Outcomes of cataract surgery in a rural and urban south Indian population

Comparison of cataract surgery outcomes between a secondary and a tertiary eye hospital in Tamil Nadu, India

PURPOSE

To examine the difference in post-operative visual outcomes of cataract surgeries between a tertiary and secondary centre at Aravind Eye Hospitals in Tamil Nadu, India.

METHODS

Our retrospective cross-sectional study analysed cataract surgeries at a secondary centre and its associated tertiary centre in 2021. Our main outcome measures were postoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), spherical equivalent, and intraoperative and postoperative complications. Two-sample proportion tests and logistic regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

The analysis of 32,302 cataract surgeries in 2021 of which 4357 were performed at the secondary centre and 27,945 were performed at the tertiary centre showed that the tertiary centre operated on more advanced cataract condition (p < 0.001). Intraoperative (p < 0.001) and post-operative complication rates (p < 0.001) were higher in the tertiary centre. The odds of effective outcomes (BCVA > = 6/12) controlling for all covariates are poorer (p < 0.0001) in the tertiary centre for both phacoemulsification (phaco) and manual small incision cataract surgeries (MSICS).

CONCLUSION

World Health Organization recommendations for the effective outcome of cataract surgery are met by both the tertiary and secondary centres, but the odds of effective outcomes in the tertiary centre was lower after adjusting for all known factors. Further investigations of the causes of poor vision in both phaco and MSICS in the tertiary centre are needed to improve the situation.

Spectacle Coverage Rate After Cataract Surgery in an Urban Area in Indonesia

Purpose

Uncorrected refractive errors after cataract surgery contribute to visual impairments. The aim of this study was to investigate the spectacle coverage rate (SCR) following cataract surgery and its relationship with socioeconomic factors in an urban city in Indonesia.

Patients and Methods

This population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 2015 in Jakarta. The former participants of the Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) survey had a history of cataract surgery and met either of the following criteria: (1) wore spectacles with presenting visual acuity (PVA) 6/12 or (2) had PVA less than 6/12 regardless of spectacle use but achieved the best visual acuity (BVA) 6/12 with pinhole correction.

Results

Of the 2998 participants of the RAAB survey, 173 (5.6%) (252 eyes) had a history of cataract surgery, among whom 53 (86 eyes) met our inclusion criteria. The SCR was 69.8% and was associated with age group, household income level, education level, and physicians' recommendation of spectacle wear. Participants who were of nonproductive age (80%), had the highest household income level (88.2%), the highest level of education (87.5%), and had been recommended for spectacle use by their physicians (80.9%) demonstrated higher SCR. Participants with the highest household income had the highest SCR. Patients who had received a physician's recommendation showed a higher SCR and were 26 times more likely to wear spectacles (odds ratio [OR] 25.99, 95% CI 2.59-260.10).

Conclusion

There is an unmet need for refractive errors after cataract surgery. Factors such as household income levels and physician recommendations were predictive of spectacle wear.

Real-world visual outcomes of cataract surgery based on population-based studies: a systematic review

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Quantity of cataract surgery has long been an important public health indicator to assess health accessibility, however the quality of care has been less investigated. We aimed to summarise the up-to-date evidences to assess the real-world visual outcomes after cataract surgery in different settings.

METHODS

A systematic review was undertaken in October 2021. Population-based cross-sectional and longitudinal studies reporting vision-related outcomes after cataract surgery published from 2006 onward were included. A meta-analysis was not planned.

RESULTS

Twenty-six cross-sectional studies from low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) and five cross-sectional studies from high-income countries (HICs) were included. The proportions of participants with postoperative presenting visual acuity (VA) ≥0.32 (20/60) were all over 70% in all HICS studies, but mostly below 70% in LMICS studies, ranging from 29.9% to 80.5%. Significant difference in postoperative VA was also observed within countries. The leading causes for postoperative visual impairment (defined mostly as presenting VA <20/60) mainly included refractive error, ocular comorbidities and surgical complications including posterior capsule opacification, except for one study in Nigeria wherein the leading cause was aphakia. Only four population-based cohort studies were included with 5-20 years of follow-up time, generally demonstrating no significant changes in postoperative visual outcomes during the follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed large inequality in the visual outcomes and principal causes of visual impairment after cataract surgery among different countries and regions. Structured quality control and enhancement programmes are needed to improve the outcomes of cataract surgery and reduce inequality.

