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Extracapsular cataract surgery in Vietnam: a 1 year follow-up study
1Centre for Public Health, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. sntobin@ozemail.com.au
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Ophthalmology
|April 2, 1998
Summary
Extracapsular cataract extraction with intra-ocular lens insertion (ECCE/IOL) shows favorable visual outcomes and low complication rates in developing countries. This study supports the use of ECCE/IOL by trained local surgeons for cataract blindness prevention.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Public Health
- Surgical Outcomes
Background:
- Unoperated cataract is a primary cause of blindness globally, particularly in developing nations.
- Extracapsular cataract extraction with intra-ocular lens insertion (ECCE/IOL) is a key surgical intervention in blindness prevention programs.
- Limited research exists on the visual outcomes and complications of ECCE/IOL in developing countries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the visual outcomes and complication rates of ECCE/IOL surgery.
- To assess the incidence and severity of posterior capsule opacification (PCO) after ECCE/IOL.
- To determine the effectiveness of Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy for visually significant PCO.
Main Methods:
- A follow-up study of 155 eyes approximately 12 months post-ECCE/IOL surgery in Central Vietnam.
- Manual ECCE with posterior chamber IOL insertion performed by local eye surgeons.
- Assessment of visual acuity and grading of PCO using a standardized system.
Main Results:
- 75% of eyes achieved uncorrected visual acuity of >= 6/24; 74% achieved best corrected visual acuity of >= 6/18.
- Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) was present in 40% of eyes, but only 4% had visually significant PCO.
- No major sight-threatening complications were observed; Nd:YAG laser treatment for PCO had no complications.
Conclusions:
- ECCE/IOL surgery in this cohort yielded favorable visual outcomes and low complication rates at one year.
- Posterior capsule opacification was not a significant cause of vision impairment.
- Portable Nd:YAG lasers offer an effective solution for visually significant PCO, supporting the role of trained local surgeons in developing countries.