Visual outcome and Complications of Retropupillary IRIS-Claw Intraocular Lenses in an Eye Care Facility in South-East Nigeria.

Cornea And Anterior Segment

Abstract

Introduction: Cataract is the leading cause of blindness globally and in Nigeria accounting for up to 43% of blindness in the country[1]. Aphakia is a significant cause of severe visual impairment in Sub-Saharan Africa., particularly Nigeria[2]. In Nigeria, it is the  third leading cause of blindness by the Nigeria National blindness survey[3] . The study aims to assess the efficacy of retropupillary  iris-claw intraocular (ICIOL) lens in the management of aphakia in an eye care facility located in South-East Nigeria; its complications, identify the causes and make recommendations.

Methods: This was a retrospective chart review of consecutive patients who had iris-claw intraocular lens between January 2012 and January 2016 at The Eye Specialists Hospital, Enugu, South- East Nigeria. Primary outcomes of interest were visual outcome  postoperatively as well as observed complications after the procedure. Relevant demographics, pre- and postoperative data  comprising visual acuity, intra- and post- operative complications, indications for surgery, were collected, evaluations were made. The  post-operative ocular examination and assessment of complications was performed by an ophthalmologist (the operating surgeon),  while the visual acuity measurements and ancillary tests such as intraocular pressure measurements were carried out by an  ophthalmic nurse. Surgery involving insertion of the ICIOL was carried out by two surgeons in the facility. Inclusion criteria were follow-up period up of at least 6 months and availability of complete chart data for collection. Data was analysed by the IBM Statistical  Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22