Posters

Correction of refractive error after cataract surgery in Kenya

Poster Details

First Author: I.Signes-Soler SPAIN

Co Author(s):    J. Javaloy   G. Munoz   T. Moya   M. Ines Murillo           

Abstract Details

Purpose:

Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in developing countries. Patient-reported outcome is an important part of the evaluation of a cataract surgery. The aim of the study is to assess the change in vision following cataract surgery in a rural area of Kenya.

Setting:

Thika in Kenya

Methods:

Cases were identified through outreach and clinics one week prior to surgery. 98 consecutive cases in the campaign carried out in Kenya during May 2013 underwent cataract surgery using the MSCIS technique. All the cases underwent preoperative visual acuity measurement and ophthalmic examination. Cases were re-examined 3 months after cataract surgery and glasses were provided. Information on age, gender, and ethnicity was collected at baseline.

Results:

Mean age was 62 ± 2.8 years old, with only 34% being women. The 90% of the people were from the Kikuyo ethnicity, with a mean biometry of 23.6±0.5mm. The mean uncorrected VA before surgery was 2.25 ± 0.9, which improved to 0.73 ± 0.8 logMAR three months after cataract surgery. The mean spherical equivalent at three months was -0.75 ± 0.2 D. The best corrected VA was 0.3 ± 0.7 logMAR. The most common intraoperative complication was posterior capsule rupture (incidence = 7.2%). The spherical equivalents estimated ranged between -1 and +1 D in 55% of the cases

Conclusions:

Mass cataract campaigns carried out in developing countries with the proper technique and standardized protocols of action improve the visual outcome of the patients but non corrected refractive error after cataract surgery still remains as a challenge for this countries. Focus should be on correcting refractive error, through operative techniques or postoperative refraction

Financial Disclosure:

NONE