality

Higher score indicates better quality

Definition *See CMS133v10.html *See CMS133v11.html

None

None

Guidance

This eCQM is an episode-based measure. An episode for this measure is defined as each cataract surgery during the measurement period, including instances where more than one cataract procedure was performed during the measurement period. Every cataract surgery during the measurement period should be counted as a measurable denominator event for the measure calculation.

 

Only procedures performed during January 1 - September 30 of the reporting period will be considered for this measure, in order to determine if 20/40 or better visual acuity has been achieved within the 90 days following the cataract procedure. Cataract procedures performed during October 1 - December 31 are excluded from the initial population.

The measure, as written, does not specifically require documentation of laterality. Coding limitations in particular clinical terminologies do not currently allow for that level of specificity (ICD-10-CM includes laterality, but SNOMED-CT does not uniformly include this distinction). Therefore, at this time, it is not a requirement of this measure to indicate laterality of the diagnoses, findings or procedures. Available coding to capture the data elements specified in this measure has been provided. It is assumed that the eligible professional or eligible clinician will record laterality in the patient medical record, as quality care and clinical documentation should include laterality.

This measure is to be reported by the clinician performing the cataract surgery procedure. Clinicians who provide only preoperative or postoperative management of cataract patients are not eligible for this measure.

Telehealth encounters are not eligible for this measure because the measure does not contain telehealth-eligible encounter codes.

This version of the eCQM uses QDM version 5.5. Please refer to the eCQI resource center for more information on the QDM.

This eCQM is an episode-based measure. An episode for this measure is defined as each cataract surgery during the measurement period, including instances where more than one cataract procedure was performed during the measurement period. Every cataract surgery during the measurement period should be counted as a measurable denominator event for the measure calculation.

 

Only procedures performed during January 1 - September 30 of the reporting period will be considered for this measure, in order to determine if 20/40 or better visual acuity has been achieved within the 90 days following the cataract procedure. Cataract procedures performed during October 1 - December 31 are excluded from the initial population.

The measure, as written, does not specifically require documentation of laterality. Coding limitations in particular clinical terminologies do not currently allow for that level of specificity (ICD-10-CM includes laterality, but SNOMED-CT does not uniformly include this distinction). Therefore, at this time, it is not a requirement of this measure to indicate laterality of the diagnoses, findings or procedures. Available coding to capture the data elements specified in this measure has been provided. It is assumed that the eligible professional or eligible clinician will record laterality in the patient medical record, as quality care and clinical documentation should include laterality.

This measure is to be reported by the clinician performing the cataract surgery procedure. Clinicians who provide only preoperative or postoperative management of cataract patients are not eligible for this measure.

Telehealth encounters are not eligible for this measure because the measure does not contain telehealth-eligible encounter codes.

This version of the eCQM uses QDM version 5.6. Please refer to the QDM page for more information on the QDM.

This eCQM is an episode-based measure. An episode for this measure is defined as each cataract surgery during the measurement period, including instances where more than one cataract procedure was performed during the measurement period. Every cataract surgery during the measurement period should be counted as a measurable denominator event for the measure calculation.

 

Only procedures performed during January 1 - September 30 of the reporting period will be considered for this measure, in order to determine if 20/40 or better visual acuity has been achieved within the 90 days following the cataract procedure. Cataract procedures performed during October 1 - December 31 are excluded from the initial population.

The measure, as written, does not specifically require documentation of laterality. Coding limitations in particular clinical terminologies do not currently allow for that level of specificity (ICD-10-CM includes laterality, but SNOMED-CT does not uniformly include this distinction). Therefore, at this time, it is not a requirement of this measure to indicate laterality of the diagnoses, findings or procedures. Available coding to capture the data elements specified in this measure has been provided. It is assumed that the eligible professional or eligible clinician will record laterality in the patient medical record, as quality care and clinical documentation should include laterality.

This measure is to be reported by the clinician performing the cataract surgery procedure. Clinicians who provide only preoperative or postoperative management of cataract patients are not eligible for this measure.

Telehealth encounters are not eligible for this measure because the measure does not contain telehealth-eligible encounter codes.

This version of the eCQM uses QDM version 5.6. Please refer to the QDM page for more information on the QDM.

This eCQM is an episode-based measure. An episode for this measure is defined as each cataract surgery during the measurement period, including instances where more than one cataract procedure was performed during the measurement period. Every cataract surgery during the measurement period should be counted as a measurable denominator event for the measure calculation.

 

Only procedures performed during January 1 - September 30 of the measurement period will be considered for this measure, in order to determine if 20/40 or better visual acuity has been achieved within the 90 days following the cataract procedure. Cataract procedures performed during October 1 - December 31 are excluded from the initial population.