Fluid-jet technique to polish the posterior capsule for phacoemulsification surgeries: efficacy and safety evaluation

PURPOSE

To compare the efficacy and safety of a fluid-jet technique with capsular polish in reducing residual lens fibers (RLFs) in phacoemulsification surgery.

SETTING

Single center.

DESIGN

Prospective nonrandomized comparative study.

METHODS

Patients receiving phacoemulsification were included. Consecutive eligible patients alternately underwent either removal of RLFs on the posterior capsule using capsular polish after irrigation and aspiration, and before intraocular lens (IOL) implantation, or RLF removal using a fluid-jet technique after IOL implantation. Posterior capsular images were used to quantify RLFs. Visual parameters were evaluated at 1 day, 1 week, and 1 year postoperatively. The proportion of capsule occupied by posterior capsule opacification (PCO) (area %) and incidence of protocol-driven laser posterior capsulotomy were recorded at 1 year in masked fashion.

RESULTS

Seven hundred forty eyes were allocated to polishing (n = 370) or fluid-jet technique (n = 370). Polishing required 70.4 ± 17.5 seconds and fluid-jet 32.2 ± 9.9 seconds (P ≤ 0.001). Compared with the polishing group, capsular area occupied by RLFs in the fluid-jet group was significantly smaller (3.5% vs 0.5%, P = .031) at the end of surgery. One day postoperatively, the fluid-jet group had more desirable corrected distance visual acuity, objective scattering index, and Strehl ratio (all P < .05). PCO area percentage did not differ between groups (6.5% vs 4.5%, P = .252) 1 year postoperatively, but incidence of posterior capsulotomy was lower in the fluid-jet group (3.2% vs 0.8%, P = .019).

CONCLUSIONS

Fluid-jet removed RLFs effectively and had lower incidence of postoperative capsulotomy than capsular polishing.

Are we advancing universal health coverage through cataract services? Protocol for a scoping review

INTRODUCTION

Universal health coverage (UHC) includes the dimensions of equity in access, quality services that improve health and protection against financial hardship. Cataract continues to be the leading cause of blindness globally, despite cataract surgery being an efficacious intervention. The aim of this scoping review is to map the nature, extent and global distribution of data on cataract services for UHC in terms of equity, access, quality and financial protection.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The search will be constructed by an Information Specialist and undertaken in MEDLINE, Embase and Global Health databases. We will include all published non-interventional primary research studies and systematic reviews that report a quantitative assessment of access, equity, quality or financial protection of cataract surgical services for adults at the subnational, national, regional or global level from population-based surveys or routinely collected health service data since 1 January 2000 and published through to February 2020.Screening and data charting will be undertaken using Covidence systematic review software. Titles and abstracts of identified studies will be screened by two authors independently. Full-text articles of potentially relevant studies will be obtained and reviewed independently by two authors against the inclusion criteria. Any discrepancies between the authors will be resolved by discussion, and with a third author as necessary. A data charting form will be developed and piloted on three studies by three authors and amendments made as necessary. Data will be extracted by two reviewers independently and summarised narratively and using maps.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval was not sought as the scoping review will only use published and publicly accessible data. The review will be published in an open access peer-reviewed journal. A summary of the results will be developed for website posting, stakeholder meetings and inclusion in the ongoing Lancet Global Health Commission on Global Eye Health.

Cataract surgery in mobile eye surgical unit: Safe and viable alternative

Aim:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility and safety of a mobile eye surgical unit (MESU) in providing quality cataract surgery for the indigent rural population with poor access to quality eye care.

