Audit of extracapsular cataract extraction and posterior chamber lens implantation as a routine treatment for age related cataract in east Africa

Aims-To evaluate the outcome of extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) an d posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation (PC-IOL) in an African ey e clinic during the transition from intracapsular cataract extraction to EC CE and PC-IOL. Methods-A retrospective survey of 461 consecutive operations for age relate d cataract with a mean follow up of 52.9 weeks (range 0-275) and a minimum follow up of 4 weeks in 87.9% of eyes. Results-A best corrected vision of 6/18 or better was obtained in 93.3% of eyes, and an uncorrected vision of 6/18 or better in 78.2% of eyes. Six eye s (1.5%) had a best corrected vision of less than 6/60. The visual acuity a t 2 months was strongly predictive of the vision at 1 year or more after su rgery. Preoperative biometry and IOL power calculation increased the propor tion of eyes obtaining an uncorrected vision of 6/18 or better from 73.8% t o 81.3%. Four eyes developed visually significant posterior capsule opacity . Conclusion-ECCE and PC-IOL can give very good results in an African setting . A better visual outcome should lead to increased demand for cataract surg ery, which will eventually reduce the number of cataract blind people in Af rica.