The measure, as written, does not specifically require documentation of laterality. Coding limitations in particular clinical terminologies do not currently allow for that level of specificity (ICD-10-CM includes laterality, but SNOMED-CT does not uniformly include this distinction). Therefore, at this time, it is not a requirement of this measure to indicate laterality of the diagnoses, findings or procedures. Available coding to capture the data elements specified in this measure has been provided. It is assumed that the eligible clinician will record laterality in the patient medical record, as quality care and clinical documentation should include laterality.

This measure is to be reported by the clinician performing the cataract surgery procedure. Clinicians who provide only preoperative or postoperative management of cataract patients are not eligible for this measure.

Telehealth encounters are not eligible for this measure because the measure does not contain telehealth-eligible encounter codes.

This version of the eCQM uses QDM version 5.6. Please refer to the QDM page for more information on the QDM.

Initial Population

All cataract surgeries for patients aged 18 years and older who did not meet any exclusion criteria

All cataract surgeries for patients aged 18 years and older who did not meet any exclusion criteria

All cataract surgeries performed between January and September of the measurement period for patients 18 years and older

All cataract surgeries performed between January and September of the measurement period for patients 18 years and older

Denominator

Equals Initial Population

Equals Initial Population

Equals Initial Population

Equals Initial Population

Denominator Exclusions

Cataract surgeries in patients with significant ocular conditions impacting the visual outcome of surgery

Cataract surgeries in patients with significant ocular conditions impacting the visual outcome of surgery

Cataract surgeries in patients with significant ocular conditions impacting the visual outcome of surgery

Cataract surgeries in patients with significant ocular conditions impacting the visual outcome of surgery

Numerator

Cataract surgeries with best-corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better (distance or near) achieved in the operative eye within 90 days following cataract surgery

Cataract surgeries with best-corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better (distance or near) achieved in the operative eye within 90 days following cataract surgery

Cataract surgeries with best-corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better (distance or near) achieved in the operative eye within 90 days following cataract surgery

Cataract surgeries with best-corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better (distance or near) achieved in the operative eye within 90 days following cataract surgery

Numerator Exclusions

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Denominator Exceptions

None

None

None

None

Telehealth Eligible No No No No
Next Version No Version Available
Previous Version No Version Available

Header

  • Updated copyright.

    Measure Section: Copyright

    Source of Change: Annual Update

  • Updated disclaimer.

    Measure Section: Disclaimer

    Source of Change: Annual Update

  • Updated rationale to align with references.

    Measure Section: Rationale

    Source of Change: Annual Update

  • Updated references.

    Measure Section: Reference

    Source of Change: Measure Lead

  • Revised initial population language to align with measure logic by replacing 'for patients 18 years and older who did not meet exclusion criteria' with 'between January and September of the measurement period for patients 18 years and older.'.

    Measure Section: Initial Population

    Source of Change: Measure Lead

Logic

  • Revised Cataract Surgery Between January and September of Measurement Period logic definition to include procedures starting 92 days or more before the end of the measurement period and better align with measure intent.

    Measure Section: Definitions

    Source of Change: ONC Project Tracking System (JIRA): CQM-5345

Value Set

The VSAC is the source of truth for the value set content, please visit the VSAC for downloads of current value sets.

  • Value set Degeneration of Macula and Posterior Pole (2.16.840.1.113883.3.526.3.1453): Added 1 SNOMED CT code (737273002) based on terminology update. Deleted 1 SNOMED CT code (267611002) based on terminology update.

    Measure Section: Terminology

    Source of Change: Annual Update

  • Value set Degenerative Disorders of Globe (2.16.840.1.113883.3.526.3.1454): Deleted 1 SNOMED CT code (267611002) based on terminology update.

    Measure Section: Terminology

    Source of Change: Annual Update

  • Value set (2.16.840.1.113883.3.526.3.1419): Renamed to Disorders of Cornea Including Corneal Opacity based on recommended value set naming conventions.

    Measure Section: Terminology

    Source of Change: Annual Update

  • Value set Glaucoma (2.16.840.1.113883.3.526.3.1423): Added 1 SNOMED CT code (788947003) based on terminology update. Deleted 1 SNOMED CT code (267625001) based on terminology update.

    Measure Section: Terminology

    Source of Change: Annual Update

  • Value set Macular Scar of Posterior Polar (2.16.840.1.113883.3.526.3.1559): Added 1 SNOMED CT code (1222888000) based on terminology update. Deleted 2 SNOMED CT codes (267611002, 21939006) based on terminology update.

    Measure Section: Terminology

    Source of Change: Annual Update

  • Value set Payer (2.16.840.1.114222.4.11.3591): Added 5 SOP codes (1111, 1112, 142, 344, 141) based on review by technical experts, SMEs, and/or public feedback.

    Measure Section: Terminology

    Source of Change: Measure Lead

Last Updated: Jun 03, 2024