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McGuinness MB, Moo E, Varga B, Dodson S, Lansingh VC, Resnikoff S, Schmidt E, Ravilla T, Balu Subburaman GB, Khanna RC, Rathi VM, Arunga S, Limburg H, Congdon N. The Better Operative Outcomes Software Tool (BOOST) Prospective Study: Improving the Quality of Cataract Surgery Outcomes in Low-Resource Settings. Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38635874 DOI: 10.1080/09286586.2024.2336518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Post-operative vision impairment is common among patients who have undergone cataract surgery in low-resource settings, impacting quality of clinical outcomes and patient experience. This prospective, multisite, single-armed, pragmatic validation study aimed to assess whether receiving tailored recommendations via the free Better Operative Outcomes Software Tool (BOOST) app improved surgical outcomes, as quantified by post-operative unaided distance visual acuity (UVA) measured 1-3 days after surgery. METHODS During the baseline data collection round, surgeons in low and middle-income countries recorded clinical characteristics of 60 consecutive cataract cases in BOOST. Additional data on the causes of poor outcomes from 20 consecutive cases with post-operative UVA of <6/60 (4-12 weeks post-surgery) were entered to automatically generate tailored recommendations for improvement, before 60 additional consecutive cases were recorded during the follow-up study round. Average UVA was compared between cases recorded in the baseline study round and those recorded during follow-up. RESULTS Among 4,233 cataract surgeries performed by 41 surgeons in 18 countries, only 2,002 (47.3%) had post-operative UVA 6/12 or better. Among the 14 surgeons (34.1%) who completed both rounds of the study (1,680 cases total), there was no clinically significant improvement in post-operative average UVA (logMAR units ±SD) between baseline (0.50 ± 0.37) and follow-up (0.47 ± 0.36) rounds (mean improvement 0.03, p = 0.486). CONCLUSIONS Receiving BOOST-generated recommendations did not result in improved UVA beyond what could be expected from prospective monitoring of surgical outcomes alone. Additional research is required to assess whether targeted support to implement changes could potentiate the uptake of app-generated recommendations and improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myra B McGuinness
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Elise Moo
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Global Programs, The Fred Hollows Foundation, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Beatrice Varga
- Global Programs, The Fred Hollows Foundation, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sarity Dodson
- Global Programs, The Fred Hollows Foundation, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Van Charles Lansingh
- Help Me See, Jersey City, New Jersey, USA
- Instituto Mexicano de Oftalmologia, Queretaro, Mexico
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Serge Resnikoff
- Brien Holden Vision Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Elena Schmidt
- Evidence Research and Innovations, Sightsavers, Chippenham, UK
| | | | | | - Rohit C Khanna
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Allen Foster Community Eye Health Research Centre, Gullapalli Pratibha Rao International Centre for Advancement of Rural Eye care, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
- Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Varsha M Rathi
- Allen Foster Community Eye Health Research Centre, Gullapalli Pratibha Rao International Centre for Advancement of Rural Eye care, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Simon Arunga
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Hans Limburg
- Health Information Services, Grootebroek, Netherlands
| | - Nathan Congdon
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
- Orbis International, New York, New York, USA
- Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Xiang Y, Wang X, Cao X, Wei F, Chen Y, Ran J, Long Z, Tan Q, Lai Z, Liu L, Zhao D, Xiong L, Tang B, Wan W, Hu K. Efficacy of cataract surgeries performed during blindness prevention programs in Chongqing, China: a multicenter prospective study. BMC Ophthalmol 2023; 23:353. [PMID: 37563617 PMCID: PMC10413487 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-023-03082-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the efficacy of cataract surgeries in blindness prevention programs in Chongqing. METHODS During February-December 2019, we prospectively enrolled 487 patients (592 eyes) undergoing cataract surgery during blindness prevention programs in 6 Chongqing district/county hospitals (experimental group) and 481 patients (609 eyes) undergoing cataract surgery in the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University (controls). Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), refractive status, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), slit lamp examination, and visual function/quality of life (VF-QOL) questionnaire scores were evaluated preoperatively, and at 1 and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS In the experimental group, UCVA, BCVA, and VF-QOL scores at 1 and 6 months were better than the preoperative values (P < 0.05), but lower than the control-group values (P < 0.05). Rates of good UCVA and BCVA outcomes (≤ 0.5 logMAR) in the experimental group were 76.2% and 87.6%, respectively, at 1 month and 68.9% and 83.1%, respectively, at 6 months. Most eyes in the experimental (82.1%) and control (89.5%) groups had refractive errors within ± 1 D at 1 month. At 6 months, posterior capsule opacification (PCO) was more common in the experimental group (20.9% vs. 15.0%, P < 0.05). At 6 months, the main causes of visual impairment (UCVA > 0.5 logMAR) in the experimental group were uncorrected refractive errors (33.0%), PCO (29.5%), and fundus diseases (33.9%). CONCLUSION Cataract surgeries in blindness prevention programs in Chongqing significantly improved visual acuity, VF, and QOL, but underperformed compared to surgeries in the tertiary teaching hospital.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongguo Xiang
- Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoqin Wang
- People's Hospital of Tongliang District, Tongliang District, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaochuan Cao
- People's Hospital of Tongliang District, Tongliang District, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Wei
- Youyang County People's Hospital, Youyang County, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Chen
- Youyang County People's Hospital, Youyang County, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianchuan Ran
- Qianjiang Central Hospital, Qianjiang District, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengqin Long
- Qianjiang Central Hospital, Qianjiang District, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qunwu Tan
- Wushan County People's Hospital, Wushan County, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenying Lai
- Wushan County People's Hospital, Wushan County, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Liu
- People's Hospital of Dazu District, Dazu District, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Desheng Zhao
- People's Hospital of Dazu District, Dazu District, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Liang Xiong
- People's Hospital of Jiangbei District, Jiangbei District, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Tang
- People's Hospital of Jiangbei District, Jiangbei District, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenjuan Wan
- Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Chongqing Branch (Municipality Division) of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ke Hu
- Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Chongqing Branch (Municipality Division) of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.
