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Br J Ophthalmol 1999;83:897-901 doi:10.1136/bjo.83.8.897
  • Original Article
    • Clinical science

Audit of extracapsular cataract extraction and posterior chamber lens implantation as a routine treatment for age related cataract in east Africa

  1. David Yorstona,
  2. Allen Fosterb
  1. aKikuyu Hospital, Kenya, bLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London
  1. Dr Allen Foster, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT.
  • Accepted 22 March 1999

Abstract

AIMS To evaluate the outcome of extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation (PC-IOL) in an African eye clinic during the transition from intracapsular cataract extraction to ECCE and PC-IOL.

METHODS A retrospective survey of 461 consecutive operations for age related cataract with a mean follow up of 52.9 weeks (range 0–275) and a minimum follow up of 4 weeks in 87.9% of eyes.

RESULTS A best corrected vision of 6/18 or better was obtained in 94.3% of eyes, and an uncorrected vision of 6/18 or better in 78.2% of eyes. Six eyes (1.5%) had a best corrected vision of less than 6/60. The visual acuity at 2 months was strongly predictive of the vision at 1 year or more after surgery. Preoperative biometry and IOL power calculation increased the proportion of eyes obtaining an uncorrected vision of 6/18 or better from 73.8% to 81.3%. Four eyes developed visually significant posterior capsule opacity.

CONCLUSION ECCE and PC-IOL can give very good results in an African setting. A better visual outcome should lead to increased demand for cataract surgery, which will eventually reduce the number of cataract blind people in Africa.

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