Assessment of the visual outcomes after cataract surgery among people aged 50 years and above residing in urban slums of Raipur city (C.G.) India

Background: Cataract is the leading cause of visual impairment in most parts of the developing world, including India. Cataract surgery is a cost-effective intervention in eye care. Poor outcome of cataract surgery is a major problem in developing countries. The aim of this study was to assess the visual outcomes of cataract surgery and to identify factors associated with it among people aged 50 years and above residing in urban slums of Raipur city, Chhattisgarh, India. Materials and Methods: A community based, cross-sectional study was conducted in 30 randomly selected clusters (urban slums) of Raipur city during June 2010 to March 2011. People aged 50 years and above were interviewed, tested for visual acuity and their eyes examined by house to house visits. In cataract operated persons, information about details of cataract surgery were collected using a pre-designed and pre-tested proforma. Results: A total of 895 persons examined, of whom 210 (23.5%) persons had cataract surgery in one or both eyes. Of the 342 cataract-operated eyes, 90.5% had received intra-ocular lens (IOL) implantation. Post-operative visual outcome was good in 84.5% of eyes, borderline in12.3%, and poor in 3.2% with available correction. A better visual outcome were significantly associated with surgeries at younger age, literacy, IOL surgery, and Private hospital / Charitable or NGO hospital and in recent surgeries but sex of operated person was not important. Conclusions: Outcome of cataract surgery was excellent with 84.5% of operated eyes had achieved a good visual outcome, in study area. However, it can be further improved by adequate post-operative follow-up care and appropriate refractive correction.