Cataract Surgical Outcome in Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria: A Five year Review

General Ophthalmology

Abstract

Introduction: Cataract is the leading cause of blindness globally and in Sub-Saharan Africa.1,2 Cataract surgical rate in most of Africa  is less than 500/million population.3 Good cataract surgical outcome may remove patient’s barriers to uptake of cataract surgical  service and improve surgeon confidence. The WHO recommends good outcomes in at least 80% of operated eyes and that no more  than 5 % should have a poor outcome.4 

Methods: This is a retrospective study. Case notes of adult patients (>18 years) who had cataract surgery between January 2012  andDecember 2016 were obtained and information retrieved include patient age, gender, ocular comorbidities, type of cataract  urgery and level of surgeon (Consultant Ophthalmologist or trainee) and visual acuity. Visual acuity was recorded  preoperatively, at  discharge, 1-3 weeks postoperatively, 4-11 weeks post-operatively and >12 weeks post-operatively. Visual outcome after surgery was  graded as good (VA >6/18), fair (VA <6/18 - 6/60) and poor (VA < 6/60).