Materials and Methods:

Two buses connected by a vestibule were built to meet the requirements for a self-sufficient operation theater (OT). In every camp, safe transportation of units, good alignment of buses, safe water, and maintenance of sterile environment were achieved with optimal utilization of OT.

Results:

Two thousand and twenty-one patients in 21 remote locations underwent cataract surgery in MESU between 2012 and 2015. Visual outcome was 6/9 or better in 79.3%, posterior capsular rupture in 0.91%, zonulardialysis in 0.3%, aphakia in 0.2%, iridodialysis in 0.2%, and there was no incidence of endophthalmitis.

Conclusion:

MESU is a safe alternative in combating preventable blindness due to cataract in far-off villages and tribal areas by providing quality eye care at the patient's doorstep. This model has a great potential for duplication in other parts of India.

Outcomes of Cataract Surgery in Urban and Rural Population in the South Indian State of Andhra Pradesh: Rapid Assessment of Visual Impairment (RAVI) Project

OBJECTIVE

To assess the visual outcomes after cataract surgery among urban and rural population aged ≥40 years in the South India state of Andhra Pradesh.

METHODS

A population based cross-sectional study was conducted in which 7800 subjects were sampled from two rural and one urban location. Visual Acuity was assessed and eye examination were performed by trained personnel. A questionnaire was used to collect personal and demographic information, and history of cataract surgery. Blindness and moderate Visual Impairment (MVI) was defined as presenting VA <6/60 and <6/18 to 6/60 in the better eye respectively.

RESULTS

In total, 7378 (94.6%) were examined. Of these, 1228 eyes of 870 individuals were operated for cataract. The mean age of operated subjects was 63.7 years (SD: 10.7 years). Overall, 56.3% of those operated were women, 76% were illiterate and 42% of them were using spectacles after cataract surgery. Even after surgery, 12.2% of the operated eyes had MVI and blindness was seen in 14.7% of the eyes. A significantly higher proportion of subjects in urban area had good outcome as compared to those in the rural area (p = 0.01). Uncorrected refractive error (58.7%) was the leading cause of MVI, and posterior segment disease (34.3%) was the leading cause of blindness. On applying multiple logistic regression, risk factors for poor outcomes were age ≥ 70 years (OR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.3-2.8), rural residence (OR: 1.3, 95% CI:1.0-1.8) and presence of aphakia (OR: 8.9, 95% CI: 5.7-13.8).

CONCLUSIONS

Post cataract surgery, refractive errors remain an important correctable cause of MVI, in the south Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The correction of refractive errors is required to provide good visual recovery and achieve the benefit of cataract surgery.

Prevalence and Visual Outcomes of Cataract Surgery in Rural South India: A Cross-Sectional Study

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.

Cataract Surgery Visual Outcomes and Associated Risk Factors in Secondary Level Eye Care Centers of L V Prasad Eye Institute, India

PURPOSE

To evaluate cataract surgery visual outcomes and associated risk factors in rural secondary level eye care centers of L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI), India.

METHODS

The Eye Health pyramid of LVPEI has a network of rural secondary care centres (SCs) and attached vision centres (VCs) that provide high quality comprehensive eye care with permanent infrastructure to the most disadvantaged sections of society. The most common procedure performed at SCs is cataract surgery. We audited the outcome of a random sample of 2,049 cataract surgeries done from October 2009-March 2010 at eight rural SCs. All patients received a comprehensive ophthalmic examination, both before and after surgery. The World Health Organization recommended cataract surgical record was used for data entry. Visual outcomes were measured at discharge, 1-3 weeks and 4-11 weeks follow up visits. Poor outcome was defined as best corrected visual acuity <6/18.

