A study of risk factors and epidemiologic profile of posterior polar cataract/posterior subcapsular cataract in Northwest Rajasthan

Abstract

Background: In India, cataract is the foremost cause of blindness, leading to the mild-to-severe morbidity. Objective: The objective of the study was to find out the epidemiologic profile and risk factors of posterior polar cataract/posterior subcapsular cataract. Materials and Methods: A prospective non-comparative observational study involving 50 patients having posterior polar cataracts attending our outpatient department was selected and was questioned about their locality, systemic diseases, ocular disease, and use of steroid in any form which were included in the study. Results: Of the 50 patients, 30 were male and 20 females, most patients were in the age group of 61–70 years. About 66% of the patient belongs to the rural locality. Most of the females were homemaker, 24% were farmer, 8% were shopkeeper, and 6% retired persons while 2% each of electrician, computer programmer, and bus driver. About 48% had bilateral cataracts, 42% (21) were pseudophakic in one eye, and 1% (5) unilateral cataract. About 24% of patients had hypertension, 18% of patients had of asthma/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 16% of patients had diabetes mellitus, 2% of patients had h/o arthritis, 8% had skin disease, 6% had h/o injudicious use of over-the-counter topical drops while 4% of patients of thyroid disease were noted and 34% of patients had h/o steroid use. The most common type of cataract seen Grade I (52%, 26 patients), followed by Grade II (36%, 18 patients), Grade III (8%, 4 patients), and Grade IV (4%, 2 patients). Conclusion: With increasing injudicious use of steroid can result in formation of posterior polar/posterior subcapsular cataract in young age and professional office class workers who are seeking medical help at early stage. An ultrasound should be done to rule out posterior capsular defect if suspected and the patient should be counseled well about the complication prior taking into surgery.