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Ahsan S, Memon MS, Bukhari S, Mahmood T, Fahim MF, Haseeb U, Arslan M. Visual outcomes of cataract surgery: An observational study of ten years from a tertiary eye care hospital in Pakistan. Pak J Med Sci 2021; 37:1775-1781. [PMID: 34912394 PMCID: PMC8613022 DOI: 10.12669/pjms.37.7.4428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: To observe and analyze the visual outcomes of cataract surgery of ten years at a tertiary eye care hospital, Karachi. Methods: An observational study with retrospective data search was conducted in Al Ibrahim Eye Hospital (AIEH), Karachi. Data of all adults (above 16 years) who underwent cataract surgery from 2010-2019 was retrieved from HIMS. Presence of opacity in the lens was labelled as cataract. Surgery was advised when patient’s BCVA was found to be ≤ 6/18. Visual assessments of the patients were done on day 01, one week and six weeks postoperatively. Postoperatively, 6/6 – 6/12 was considered as good, 6/18 as mild visual impairment, < 6/18 to 6/60 as moderate visual impairment and < 6/60 as severe visual impairment. Results: A total of 1,027,840 patients visited AIEH with different eye diseases. Among 1027840 individuals, cataract was identified in 88443 (8.6%). Surgery was advised to 58371 and performed in 38616. Records of operated cases (38616) were retrieved. Mean age of patients was 54.96±14.22 years. There were 20578 (53.29%) males and 18038 (46.71%) females who underwent surgery . At the end of sixth week, 3561 (18.4%), patients were found to have “good vision”, 12242 (63.43%) had mild visual impairment, 2676 (13.86%) had moderate visual impairment and 822 (4.26%) had severe visual impairment. Corneal Complications was the commonest cause (33.56%) at sixth week. Conclusions: The institution achieved WHO recommended criteria of “good visual outcome” (6/6 to 6/18) of 81.83% which is near to recommended ≥ 90% and severe visual impairment of 4.26%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahid Ahsan
- Dr. Shahid Ahsan, MPhil (Bio), MPhil (NCD), PhD fellow Department of Biochemistry, Jinnah Medical & Dental College, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Saleh Memon
- Dr. Muhammad Saleh Memon, FRCS(Eden) Department of Research, Al Ibrahim Eye Hospital, Isra Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sadia Bukhari
- Dr. Sadia Bukhari (MS Ophth) Department of Ophthalmology, Al Ibrahim Eye Hospital, Isra Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Tauseef Mahmood
- Mr. Tauseef Mahmood, M.Sc. (Statistics) Department of Research, Al Ibrahim Eye Hospital, Isra Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Faisal Fahim
- Mr. Muhammad Faisal Fahim, M.Sc. (Statistics) Department of Physical Therapy, Bahria University Medical & Dental College, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Uzma Haseeb
- Dr. Uzma Haseeb (FCPS) Department of Ophthalmology, Al Ibrahim Eye Hospital, Isra Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Arslan
- Mr. Muhammad Arslan (MCSW) Department of Research & Excellence, Al-Tibri Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan
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Drevin G, Albutt K, Baluku M, Tuhumwiire C, Deng H, Musinguzi N, Modest V, Ngonzi J, Ttendo S, Firth P. Outcome Measurement at a Ugandan Referral Hospital: Validation of the Mbarara Surgical Services Quality Assurance Database. World J Surg 2021; 44:2550-2556. [PMID: 32333160 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-020-05537-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Five billion people lack access to surgery. Accurate and complete data have been identified as essential to the global scale-up of perioperative care. This study retrospectively validates the Mbarara Surgical Services Quality Assurance Database (SQUAD), an electronic outcomes database at a Ugandan secondary referral hospital. METHODS SQUAD data were compared to paper records from August 2013 to January 2017. To assess data entry accuracy, two researchers independently extracted 24 patient variables from 170 charts. To assess completeness of patient capture, SQUAD entries were compared to a sample of charts returned to the Medical Records Department, and to a sample of entries in ward and operating room logbooks. Two-tailed binomial proportions with 95% CI were calculated from the comparative results of patient observations, against a predefined accuracy of 0.85-0.95. RESULTS Agreement between completed validation observations from charts and SQUAD data was 91.5% (n = 3734/4080 data points). Binomial tests indicated that 15 variables had higher than 95% accuracy. A total 19 of 24 variables had ≥ 85% accuracy. The completeness of SQUAD patient capture was 98.2% (n = 167/170) of charts returned to the Medical Records Department, 97.5% (n = 198/203) of operating logbook entries, and 100% (n = 111/111) of ward logbook entries, respectively. CONCLUSION SQUAD closely reflects the primary surgical and anaesthetic data at a Ugandan secondary hospital. Data accuracy of key variables and completeness of population capture were comparable to those of databases in high-income countries and outperformed those of other low- and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustaf Drevin
- Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department for Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Katherine Albutt
- Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of General Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Moris Baluku
- Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Caleb Tuhumwiire
- Department of Surgery, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Hao Deng
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Nicholas Musinguzi
- Harvard-Mbarara University of Science and Technology Collaborative, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Vicki Modest
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Joseph Ngonzi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Stephen Ttendo
- Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Paul Firth
- Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
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Efficacy, safety and visual outcomes of cataract surgeries performed during blindness prevention programs in different locations in Kenya. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2021; 259:1215-1224. [PMID: 33512611 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-021-05084-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the visual outcomes achieved in terms of efficacy and safety during high-volume cataract surgery programs in different locations in Kenya. METHODS Eight hundred eighty-one eyes of 849 patients underwent extracapsular cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation in a retrospective, observational, consecutive cohort study on patients who underwent cataract surgery in five programs that a Spanish non-governmental organization conducted between 2013 and 2019 for the prevention of blindness in different geographical areas of Kenya: Thika, Athi River, Kissi, Bagavathi, and Nakuru. The programs were carried out by Spanish and Kenyan surgeons working together. RESULTS Mean age was 66.81 ± 14.47 years. Fifty-one percent of the operated eyes (447 eyes) were women. 94% of patients belonged to six ethnic groups. The mean uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) before surgery was 1.98 ± 0.98 logMAR (20/2000), which changed to 0.82 ± 0.68 logMAR (20/150) 3 months after surgeries. The corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) was 0.4 ± 0.53 logMAR (20/50) 3 months after surgery, 77.5% of the patients had good visual outcomes, and 6.3% had poor outcomes. Preoperative UDVAs were significantly different with respect to the different geographical areas (Kruskal-Wallis; p < 0.001). The most common intraoperative complication was posterior capsule rupture (incidence, 4.2%, 37 of 881), and the most serious complication was expulsive hemorrhage (incidence, 0.1%, 1 of 881). CONCLUSIONS Cataract programs performed in a middle-income country with the proper technique and standardized protocols of action improved the visual outcome of the patients. Dissimilar baseline status was found in different areas regarding preoperative visual acuities. Training programs of local surgeons should be reinforced.
