English

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Cataract is a highly treatable condition due to advances in cataract surgery procedures. The aim of cataract surgery is to improve visual function which in turn will improve overall quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate visual acuity and quality of life after cataract surgery. MATERIALS & METHODS: Five hundred patients having senile cataract attending the outpatient department of ophthalmology at R.L.JALAPPA Hospital between January 2011 to March 2011 were included in the study. Cataract extraction was performed using manual small incision cataract surgery (SICS) and rigid PMMA posterior chamber intraocular lenses was implanted in all patients. Visual acuity - pre & post operatively was recorded for every patient. The visual acuity was divided into grades for the purpose of statistical analysis. Quality of life was assessed by a questionnaire analyzing distant & near vision, social functions and cataract related symptoms. Each item in the questionnaire was scored and total score was calculated for each patient and graded. RESULTS: After 6 weeks postoperatively, 455(91%) subjects had BCVA of 6/18 or better, 39(7.8%) had vision lesser than 6/18 but better than 6/60 and 6(1.3%) subjects had BCVA 6/60 seller equivalent or worse. In this study pre-operative general function was 22.2 ± 3.25, social function was 5.68 ± 1.07 and visual function was 15.76 ± 1.05. Post operatively general function score was 53.05 ± 11.59, social functions was 13.35 ± 3.07 and visual function was 23.23 ± 3.18. Post-operative score was high resulting in significant improvement in quality of life (p<0.00l).CONCLUSION: Quality of life with respect to physical capability, social functions and mental health improved after