Assessment of cataract surgery in rural India. Visual acuity outcome.

A socio-epidemiological assessment of what happens to the visual outcome after camp-based intracapsular cataract extraction was conducted in 6 villages and periurban areas in North India. 120 patients (143 eyes) were included in the study. The mean age at cataract extraction was 64.39 (range 33-83 years). 44.7% of the operated eyes obtained a good vision ( > or = 6/18) while 39.9% had low vision (6/24-3/60). The duration since the cataract extraction was seen to influence visual outcome. 70% of the respondents were satisfied with the surgical outcome. 76% of those with unilateral aphakia and 8.3% of those with bilateral aphakia were regularly using spectacles. 58.3% were satisfied with the spectacles. Dissatisfaction was generally due to lack of visual improvement. The major benefits accruing to the patients were improved personal activity, increased mobility and recognition of family members. It is our opinion that camp-based intracapsular cataract extraction with aphakic correction is still an important alternative in rural India.