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AlSawahli H, McCormick I, Mpyet CD, Ezzelarab G, Shalaby M. Population-based rapid assessment of avoidable blindness survey in Sohag governorate in Egypt. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e036337. [PMID: 33046461 PMCID: PMC7552864 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-036337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the prevalence and causes of blindness and vision impairment, and the coverage and quality of cataract surgical services, among population aged 50 years and older in Sohag governorate in Egypt. DESIGN A population-based cross-sectional survey using two-stage cluster random sampling following the rapid assessment of avoidable blindness methodology. SETTING A community-based survey conducted by six teams of ophthalmologists, assistants and local guides. Enrolment and examination were door-to-door in selected clusters. PARTICIPANTS Using 2016 census data, 68 population units were randomly selected as clusters (of 60 people) with probability proportionate to population size. Anyone aged 50 years and older, residing in a non-institutional setting in a cluster for at least 6 months, was eligible to participate. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES The prevalence and causes of blindness and vision impairment. Secondary outcomes were CSC and effectiveness and participant-reported barriers to cataract surgery. RESULTS Of 4078 participants enrolled, 4033 (98.9%) were examined. The age-adjusted and sex-adjusted prevalence of blindness, severe vision impairment and moderate vision impairment were 5.9% (95% CI 4.8% to 6.9%), 4.7% (95% CI 3.8% to 5.7%) and 18.9% (95% CI 16.8% to 21.0%), respectively. Cataract caused most of blindness (41.6%), followed by non-trachomatous corneal opacity (15.7%) and posterior segment diseases (14.5%). Cataract surgical coverage (CSC) for persons for visual acuity <3/60 was 86.8%, the proportion of cataract surgeries with poor visual outcome was 29.5% and effective CSC (eCSC) was 44.9%. eCSC was lower in women than men. The most frequently reported barrier to surgery was cost (51.5%). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of blindness in Sohag governorate is higher than districts in other middle-income countries in the region. CSC was high; however, women suffer worse quality-corrected CSC than men. The quality of cataract surgery needs to be addressed, while health system strengthening across government and private settings could alleviate financial barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ian McCormick
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine International Centre for Eye Health, London, UK
| | - Caleb D Mpyet
- Ophthalmology, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria
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Factors associated with visual outcomes after cataract surgery: A cross-sectional or retrospective study in Liberia. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0233118. [PMID: 32421741 PMCID: PMC7233528 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To report the initial outcomes and associated risk factors for poor outcome of cataract surgery performed in Liberia Methods and analysis LV Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI), Hyderabad, started providing eye care in Liberia since July 2017. Electronic Medical Records of 573 patients operated for age-related cataract from July 2017 to January 2019 were reviewed. One eye per patient was included for analysis. All patients underwent either phacoemulsification or manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS). Pre and postoperative uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were recorded at one day, 1–3 weeks and 4–11 weeks. Main outcome measure was BCVA at 4–11 weeks; Intraoperative complications and preoperative ocular comorbidities (POC) were noted. BCVA less than 6/12 was classified as visual impairment (VI). Risk factor for VI was analysed using the logistic regression model. Results Of the 573 patients, 288 were males and 285 were females (49.7%). Mean age was 65.9±10.9 years; 14.3% had POC. The surgical technique was mainly MSICS (94.59%, n = 542). At 4–11 weeks, good outcome of 6/12 or better was noted in 38.55% (UCVA) and 82.54% (BCVA). Visual acuity (VA) of 6/18 or better as UCVA and BCVA was noted in 63.5% and 88% eyes respectively. Poor outcome of less than 6/60 was noted as UCVA (11.11%) and BCVA (5.22%). Multivariable analysis showed poor visual outcomes significantly higher in patients with POC (odds ratio 3.28; 95% CI: 1.70, 6.34). Conclusion The cataract surgical outcomes in Liberia were good; with ocular comorbidities as the only risk factor.
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Mueller B, Ibraimova S, Mamutalieva E, Limburg H, Ibraimova A, Paduca A. Findings from a Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) in the Southwest Region of Kyrgyzstan. Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2019; 27:141-147. [PMID: 31813309 DOI: 10.1080/09286586.2019.1701040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: Reliable data on eye care needs in Kyrgyzstan are not readily available. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and causes of blindness and visual impairment in persons aged 50 and above in the southwest of Kyrgyzstan and to support the Ministry of Health (MoH) in the planning of eye care in the region.Methods: A population-based survey was conducted in three states (Oblast) in the southwest region of Kyrgyzstan. Sixty clusters of 50 people aged 50 years and older were selected by probability proportionate to size sampling. Ethical approval was obtained from the MoH, consent was obtained from each participant.Results: A total number of 3,000 persons aged 50 and older were sampled. Among these 2,897 (95.9%) were examined. The prevalence of bilateral blindness was 1.7% [95%CI: 1.1-2.4]. Cataract (43.3%) was the main cause of blindness, followed by glaucoma (30%), age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) (8.3%), other posterior segment diseases (6.7%) and non-trachomatous corneal opacities (5%). The prevalence of blindness and visual impairment increased strongly with age. The cataract surgical coverage in blind persons was 59%.Conclusion: Cataract and glaucoma were the major causes of blindness and visual impairment in persons 50 and above. The majority of the causes (85%) were avoidable, with 45% (cataract and uncorrected aphakia) treatable, 6.7% (corneal opacity and phthisis) preventable by primary health care/eye care services and 33.3% (cataract surgical complications, glaucoma) preventable by specialized ophthalmic services. The data suggest that an expansion of eye care services to reduce avoidable blindness is needed, as ageing will lead to an increase in older people at risk and a higher demand for eye care in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brigitte Mueller
- International Cooperation Department, Swiss Red Cross, International Cooperation, Wabern, Switzerland
| | | | - Elzat Mamutalieva
- International Cooperation Department, Swiss Red Cross, International Cooperation, Wabern, Switzerland
| | - Hans Limburg
- Health Information Services, Grootebroek, Netherlands
| | - Aigul Ibraimova
- Bishkek Scientific Research Centre of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
| | - Ala Paduca
- Ophthalmology Department, State University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Nicolae Testemitanu", Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
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Buchan JC, Dean WH, Foster A, Burton MJ. What are the priorities for improving cataract surgical outcomes in Africa? Results of a Delphi exercise. Int Ophthalmol 2017. [PMID: 28634930 PMCID: PMC6061020 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-017-0599-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The quality of cataract surgery delivered in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is a significant constraint to achieving the elimination of avoidable blindness. No published reports from routine SSA cataract services attain the WHO benchmarks for visual outcomes; poor outcomes (<6/60) often comprise 20% in published case series. This Delphi exercise aimed to identify and prioritise potential interventions for improving the quality of cataract surgery in SSA to guide research and eye health programme development. METHODS An initial email open-question survey created a ranked list of priorities for improving quality of surgical services. A second-round face-to-face discussion facilitated at a Vision 2020 Research Mentorship Workshop in Tanzania created a refined list for repeated ranking. RESULTS Seventeen factors were agreed that might form target interventions to promote quality of cataract services. Improved training of surgeons was the top-ranked item, followed by utilisation of biometry, surgical equipment availability, effective monitoring of outcomes of cataract surgery by the surgeon, and well-trained support staff for the cataract pathway (including nurses seeing post-operative cases). CONCLUSION Improving the quality of cataract surgery in SSA is a clinical, programmatic and public health priority. In the absence of other evidence, the collective expert opinion of those involved in ophthalmic services regarding the ranking of factors to promote quality improvement, refined through this Delphi exercise, provides us with candidate intervention areas to be evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Buchan
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK.
