A study of high-volume, high-quality, and low-cost cataract surgeries in a rural setup in an emerging and developing country

Abstract

Aim: Evaluation of visual outcome following high volume, high quality and low cost cataract surgeries in a rural setup in North India. Methods: A retrospective study was done on all patients who underwent MSICS from March 2018 to March 2020 in a tertiary care hospital. Postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was assessed at day 1, between 1 and 3 weeks, and after 1–2 months of surgery. Results: A total of 6514 patients were included, out of which 1952 patients had ocular comorbidities; BCVA for each patient was categorized according to the World Health Organization criteria of visual impairment. It was seen that a statistically significant number of patients had good visual outcome following surgery at 1–2 months (3017 patients) 57.6%. Among the complications following surgery, posterior capsular rent was the most common and statistically significant. Conclusion: Good visual outcome in high volume of patients can be achieved with compliance to treatment and follow-up and proper management of complications.

Keywords

• cataract
• small incision cataract surgery
• visual outcome