RESULTS

Mean age was 61.8 years (SD: 8.9 years) and 1,133 (55.3%) surgeries were performed on female patients. Pre-existing ocular co-morbidity was present in 165 patients (8.1%). The most common procedure was small incision cataract surgery (SICS) with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation (91.8%). Intraoperative complications were seen in 29 eyes (1.4%). At the 4-11 weeks follow-up visit, based on presenting visual acuity (PVA), 61.8% had a good outcome and based on best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), 91.7% had a good outcome. Based on PVA and BCVA, those with less than 6/60 were only 2.9% and 1.6% respectively. Using multivariable analysis, poor visual outcomes were significantly higher in patients aged ≥70 (OR 4.63; 95% CI 1.61, 13.30), in females (OR 1.58; 95% CI 1.04, 2.41), those with preoperative comorbidities (odds ratio 4.68; 95% CI 2.90, 7.57), with intraoperative complications (OR 8.01; 95% CI 2.91, 22.04), eyes that underwent no IOL or anterior chamber-IOL (OR 12.63; 95% CI 2.65, 60.25) and those undergoing extracapsular cataract extraction (OR 9.39; 95% CI 1.18, 74.78).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that quality cataract surgeries can be achieved at rural SCs. The concept of the LVPEI SCs can be applied to other developing countries, allowing rural patients to attain better vision through cataract surgery. Despite improvements in quality of cataract surgery, gender discrimination in terms of outcome continues to be an issue and needs further investigation.

Six-year incidence of angle-closure disease in a South Indian population: the Chennai Eye Disease Incidence Study

PURPOSE

To estimate the 6-year incidence of primary angle-closure (PAC) disease among adult population aged 40 years and older from rural and urban south India.

DESIGN

Population-based longitudinal study.

METHODS

A complete ophthalmologic examination, including applanation tonometry, gonioscopy, biometry, stereoscopic fundus examination, and automated perimetry was performed at both baseline and at the 6-year follow up at base hospital. Incident PAC disease was defined as the development of PAC disease during the 6-year follow-up in phakic subjects without PAC disease at baseline. Diagnosis was made using the International Society Geographical and Epidemiological Ophthalmology classification.

RESULTS

The data were analyzed for 3350 subjects (mean age, 56.4 ± 8.9 years; 1547 males, 1803 females) for a diagnosis of PAC disease at baseline and at follow-up examinations. The incidence of PAC disease was identified in 134 subjects (6-year incidence rate, 4.0%; 95% confidence interval (CI), 3.3-4.7). Among the 134 subjects, 88 subjects (2.6%, 95% CI, 2.1-3.2) were primary angle-closure suspects; 37 subjects (1.1%, 95% CI, 0.7-1.5) had primary angle closure, and 9 subjects (0.3%, 95% CI, 0.1-0.4) had primary angle-closure glaucoma. There was an inverse relationship between the incidence of PAC disease and the cataract surgery rates. Significant risk factors for PAC disease on logistic regressions were higher intraocular pressure, increased lens thickness, shorter axial length, shallow anterior chamber depth, anteriorly positioned lens, and hyperopia.

CONCLUSIONS

The average incidence of PAC disease per year was 0.7%. All biometric parameters were found to be strong predictors for the incidence of PAC disease.

Prevalence of cataract surgery and visual outcomes in Indian immigrants in Singapore: the Singapore Indian eye study

Objective

To determine the prevalence of cataract surgery and factors associated with post-surgical visual outcomes in migrant Indians living in Singapore.

Research Design and Methods

We conducted a population-based study in 3,400 Indian immigrants residing in Singapore−the Singapore Indian Eye Study (SINDI). All participants underwent comprehensive medical eye examination and a standardized interview. Post-operative visual impairment (VI) was defined as best-corrected or presenting visual acuity (BCVA or PVA) of 20/60 or worse.

Results

The age- and gender-standardized prevalence of cataract surgery was 9.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.9%, 10.7%) in Singapore resident Indians. Post-operative VI defined by BCVA occurred in 10.9% eyes (87/795). The main causes of post-operative VI were diabetic retinopathy (20.7%), posterior capsular opacification (18.4%), and age-related macular degeneration (12.6%). Undercorrected refractive error doubled the prevalence of post-operative VI when PVA was used.