| | - W H Dean
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - A Foster
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - M J Burton
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
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Ramke J, Gilbert CE, Lee AC, Ackland P, Limburg H, Foster A. Effective cataract surgical coverage: An indicator for measuring quality-of-care in the context of Universal Health Coverage. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0172342. [PMID: 28249047 PMCID: PMC5382971 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0172342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To define and demonstrate effective cataract surgical coverage (eCSC), a candidate UHC indicator that combines a coverage measure (cataract surgical coverage, CSC) with quality (post-operative visual outcome). METHODS All Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) surveys with datasets on the online RAAB Repository on April 1 2016 were downloaded. The most recent study from each country was included. By country, cataract surgical outcome (CSOGood, 6/18 or better; CSOPoor, worse than 6/60), CSC (operated cataract as a proportion of operable plus operated cataract) and eCSC (operated cataract and a good outcome as a proportion of operable plus operated cataract) were calculated. The association between CSC and CSO was assessed by linear regression. Gender inequality in CSC and eCSC was calculated. FINDINGS Datasets from 20 countries were included (2005-2013; 67,337 participants; 5,474 cataract surgeries). Median CSC was 53.7% (inter-quartile range[IQR] 46.1-66.6%), CSOGood was 58.9% (IQR 53.7-67.6%) and CSOPoor was 17.7% (IQR 11.3-21.1%). Coverage and quality of cataract surgery were moderately associated-every 1% CSC increase was associated with a 0.46% CSOGood increase and 0.28% CSOPoor decrease. Median eCSC was 36.7% (IQR 30.2-50.6%), approximately one-third lower than the median CSC. Women tended to fare worse than men, and gender inequality was slightly higher for eCSC (4.6% IQR 0.5-7.1%) than for CSC (median 2.3% IQR -1.5-11.6%). CONCLUSION eCSC allows monitoring of quality in conjunction with coverage of cataract surgery. In the surveys analysed, on average 36.7% of people who could benefit from cataract surgery had undergone surgery and obtained a good visual outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Ramke
- School of Social Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Clare E. Gilbert
- Department Clinical Research, Faculty Infectious & Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Arier C. Lee
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Peter Ackland
- International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hans Limburg
- Health Information Services, Nijenburg 32, Grootebroek, Netherlands
| | - Allen Foster
- Department Clinical Research, Faculty Infectious & Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Hussen MS, Gebreselassie KL, Seid MA, Belete GT. Visual outcome of cataract surgery at Gondar University Hospital Tertiary Eye Care and Training Center, North West Ethiopia. CLINICAL OPTOMETRY 2017; 9:19-23. [PMID: 30214356 PMCID: PMC6095564 DOI: 10.2147/opto.s122953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, cataract is the leading cause of blindness which accounts for 51% of 39 million blind people. The visual rehabilitation is made through sight-restoring surgery. The patients' postoperative visual satisfaction, vision related quality of life, ability to function in daily activities and their overall productivity mainly depend on the visual outcome. However, there are limited data on the visual outcome and its associated factors in the study area. Therefore, this study intended to evaluate the postoperative level of visual acuity to provide a baseline information regarding visual outcome and design a standardized protocol to maximize it. METHODS AND MATERIALS A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at the Gondar University Hospital Tertiary Eye Care and Training Center on 223 patients who underwent cataract surgery, selected using simple random technique from April to June 2015. RESULTS This study consisted of 218 patients or eyes that underwent cataract surgery. The median age of the participants was 65 years with an interquartile range of 20 years. Of 218 cataract-operated visually impaired eyes (<6/60), 26.6% of them achieved good visual acuity (≥6/18), 28.9% of them had borderline acuity (<6/18-6/60), and the remaining of 44.5% were remained as poor visual acuity (<6/60). It has been observed that the postoperative visual acuity had an association with postoperative follow up time duration (P=0.035). CONCLUSION In this study, the visual outcome of cataract surgery was significantly low as compared to World Health Organization's recommendations, and it has been recognized that there is significant progression of visual acuity in different consecutive weeks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mohammed Assen Seid
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Paul P, Kuriakose T, John J, Raju R, George K, Amritanand A, Doss PA, Muliyil J. Prevalence and Visual Outcomes of Cataract Surgery in Rural South India: A Cross-Sectional Study. Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2016; 23:309-15. [PMID: 27552313 DOI: 10.1080/09286586.2016.1212991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the prevalence of cataract surgery and postoperative vision-related outcomes, especially with respect to sex, socioeconomic status (SES) and site of first contact with eye care, in a rural area of South India. METHODS In a population-based cross-sectional survey of 5530 individuals aged 50 years or older from 10 villages selected by cluster sampling, individuals who had undergone cataract surgery in one or both eyes were identified. Consenting participants were administered a questionnaire, underwent vision assessment and ophthalmic examination. Outcomes were classified as good if visual acuity of the operated eye was 6/18 or better, fair if worse than 6/18 but better than or equal to 6/60, and poor if worse than 6/60. RESULTS Prevalence of cataract surgery in this age group (771 persons) was 13.9% (95% confidence interval, CI, 13.0-14.9%). In the 1112 eyes of 749 persons studied, at presentation, 53.1% (95% CI 50.1-56.1%) of operated eyes had good, 38.1% (95% CI 35.2-41.0%) had fair, and 8.8% (95% CI 7.1-10.5%) had poor outcomes. With pinhole, 75.2% (95% CI 72.6-77.8%) had good, 17.2% (95% CI 14.9-19.5%) had fair, and 7.4% (95% CI 5.8-9.0%) had poor outcomes. In 76.3% of eyes with fair and poor presenting outcomes we detected an avoidable cause for the suboptimal visual acuity. Place of surgery and duration since surgery of 3 years or more were risk factors for blindness, while SES, sex and site of first eye care contact were not. CONCLUSION The high prevalence of avoidable causes of visual impairment in this rural setting indicates the scope for preventive strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Paul
- a Department of Ophthalmology , Christian Medical College , Vellore , India
| | - T Kuriakose
- a Department of Ophthalmology , Christian Medical College , Vellore , India
| | - J John
- b Department of Community Health , Christian Medical College , Vellore , India
| | - R Raju
- a Department of Ophthalmology , Christian Medical College , Vellore , India
| | - K George
- b Department of Community Health , Christian Medical College , Vellore , India
| | - A Amritanand
- a Department of Ophthalmology , Christian Medical College , Vellore , India
| | - P A Doss
- a Department of Ophthalmology , Christian Medical College , Vellore , India
| | - J Muliyil
- b Department of Community Health , Christian Medical College , Vellore , India
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Lewallen S, Schmidt E, Jolley E, Lindfield R, Dean WH, Cook C, Mathenge W, Courtright P. Factors affecting cataract surgical coverage and outcomes: a retrospective cross-sectional study of eye health systems in sub-Saharan Africa. BMC Ophthalmol 2015; 15:67. [PMID: 26122748 PMCID: PMC4485868 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-015-0063-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2014] [Accepted: 06/23/2015] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently there has been a great deal of new population based evidence on visual impairment generated in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), thanks to the Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) survey methodology. The survey provides information on the magnitude and causes of visual impairment for planning services and measuring their impact on eye health in administrative "districts" of 0.5-5 million people. The survey results describing the quantity and quality of cataract surgeries vary widely between study sites, often with no obvious explanation. The purpose of this study was to examine health system characteristics that may be associated with cataract surgical coverage and outcomes in SSA in order to better understand the determinants of reducing the burden of avoidable blindness due to cataract. METHODS This was a descriptive study using secondary and primary data. The outcome variables were collected from existing surveys. Data on potential district level predictor variables were collected through a semi-structured tool using routine data and key informants where appropriate. Once collected the data were coded and analysed using statistical methods including t-tests, ANOVA and the Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance test. RESULTS Higher cataract surgical coverage was positively associated with having at least one fixed surgical facility in the area; availability of a dedicated operating theatre; the number of surgeons per million population; and having an eye department manager in the facility. Variables that were associated with better outcomes included having biometry and having an eye department manager in the facility. CONCLUSIONS There are a number of health system factors at the district level that seem to be associated with both cataract surgical coverage and post-operative visual acuity outcomes. This study highlights the needs for better indicators and tools by which to measure and monitor the performance of eye health systems at the district level. It is unlikely that epidemiological data alone is sufficient for planning eye health services within a district and health managers and study coordinators need to consider collecting supplementary information in order to ensure appropriate planning can take place.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Lewallen
- Kilimanjaro Centre for Community Ophthalmology International, Division of Ophthalmology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Elena Schmidt
- Sightsavers, 35 Perrymount Road, Haywards Heath, RH16 3BW, West Sussex, UK.
