EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE AND VISUAL OUTCOMES OF CATARACT SURGERY IN A RURAL MEDICAL COLLEGE SETTING
Main Article Content
Keywords
Cataract surgery, visual acuity, small incision cataract surgery (SICS), phacoemulsification
Abstract
Background
Cataract is the leading cause of preventable blindness globally, with age-related cataracts being the most common. Cataract surgery is a critical intervention for restoring vision, particularly in rural areas where access to healthcare services may be limited. This study aimed to assess the epidemiological profile and visual acuity improvement following cataract surgery in a rural medical college setting.
Methods
A hospital-based, prospective, observational study was conducted over 12 months. A total of 1624 patients with senile cataract, attending screening camps and advised to undergo surgery were included. demographic information, systemic risk factors, Preoperative visual acuity, type of cataract, intraocular lens (IOL) placement, and post operative visual acuity were recorded. The study included follow-up assessments at 1st week, 4th week, and 6th week post-surgery.
Results
The study showed a higher prevalence of cataracts in the 50-59 age group (48.6%), with a mean age of 60 ± 8 years. The majority of patients (60.5%) had bilateral cataracts, and 54.8% were male. Nuclear cataracts (52.7%) were the most common type. Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS) was performed in 94% of cases. Postoperative visual acuity improved significantly, with 89.03% of patients achieving vision better than 6/18. Systemic risk factors such as hypertension (16.5%) and diabetes (22.9%) were prevalent.
Conclusion
Cataract surgery in a rural setting demonstrated a high success rate in improving visual acuity, with 89.03% of patients achieving functional vision post-surgery. Expanding cataract surgical services in rural areas is essential in reducing preventable blindness.
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Dr. Suma S.A.
Junior Resident, Department of Ophthalmology, Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, Mandya, Karnataka, India.
Dr. Prakash D.N.
Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, Mandya, Karnataka, India.