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Pediatric cataract and surgery outcomes in Central India: a hospital based study
Rajiv Khandekar1, Anand Sudhan, B K Jain
1BCEIO, UBC, Canada. rajshpp@omantel.net.om
Insights
This study reviewed pediatric cataract surgeries in India, finding that while many children underwent procedures, visual outcomes were often poor or unassessable. Improved pediatric eye care and investigation into causes like rubella and trauma are crucial for better childhood cataract management.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- A retrospective review of pediatric cataract cases operated between January 2003 and March 2005 was conducted in the tribal belt of central India.
- The study focused on children aged 18 years or younger.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the profile of pediatric cataract cases.
- To evaluate the postoperative visual status of operated eyes in children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study involving medical record retrieval.
- Pediatric ophthalmologists performed examinations and surgeries, including cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation.
- Visual status was assessed before and 6 weeks after surgery.
Main Results:
- A total of 575 eyes from 502 children had cataracts; 65 children had bilateral and 437 unilateral cases.
- Congenital cataracts accounted for 17.5% and traumatic cataracts for 33.9% of cases.
- Postoperative vision was better than 6/18 in only 16.4% of eyes, with vision unassessable in 44%.
Conclusions:
- Early detection of pediatric cataracts through improved child healthcare is essential.
- Further investigation into the roles of rubella and trauma in childhood cataracts is recommended.
- Enhancing visual assessment and postoperative care for pediatric cataract patients is necessary.
Background:
A review of pediatric cataract cases operated between January 2003 and March 2005 in the tribal belt of central India was carried out.
Aim:
We present the profile of cataract cases in children
Settings And Design:
This was a retrospective medical record retrieval type of cohort study in a hospital setting.
Materials And Methods:
Pediatric ophthalmologists examined children and operated eyes with cataract. The personal profile, preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative details were noted. The surgical procedures included cataract extraction, intraocular lens implantation, posterior capsulorrhaxis and anterior vitrectomy in most of the cases. We evaluated the visual status of eyes with cataract before and 6 weeks after surgery.
Statistical Analysis:
We used univariate type of parametric type of statistical analysis.
Results:
A total of 575 eyes of 502 children had cataract. Cataract in 65 children was bilateral and in 437 cases it was unilateral. Congenital cataracts were in 88 (17.5%) eyes. Traumatic cataracts were noted in 170 (33.9%) eyes. The proportion of cataract was higher in males than in females. Variation in 'number of cataracts' among different age groups was noted. Vision following surgery was more than 6/18 in 84 (16.4%) eyes. The vision could not be assessed in 256 (44%) eyes.
Conclusion:
Improvement of child health care is needed for early detection of cataract in children. Role of rubella and trauma in childhood cataract should be investigated and addressed. Visual assessment and postoperative care should be further improved.