| | - Emma Jolley
- Sightsavers, 35 Perrymount Road, Haywards Heath, RH16 3BW, West Sussex, UK.
| | - Robert Lindfield
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, UK.
| | | | - Colin Cook
- Division of Ophthalmology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Wanjiku Mathenge
- Rwanda International Institute of Ophthalmology and Dr Agarwal's Eye Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda.
| | - Paul Courtright
- Kilimanjaro Centre for Community Ophthalmology International, Division of Ophthalmology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
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Naidu G, Correia M, Nirmalan P, Verma N, Thomas R. Functional and visual acuity outcomes of cataract surgery in Timor-Leste (East Timor). Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2014; 21:397-405. [PMID: 25357102 DOI: 10.3109/09286586.2014.975824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To report functional outcomes following cataract surgery in Timor-Leste. METHODS Pre- and post-intervention study measuring visual function improvement following cataract surgery. Presenting visual acuity (VA) was measured and visual function documented using the Indian vision function questionnaire (IND-VFQ). RESULTS All 174 persons undergoing cataract surgery from November 2009 to January 2011 in Timor-Leste were included. Mean age was 65.4 years; 113 (64.9%) were male, 143 (82.1%) were from a rural background and 151 (86.8%) were illiterate. Pre-operatively, 77 of 174 patients (44.3%, 95% confidence interval, CI, 37.0-51.7%) were blind (VA ≤3/60), 77 (44.3%, 95% CI 37.0-51.7%) were visually impaired (VA <6/18->3/60), while 20 (11.5%, 95% CI 7.4-16.9%) had presenting acuity ≥6/18 in the better eye. Following surgery, significant improvement in visual function was demonstrated by an effect size of 2.8, 3.7 and 3.9 in the domains of general functioning, psychosocial impact and visual symptoms, respectively. Four weeks following surgery, 85 patients (48.9%, 95% CI 41.5-66.3%) had a presenting VA ≥6/18, 74 (42.5%, 95% CI 35.3-45.9%) were visually impaired and 15 (8.6%, 95% CI 5.0-13.6%) were blind. IND-VFQ improvement occurred even in patients remaining visually impaired or blind following surgery. CONCLUSION In this setting, cataract surgery led to a significant improvement in visual function but the VA results did not meet World Health Organization quality criteria. IND-VFQ results, although complementary to clinical VA outcomes did not, in isolation, reflect the need to improve program quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Girish Naidu
- East Timor Eye Programme, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons , Melbourne, Victoria , Australia
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Xiao B, Guan C, He Y, Le Mesurier R, Müller A, Limburg H, Iezze B. Cataract surgical outcomes from a large-scale micro-surgical campaign in China. Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2013; 20:288-93. [PMID: 23819475 DOI: 10.3109/09286586.2013.794901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess cataract surgical outcomes during the Jiangxi Provincial Government's "Brightness and Smile Initiative" (BSI) in South East China during May 2009 to July 2010. METHOD This cross sectional combined with retrospective study included 1157 cataract surgical patients (1254 eyes) recruited from six counties in Jiangxi during the initiative. Patient information before surgery and at discharge was obtained from hospitals' case records. Patient follow-up eye examinations were conducted during field visits in the autumn of 2010. Fifteen months after the initiative started, study subjects were examined by provincial ophthalmologists using a Snellen visual chart, portable slit lamp, torch and ophthalmoscope. The World Health Organization (WHO) cataract surgical outcome monitoring tally sheet and the outcome categories good (visual acuity, VA, ≥ 0.3 (6/18)), borderline (VA <0.3 but ≥ 0.1 (6/60)) and poor (VA < 0.1) were used for data collection and analysis. RESULTS A total of 99.7% of operated patients had intraocular lenses implanted. The percentage of eyes with good outcomes (presenting VA) at follow-up was low (49.6%), while the borderline and poor outcome rates were high (34.1% and 16.3%, respectively), in comparison to WHO recommendations. There was a significant outcome difference at follow-up (p < 0.01) between eyes operated by county surgeons trained by an International Non-Government Organization and those operated on by other visiting surgeons. CONCLUSIONS This study documented a low rate of good cataract surgical outcomes from the BSI in Jiangxi. The quality of cataract surgery should be improved further in the province.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baixiang Xiao
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University , Nanchang City , China
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Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the visual outcomes achieved in terms of efficacy and safety during a mass eye surgery campaign in a low-income developing country. METHODS Three hundred fifteen eyes of 305 patients underwent extracapsular cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation in a prospective, analytical, experimental, and nonrandomized study on patients who underwent cataract surgery during the campaign that two Spanish nongovernmental organizations conducted in December 2008 in a district hospital in Bobo-Dioulasso (Burkina Faso). RESULTS Mean age was 61.97 ± 14.39 years. The mean uncorrected distance visual acuity before surgery was 2.17 ± 0.7 (20/3000), which improved to 0.86 ± 0.64 logMAR (20/150) 3 months after cataract surgery. The mean spherical equivalent at 3 months was -0.87 ± 1.90 diopters. The corrected distance visual acuity was 0.52 ± 0.44 logMAR (20/60) 3 months after surgery, 68.7% of the patients had good visual outcomes, and 9.16% had poor outcomes. A total of 41.4% of the operated eyes showed a spherical equivalent within ± 1.00 diopter of emmetropia. The most common intraoperative complication was posterior capsule rupture (incidence, 2.9%, 9 of 315), and the most serious complication was expulsive hemorrhage (incidence, 0.3%, 1 of 315). Three months after surgery, 2.9% (9 of 315) of the eyes was affected by posterior capsular opacity. CONCLUSIONS A mass cataract campaign performed in a developing country with the proper technique and standardized protocols of action improved the visual outcome of the patients. The rate of incidence of extracapsular extractions is comparable to that estimated for developed countries.