Conclusions

The rate of cataract surgery is about 10% in Indian residents in Singapore. Socioeconomic variables and migration had no significant impact on the prevalence of cataract surgery. Diabetic retinopathy was a major cause of post-operative VI in migrant Indians living in Singapore. Uncorrected postoperative refractive error remains an efficient way to improve vision.

Cataract surgical outcomes from a large-scale micro-surgical campaign in China

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.

Changing trends in the prevalence of blindness and visual impairment in a rural district of India: systematic observations over a decade

Context:

Globally, limited data are available on changing trends of blindness from a single region.

Aims:

To report the changing trends in the prevalence of blindness, visual impairment (VI), and visual outcomes of cataract surgery in a rural district of Andhra Pradesh, India, over period of one decade.

Settings and Design:

Rural setting; cross-sectional study.

Materials and Methods:

Using a validated Rapid Assessment of Cataract Surgical Services (RACSS) method, population-based, cross-sectional survey was done in a rural district in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. Two-stage sampling procedure was used to select participants ≥50 years of age. Further, a comparative analysis was done with participants ≥50 years from the previously concluded Andhra Pradesh Eye Disease Study (APEDS) study, who belonged to the same district.

Statistical Analysis:

Done using 11^th version of Stata.

Results:

Using RACSS, 2160/2300 (93.9%) participants were examined as compared with the APEDS dataset (n=521). Age and sex adjusted prevalence of blindness in RACSS and APEDS was 8% (95% CI, 6.9–9.1%) and 11% (95% CI, 8.3–13.7%), while that of VI was 13.6% (95% CI, 12.2–15.1%) and 40.3% (95% CI, 36.1–44.5%), respectively. Cataract was the major cause of blindness in both the studies. There was a significant reduction in blindness following cataract surgery as observed through RACSS (17.3%; 95% CI, 13.5–21.8%) compared with APEDS (34%; 95% CI, 20.9–49.3%).

Conclusion:

There was a significant reduction in prevalence of blindness and VI in this rural district of India over a decade.

Population based outcomes of cataract surgery in three tribal areas of Andhra Pradesh, India: risk factors for poor outcomes

Purpose

To report visual outcomes and risk factors for poor outcomes of cataract surgery in three Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) areas of Andhra Pradesh, India.

Methods and Results

Using validated Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) methodology, a population based cross-sectional study, was conducted in three ITDA areas. A two-stage sampling procedure was used to select 7281 participants aged 50 years and above. Vision assessment using a tumbling E chart and standard ocular examinations were completed. Visual outcomes and risk factors for poor outcomes were assessed among subjects undergoing cataract surgery (1548 eyes of 1124 subjects). Mean age at surgery was 67±8 years; Among the operated eyes, presenting visual acuity (PVA) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) worse than 6/18 was seen in 492 (31.8%; 95% CI, 29.5–34.2%) and 298 eyes (19.3%; 95% CI, 17.3–21.3%), respectively. Similarly, PVA and BCVA worse than 6/60 was seen in 219 (14.1%; 95% CI, 12.4–16%) and 147 eyes (9.5%; 95% CI, 8.1–11.1%), respectively. When either eye was taken into consideration, the PVA and BCVA worse than 6/18 was seen in 323 (20.1%; 95% CI, 18.9–23%) and 144 subjects (9.3%; 95% CI, 7.9–10.9%), respectively. PVA and BCVA worse than 6/60 was seen in 74 (4.8%; 95% CI, 3.8–6%) and 49 subjects (3.2%; 95% CI, 2.4–4.2%), respectively. Posterior capsular opacification was seen in 51 of 1316 pseudophakic eyes (3.9%; 95% CI, 2.9–5.1%). In multivariable analysis among pseudophakic subjects with PVA worse than 6/18, increasing age (p = 0.002) and undergoing free surgery (p = 0.05) were independent risk factors. Undergoing surgery before 2005 (p = 0.05) and being illiterate (p = 0.05) were independent risk factors for BCVA worse than 6/18.

