Extracapsular cataract extraction in Nepal. 2-year outcome
S. Ruit, A. L. Robin, R. P. Pokhrel, A. Sharma and J. DeFaller
Nepal Eye Hospital, Kathmandu.
We evaluated the 2-year outcome of extracapsular cataract surgery with
posterior chamber intraocular lens insertion by a single fellowship-trained
surgeon in Kathmandu, Nepal. Six hundred ten eyes were followed up for 2
years. Patients underwent manual irrigation and aspiration with the
insertion of a modified J loop posterior chamber intraocular lens. Almost
half of the patients had uncorrected visual acuities of 20/50 or better
after surgery. Sight-threatening complications in seven eyes (1.2%)
included retinal detachment, corneal decompensation, and endophthalmitis.
Although this rate is comparable to that in developed countries, 21% of
patients had posterior capsular opacification at follow-up. Extracapsular
cataract surgery with intraocular lens insertion may be an alternative to
intracapsular cataract surgery in developing nations, where aphakic
spectacles are expensive, not easily obtainable, or difficult to replace.