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Mörchen M, Mao N, Ang C, Bonn TS. Outcome and Monitoring of Cataract Surgical Services at Takeo Province, Cambodia. ASIA-PACIFIC JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY (PHILADELPHIA, PA.) 2012; 1:340-4. [PMID: 26107726 DOI: 10.1097/apo.0b013e3182710eff] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate outcome and monitoring of cataract surgical services at Takeo Eye Hospital, Cambodia DESIGN A prospective, hospital-based report using a cataract surgical record form from the International Center for Eye Health, London. METHODS Data including preoperative and postoperative visual acuity (VA), proportion of ocular pathology, intraoperative and postoperative complications, type of surgery, and causes of poor outcome of all patients with cataract were collected. Exclusion criteria were age of patients being younger than 20 years, combined cataract-glaucoma surgeries, and having traumatic cataract. RESULTS A total of 8211 cataract surgeries were performed from January 2007 to December 2011. Preoperatively, the presenting VA was less than 6/60 in 65.8%. At discharge, 51.8% had a presenting VA of 6/18 or better.Outcome was poor (VA < 6/60) in 10.6%. Over 5 years, the percentage of patients with poor outcome decreased from 12.6% to 8.5%. Total operative complications decreased from 18.2% in 2007 to 3.3% in 2011, with a reduction of vitreous loss from 6.5% to 1.8%. Of all surgeries, 21.2% were performed by resident physicians. At the first follow-up 1 to 3 weeks postoperatively, 62.6% of the patients presented, whereas 23.9% presented for a second follow-up after 4 to 6 weeks. CONCLUSIONS Monitoring of cataract surgical services indicated an increase in quantity and quality. Hospital-based data collection as recommended by the World Health Organization action plan for the prevention of avoidable blindness is possible, but biased data collection has to be considered in the interpretation of the data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manfred Mörchen
- From the Caritas Takeo Eye Hospital, Takeo Province, Cambodia
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Imam AU, Gilbert CE, Sivasubramaniam S, Murthy GVS, Maini R, Rabiu MM. Outcome of cataract surgery in Nigeria: visual acuity, autorefraction, and optimal intraocular lens powers--results from the Nigeria national survey. Ophthalmology 2010; 118:719-24. [PMID: 21055820 DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2010.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2010] [Revised: 07/20/2010] [Accepted: 08/11/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe presenting and corrected visual acuities after cataract surgery in a nationally representative sample of adults. Another objective was to describe refractive errors in operated eyes and to determine the optimal range of intraocular lens (IOL) powers for this population. DESIGN Cross-sectional, population-based survey. PARTICIPANTS Adults aged 40 years and more were selected using multistage stratified sampling and proportional to size procedures. A sample size of 15027 was calculated, and clusters were selected from all states. METHODS Individuals who had undergone cataract surgery were identified from interview and examination. All had their presenting visual acuity (VA) measured using a reduced logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution chart and underwent autorefraction. Corrected VAs were assessed using the autorefraction results in a trial set. An ophthalmologist conducted all examinations, including slit-lamp and dilated fundus examination. Causes of visual loss were determined for all eyes with a presenting VA <6/12 using the World Health Organization recommendations. Biometry data were derived from 20449 phakic eyes using the SRK-T formula after excluding those with poor VA or corneal opacities. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Presenting and corrected visual acuities in pseudo/aphakic individuals and autorefraction findings; biometry profile of Nigerian adults. RESULTS Data from 288 eyes of 217 participants were analyzed. Only 39.5% of eyes had undergone IOL implantation at surgery. Only 29.9% of eyes had a good outcome (i.e., ≥6/18) at presentation, increasing to 55.9% with correction. Use of an IOL was the only factor associated with a good outcome at presentation (odds ratio 9.0; 95% confidence interval, 4.3-18.9; P=0.001). Eyes undergoing cataract surgery had a higher prevalence and degree of astigmatism than phakic eyes. Biometry data reveal that posterior chamber IOL powers of 20, 21, and 22 diopters (D) (A constant 118.0) will give a postoperative refraction range of -2.0 D to emmetropia in 71.4% of eyes, which increases to 82.6% if 19 D is also included. CONCLUSIONS Postoperative astigmatism needs to be reduced through better surgical techniques and training, and use of biometry should be standard of care.
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Ezegwui IR, Ajewole J. Monitoring cataract surgical outcome in a Nigerian mission hospital. Int Ophthalmol 2007; 29:7-9. [PMID: 18087677 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-007-9182-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2007] [Accepted: 11/29/2007] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the visual outcome of cataract operations in a Nigerian mission hospital. METHODS The computer system cataract surgery record forms were used to collect data on the first 100 consecutive cataract surgeries performed in January and part of February 2003 at a Nigerian mission hospital, Mercy Eye Centre, Abak. RESULTS There were 54 males and 30 females (100 eyes). Sixteen patients had bilateral cataract. The mean age was 58.45 years (SD 13.58). Four patients were hypertensive, 3 diabetic, 2 both hypertensive and diabetic; and also 2 both hypertensive and asthmatic. Four patients had post-uveitic cataract, 3 traumatic cataract, 1 subluxated cataract not related to trauma and the rest had age-related cataract. One patient each had age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma. Only 42 patients (49 eyes) kept with their follow-up visits until 12 weeks post-operatively. Among these, pin hole or corrected visual acuity of 6/6-6/18 was achieved in 35.4%, <6/18-6/60 in 50%, and <6/60 in 14.6%. Almost half of those with poor outcome were attributed to inappropriate selection. CONCLUSION The main cause of poor visual outcome in our centre is unsuspected co-morbidity. In spite of this, there is potential for good quality cataract surgery in Africa. As we pay more attention to appropriate patient selection we expect our outcome to improve. Provision of facilities for biometry would also be a great help in this direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ifeoma Regina Ezegwui
- Department of Ophthalmology, Enugu State University of Science & Technology Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Enugu, Nigeria.