Conclusions

There are changing trends with improved outcomes in cataract surgery among these tribal populations of India. However, post-operative refractive error correction remains an issue, especially for those undergoing free surgeries.

Cataract surgery in developing countries

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review the previous year's literature related to cataract surgery in developing countries and to provide fast, up-to-date information to the scientific world.

RECENT FINDINGS

Cataract is the leading cause of blindness, especially in developing countries. The prevalence of cataract increases with the aging population. Although cataract surgery is the most cost-effective intervention, its delivery in developing countries has many issues and challenges. A paradigm shift has occurred in the surgical techniques used for delivering cataract services and the outcomes have been positive in some countries compared to the scenario a decade ago. However, in some parts of Africa, it still continues to be a challenge. Apart from this, the issues related to ongoing supply of consumables and human resources continue to be a challenge in these countries.

SUMMARY

Although manual small incision cataract surgery is the most cost-effective intervention, there are other issues related to the delivery of services in developing countries. We need to plan a comprehensive strategy to deliver the services in developing countries if we want to achieve our goal of VISION 2020.

Outcomes of cataract surgery: a population-based developing world study in the Bhaktapur district, Nepal

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the visual outcome after cataract surgery in a population of Nepal.

DESIGN

Population-based cross-sectional study.

PARTICIPANTS

Forty years and above residing in Bhaktapur district.

METHODS

Subjects were selected from 30 clusters using cluster sampling procedure. All underwent a detailed examination at the base hospital, including logarithm of minimal angle of resolution visual acuity, refraction, applanation tonometry, cataract grading, retinal examination and perimetry when indicated.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Visual acuity after cataract surgery.

RESULTS

Out of 4003 subjects examined, 151 had undergone cataract surgery. Pseudophakia was present in 142 (94.0%), aphakia in nine (6%). Presenting and best-corrected visual acuity ≥6/18 was achieved in 123 (54.4%) and 164 (72.4%) eyes, respectively. Among the pseudophakic eyes, at presentation 122 (57.5%), 72 (33.9%), 18 (8.5%) and after best correction 162 (76.2%), 33 (15.8%), 17 (8.0%) had visual acuity of ≥6/18, <6/18-≥6/60 and <6/60, respectively. Retinal disease (35.5%), surgical complications (27.4%) and posterior capsular opacification (14.5%) were the principle causes of visual impairment after best correction in all eyes. There was no significant association in visual outcome based on age, sex, literacy and the duration of surgery.

CONCLUSION

Correction of refractive errors, preoperative screening of coincidental diseases, reduction in surgical complication rates and monitoring of postoperative follow-up care has to be addressed seriously in order to improve the outcome of cataract surgery to meet standards proposed by the World Health Organization. In the future, longitudinal studies need to be undertaken to provide specific information on the outcomes of cataract surgery in this community.

The Chennai glaucoma study: prevalence and risk factors for glaucoma in cataract operated eyes in urban Chennai

We report the prevalence and risk factors for glaucoma among aphakes and pseudophakes in 3850 subjects who participated in a population-based study in urban south India. The subjects underwent an ophthalmic examination including applanation tonometry, gonioscopy, optic disc evaluation and frequency doubling perimetry. Glaucoma was diagnosed using the International Society of Geographical and Epidemiological Ophthalmology (ISGEO) criteria. Thirty eight, 15 aphakes and 23 pseudophakes (0.99% of 3850 subjects) of the 406 persons who had undergone cataract surgery were diagnosed with glaucoma. Aphakes/pseudophakes were at higher risk of glaucoma as compared to the phakic population (Odds Ratio: 2.71, 95% CI: 1. 94, 3.38, p=0.001). On multivariate analysis, older age and higher intra ocular pressure were risk factors for glaucoma. Blindness attributable to glaucoma was detected in 20% of aphakic and 4.3% of pseudophakic eyes. Glaucoma was a significant cause of morbidity in those who had undergone cataract surgery in this urban population.