Visual outcome after small incision cataract surgery of patients in a Kenyan Hospital Contributors.

BACKGROUND

The visual outcome and the effect of cataract surgery on existent and surgically induced refractive errors are a concern of interest that the eye care expert must deal with.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to investigate the visual outcome after small incision cataract surgery of patients in a Kenyan hospital.

METHODS

A descriptive retrospective study covering 3 years (2015 to 2017). Total of 1104 files of patients aged > 50 years who had undergone small incision cataract surgery at Sabatia eye hospital were purposively selected. Information on demographics, clinical aspects and outcome was collected using a ministry of health structured form. Statistical package for social sciences version 24 was used to analyse the data.

RESULTS

Of the 1104 patients, 55% (n=606) were females. The mean age of patients was 70.6 ± 9.8 years. Most patients were from the hospital neighbourhood. Visual acuity improved by 38.9%, 28.9%, 19.8% and 11.5% in patients aged 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, and 80-89 years old, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Small incision cataract surgery improved visual acuity in all patients' groups, but the outcome is influenced by age, refractive error particularly astigmatism.