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Chang MA, Congdon NG, Baker SK, Bloem MW, Savage H, Sommer A. The surgical management of cataract: barriers, best practices and outcomes. Int Ophthalmol 2007; 28:247-60. [PMID: 17712529 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-007-9121-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2006] [Accepted: 06/11/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Cataract is the leading cause of blindness in the world. Cataract surgery has been shown by multiple studies to be one of the most cost-effective health interventions, and leads to a dramatic increase in quality of life and productivity for many patients. Though there has been marked improvement in the last several decades, surgical delivery services in developing nations are still suboptimal, and a large backlog in cataract cases continues to grow. To decrease this backlog, barriers to surgery, such as direct and indirect patient costs, geographic access to surgical facilities and surgeons, cultural factors, and patient education, must be addressed. In particular, access to services by women and rural patients needs to be improved. It is clear that extracapsular techniques are cost-effective and lead to better post-operative outcomes than intracapsular cataract extraction with aphakic correction. In addition, monitoring surgical outcomes is essential for improving the quality of surgical services. However, other issues regarding the delivery of cataract surgical services, including the role of average power intraocular lenses and the role of non-physician surgeons, are yet unresolved. Information about the true cost of surgery, including costs of surgeon training, equipment, and patient outreach programs, is needed so that the goal of self-sustaining programs may be obtained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret A Chang
- The Johns Hopkins University Schools of Medicine and Public Health, 600 N. Wolfe Street, Wilmer 120, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
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Mathenge W, Nkurikiye J, Limburg H, Kuper H. Rapid assessment of avoidable blindness in Western Rwanda: blindness in a postconflict setting. PLoS Med 2007; 4:e217. [PMID: 17608561 PMCID: PMC1904464 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.0040217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2006] [Accepted: 05/09/2007] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization estimates that there were 37 million blind people in 2002 and that the prevalence of blindness was 9% among adults in Africa aged 50 years or older. Recent surveys indicate that this figure may be overestimated, while a survey from southern Sudan suggested that postconflict areas are particularly vulnerable to blindness. The aim of this study was to conduct a Rapid Assessment for Avoidable Blindness to estimate the magnitude and causes of visual impairment in people aged > or = 50 y in the postconflict area of the Western Province of Rwanda, which includes one-quarter of the population of Rwanda. METHODS AND FINDINGS Clusters of 50 people aged > or = 50 y were selected through probability proportionate to size sampling. Households within clusters were selected through compact segment sampling. Visual acuity (VA) was measured with a tumbling "E" chart, and those with VA below 6/18 in either eye were examined by an ophthalmologist. The teams examined 2,206 people (response rate 98.0%). The unadjusted prevalence of bilateral blindness was 1.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2%-2.4%), 1.3% (0.8%-1.7%) for severe visual impairment, and 5.3% (4.2%-6.4%) for visual impairment. Most bilateral blindness (65%) was due to cataract. Overall, the vast majority of cases of blindness (80.0%), severe visual impairment (67.9%), and visual impairment (87.2%) were avoidable (i.e.. due to cataract, refractive error, aphakia, trachoma, or corneal scar). The cataract surgical coverage was moderate; 47% of people with bilateral cataract blindness (VA < 3/60) had undergone surgery. Of the 29 eyes that had undergone cataract surgery, nine (31%) had a best-corrected poor outcome (i.e., VA < 6/60). Extrapolating these estimates to Rwanda's Western Province, among the people aged 50 years or above 2,565 are expected to be blind, 1,824 to have severe visual impairment, and 8,055 to have visual impairment. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of blindness and visual impairment in this postconflict area in the Western Province of Rwanda was far lower than expected. Most of the cases of blindness and visual impairment remain avoidable, however, suggesting that the implementation of an effective eye care service could reduce the prevalence further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanjiku Mathenge
- Rift Valley Provincial Hospital, Nakuru, Kenya
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Hans Limburg
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah Kuper
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Eusebio C, Kuper H, Polack S, Enconado J, Tongson N, Dionio D, Dumdum A, Limburg H, Foster A. Rapid assessment of avoidable blindness in Negros Island and Antique District, Philippines. Br J Ophthalmol 2007; 91:1588-92. [PMID: 17567662 PMCID: PMC2095536 DOI: 10.1136/bjo.2007.119123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To conduct rapid assessments of avoidable blindness to estimate the magnitude and causes of blindness in people aged >/=50 years in Negros Island and Antique district, Philippines. METHODS Clusters of 50 people aged >/=50 years were sampled with probability proportionate to size. Households within clusters were selected through compact segment sampling. Visual acuity (VA) was measured with a tumbling "E" chart. Ophthalmologists examined people with VA<6/18 in either eye. RESULTS In Negros, 2774 of 3649 enumerated subjects were examined (76.0%) and 3177 of 3842 enumerated subjects in Antique (82.7%). The prevalence of blindness (presenting VA<3/60 in better eye) was 2.6% (95% CI = 2.0 to 3.2%) in Negros and 3.0% (2.4 to 3.6%) in Antique. The leading cause of blindness was untreated cataract, and was refractive error for visual impairment (VA<6/18 to >/=6/60). Most of the cases of blindness (67% in Negros, 82% in Antique) and visual impairment (94% in Negros, 95% in Antique) were avoidable (ie, operated and unoperated cataract, refractive error and corneal scar). In Negros, 23% of eyes had a poor outcome after cataract surgery, and 13% in Antique. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of blindness in two areas in the Philippines was relatively low. Since most cases were avoidable, further reductions are possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Eusebio
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
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Lindfield R, Polack S, Wadud Z, Choudhury KA, Rashid AKMM, Kuper H. Causes of poor outcome after cataract surgery in Satkhira district, Bangladesh. Eye (Lond) 2007; 22:1054-6. [PMID: 17435682 DOI: 10.1038/sj.eye.6702836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Recent data have raised concerns about visual outcome following cataract surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency and causes of poor and borderline outcome after cataract surgery in a population-based case series in Satkhira district, Bangladesh. METHODS A population-based case series was conducted within a population-based cluster survey of people aged over 50 years in Satkhira district where 4868 people underwent visual acuity (VA) screening. Eyes operated for cataract with VA<6/18 were examined in detail by an ophthalmologist, including a full history and dilated fundoscopy, to determine the cause of the visual outcome. RESULTS Cataract surgery was performed on 213 eyes. Outcome was good (VA>6/18) for 128 eyes (60.1%), borderline (VA<6/18 to 6/60) for 35 eyes (16.4%), and poor (VA<6/60) for 50 eyes (23.5%) with available correction. Borderline and poor outcomes were most commonly due to lack of spectacles (25.8%), poor selection (33.8%), or surgical complications (30.6%). Surgical sequelae, namely posterior capsule opacification, was a less common cause of poor or borderline outcome (9.7%). CONCLUSIONS Quality of surgical outcomes is of concern in Satkhira district. Increased emphasis on selection of subjects for surgery, provision of spectacles, and monitoring of surgery may improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Lindfield
- Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells National Health Service Trust, Maidstone Hospital, Maidstone, UK
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Oye JE, Kuper H. Prevalence and causes of blindness and visual impairment in Limbe urban area, South West Province, Cameroon. Br J Ophthalmol 2007; 91:1435-9. [PMID: 17389739 PMCID: PMC2095403 DOI: 10.1136/bjo.2007.115840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
AIM To conduct a rapid assessment of cataract surgical services to estimate the prevalence and causes of blindness and visual impairment in members of the population aged >/=40 years in the Limbe urban area, Cameroon. METHODS Clusters of 50 people aged >/=40 years were sampled with probability proportionate to size. Compact segment sampling was used to select households within clusters. All eligible people had their visual acuity (VA) measured by an ophthalmic nurse. An ophthalmologist examined people with VA<6/18. RESULTS 2215 people were examined (response rate = 92.3%). The prevalence of bilateral blindness was 1.1% (95% CI: 0.7-1.5%), 0.3% (0.1-0.6%) for severe visual impairment and 3.0% (2.0-4.0%) for visual impairment. Posterior-segment disease was the leading cause of blindness (29%), followed by cataracts (21%) and optic atrophy (21%). Cataracts were the most common cause of severe visual impairment (43%) and visual impairment (48%). Most cases of blindness (50%), severe visual impairment (57%) and visual impairment (78%) were avoidable (that is, they were caused by cataracts, refractive error, corneal scar, onchocerciasis or phthisis/no globe). The cataract surgical coverage was relatively high, although 57% of eyes operated upon had a poor outcome (presenting VA<6/60). CONCLUSIONS Although the prevalence of blindness was relatively low, most of the cases were avoidable. The implementation of an effective eye-care programme remains a priority in the Limbe urban area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Enyegue Oye
- Sight Savers International, West Africa Regional Office, P.O. Box: 18190 KIA, Accra, Ghana
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Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the prevalence of visually significant and unoperated blinding cataract, and the coverage, characteristics and outcome of cataract surgery in Timor-Leste. METHODS Based on the World Health Organization Rapid Assessment of Cataract Surgical Services protocol, a population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2005. By two-stage cluster random sampling, 50 clusters of 30 people aged 40 years and older were selected. Each eye with a presenting visual acuity worse than 6/18 and/or a history of cataract surgery was examined. RESULTS Of the 1470 people enumerated, 96.2% were examined. Of the eyes examined, 11.5% were blind (presenting vision less than 6/60). Cataract caused 66.3% of this, and 40.2% of vision impairment (presenting vision less than 6/18). For those people who were blind (7.7%; presenting vision less than 6/60 in the better eye), cataract was the most frequent cause (76.1%). Cataract surgery had occurred in 2% of participants. Gender and domicile were not associated with cataract blindness or surgery. Cataract Surgical Coverage (6/60) was 16.3% for Eyes and 20.2% for Persons. Surgical outcomes were poor, falling well short of World Health Organization guidelines. Astigmatism and posterior capsule opacity were important contributors to this. CONCLUSIONS Until census data are available, age-gender-domicile correction of sample findings cannot be calculated. In the meantime, it is estimated there are 11 500 cataract blind in Timor-Leste. Long-term, indigenous cataract surgical services need to be capable of significantly increased output. Better surgical outcomes are required to ensure scarce resources are well used. Laser capsulotomy needs to be planned for as surgical numbers increase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garry Brian
- The Fred Hollows Foundation (New Zealand), Auckland, New Zealand.
