VISUAL OUTCOME OF AGE-RELATED CATARACT SURGERY IN PATIENTS 50 YEARS AND ABOVE WHO UNDERGO CATARACT SURGERY. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY AT JINJA REGIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL

Abstract

Purpose of the study The study was to evaluate the visual outcome of age-related cataract surgery among patients 50 years and above who underwent cataract surgery at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital. It was carried out from December 2022 to April 2023. Study methods A hospital-based descriptive retrospective study methodology was used. Data was extracted from patients’ records and 80 files of patients aged 50 years and above who had undergone age-related cataract surgery in JRRH were analyzed. The data was captured using an interview guide and was presented in tables, figures, and narratives. Principle finding Out of 80 eyes analyzed, at 3-4 weeks good outcome was in 31.25% of eyes, borderline outcome in 17%, and poor outcome in 6.25%. Good and borderline outcome was due to biometry performed before surgery and turned up for review. Poor outcome was due to complications, pre-existing co-morbidity, and failure to turn up for review as required. 20% did not turn up at 1-2 weeks for review and 45% did not turn up for review at 3-4 weeks. Complications included; corneal edema, shallow anterior chamber, uveitis, elevated IOP, posterior capsule rupture, iridodialysis, and lens dislocation. Visual outcomes had a positive impact on quality of life after cataract surgery in all patients. Conclusion Visual outcome at the fourth week of follow-up was below the WHO recommendations and this was due to pre-existing co-morbidity, complications, and failure to turn up for review. Recommendations Devise a better information capture technique and find means to reach out to patients to come for follow-up visits, use modern technology and equipment, practice refraction for all post-operative patients, and encourage early uptake of cataract surgery services.