Outcome of extra-capsular cataract extraction with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation performed at a cataract surgical campaign

Abstract

Abstract Background: Cataract is the leading cause of blindness and visual impairment in many developing countries. It accounts for 20 million bilaterally blind people worldwide. Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate the visual outcome, complications and patients’ satisfaction during a cataract surgical campaign. Methods: Patients who participated in the cataract surgical campaign from and who had ECCE with PC IOL insertion done were included in the study. Three expatriate ophthalmic surgeons using similar surgical techniques operated all patients. Follow up was done on the first postoperative day, and forth and eighth week. Results: Of the 214 patients who had ECCE with PC IOL done 174 (81.3%) were followed for the whole eight weeks. The final corrected visual acuity was 6/18 or better in 109 (63.4%) of patients and less than 6/18 in 65 (37%) of patients. Of the 68 preoperatively bilaterally blind people (VA less than 3/60 in the better eye) 57 (83.8%) had final corrected VA of greater or equal to 6/60. 84 (48.3%) of patients said they have very much improved vision and anther 84 (48.3%) of patients said they had better vision than the preoperative state. Only 3.4% said their vision remained the same or worsened. Conclusions: The visual outcome of the cataract surgical campaign was gratifying both from the patients’ and physician’s point of view. The study showed that eye camp surgeries involving ECCE with PC IOL are feasible in African settings. We recommend that future cataract surgical campaigns should consider using ECCE with PC IOL insertion as their surgical procedure. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2002;16(1):77-83]