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Mathenge W, Kuper H, Limburg H, Polack S, Onyango O, Nyaga G, Foster A. Rapid assessment of avoidable blindness in Nakuru district, Kenya. Ophthalmology 2006; 114:599-605. [PMID: 17141319 DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2006.06.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2005] [Revised: 06/01/2006] [Accepted: 06/01/2006] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To estimate the prevalence of avoidable blindness in > or =50-year-olds in Nakuru district, Kenya, and to evaluate the Rapid Assessment for Avoidable Blindness (RAAB), a new methodology to measure the magnitude and causes of blindness. DESIGN Cross-sectional population-based survey. PARTICIPANTS Seventy-six clusters of 50 people 50 years or older were selected by probability proportionate to size sampling of clusters. Households within clusters were selected through compact segment sampling. Three thousand seven hundred eighty-four eligible subjects were selected, of whom 3503 (92.6%) were examined. METHODS Participants underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic examination in their homes by an ophthalmologist, including measurement of visual acuity (VA) with a tumbling-E chart and the diagnosis of the principal cause of visual impairment. Those who had undergone cataract surgery were questioned about the details of the operation and their satisfaction with surgery. Those who were visually impaired from cataract were asked why they had not gone for surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Visual acuity and principal cause of VA<6/18. RESULTS The prevalence of bilateral blindness (presenting VA < 3/60) was 2.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5%-2.4%), and prevalence of bilateral visual impairment (VA of <6/18-> or =6/60) was 5.8% (95% CI, 4.8%-6.8%) in the sample. Definite avoidable causes of blindness (i.e., cataract, refractive error, trachoma, and corneal scarring) were responsible for 69.6% of bilateral blindness and 74.9% of bilateral visual impairment. Cataract was the major cause of blindness (42.0%) and visual impairment (36.0%). The cataract surgical coverage was high, with 78% of those with bilateral cataract who needed surgery having had surgery at VA<3/60. The quality of surgery was of concern because 22% of the 222 eyes that had undergone cataract surgery had VA<6/60 with best correction. The main barriers to surgery were lack of awareness and cost. The RAAB methodology was easy to use, and each team could visit one cluster per day. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of blindness in > or =50-year-olds in Nakuru district was low, in part due to the high cataract surgical coverage. The RAAB is easy to use and inexpensive and provides information about the magnitude and causes of avoidable blindness that can be used for planning and monitoring eye care services.
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Wadud Z, Kuper H, Polack S, Lindfield R, Akm MR, Choudhury KA, Lindfield T, Limburg H, Foster A. Rapid assessment of avoidable blindness and needs assessment of cataract surgical services in Satkhira District, Bangladesh. Br J Ophthalmol 2006; 90:1225-9. [PMID: 16870654 PMCID: PMC1857455 DOI: 10.1136/bjo.2006.101287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To estimate the magnitude and causes of blindness in people aged > or =50 years in Satkhira district, Bangladesh, and to assess the availability of cataract surgical services. METHODS 106 clusters of 50 people aged > or =50 years were selected by probability-proportionate to size sampling. Households were selected by compact segment sampling. Eligible participants had their visual acuity measured. Those with visual acuity <6/18 were examined by an ophthalmologist. A needs assessment of surgical services was conducted by interviewing service providers. RESULTS 4868 people were examined (response rate 91.9%). The prevalence of bilateral blindness was 2.9% (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.4% to 3.5%), that of severe visual impairment was 1.6% (95% CI 1.2% to 2.0%) and that of visual impairment was 8.4% (95% CI 7.5% to 9.3%). 79% of bilateral blindness was due to cataract. The cataract surgical coverage was moderate; 61% of people with bilateral cataract blindness (visual acuity <3/60) had undergone surgery. 20% of the 213 eyes that had undergone cataract surgery had a best-corrected poor outcome (visual acuity <6/60). The cataract surgical rate (CSR) in Satkhira was 547 cataract surgeries per million people per year. CONCLUSIONS Although the prevalence of blindness and visual impairment was lower than expected, the CSR is inadequate to meet the existing need, and the quality of surgery needs to be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Wadud
- Child Sight Foundation, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Brian G, Ramke J, Szetu J, Le Mesurier R, Moran D, du Toit R. Towards standards of outcome quality: a protocol for the surgical treatment of cataract in developing countries. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2006; 34:383-7. [PMID: 16764664 DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-9071.2006.01262.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Limburg H, Foster A, Gilbert C, Johnson GJ, Kyndt M, Myatt M. Routine monitoring of visual outcome of cataract surgery. Part 2: Results from eight study centres. Br J Ophthalmol 2005; 89:50-2. [PMID: 15615746 PMCID: PMC1772465 DOI: 10.1136/bjo.2004.045369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
AIM To determine whether monitoring of cataract outcome can be implemented as a routine activity in different hospital settings in Africa and Asia, and to assess the impact of routine monitoring. METHODS Eight eye centres in Asia and Africa were involved in the study between 1 June and 31 December 2000. Seven centres used a specifically designed cataract surgery record form with computerised data entry and analysis (CCSRF), and one centre used a manual recording form (MCSRF). Data were used to evaluate quality of data entry, follow up after surgery, and to assess trends in the proportion of complications and visual outcome after surgery. FINDINGS The reporting systems were accepted and used by all centres, and data were recorded for 5198 cataract operations. Overall, 54% of eyes were followed for 8 weeks or more and 41% for 6 months. Follow up rates varied between centres from nil to almost 100%. Visual acuity tended to improve over time. The outcome could be improved at all follow up periods by providing best spectacle correction. At 8 weeks or more follow up, surgical complications or inadequate spectacle correction accounted for 72% of the causes of poor outcome. Three centres showed a significant reduction in complication rates over the course of the 6 month study. Data entry was identified as a problem and the CCSRF software has been modified to include consistency checks to reduce data entry errors. CONCLUSION A simple system to monitor cataract outcome has been successfully field tested. The results suggest that monitoring can sensitise surgeons to quality control, which can lead to a decrease in complication rates and improved visual outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Limburg
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London. UK.
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