Outcome of extracapsular cataract surgery plus posterior chamber intraocular lens insertion for age-related cataract in eastern Nepal

As age-related cataract is the leading cause of blindness in Nepal, much mo re attention should be given to improving surgical outcomes. The aim of our study was to determine the effectiveness and risks of extracapsular catara ct surgery (ECCE) for age-related cataract in a tertiary hospital of easter n Nepal. ECCE with posterior chamber intraocular lens (PC IOL) insertion on 797 eyes (754 patients) revealed improved visual acuity in 97.9%. In 595 ( 74.6%) the best corrected visual acuity was 6/18 or better, and 167 (20.9%) had 6/24 to 6/60 with negligible operative/postoperative complications. Th us it is concluded that ECCE with PC IOL could be performed safely and effe ctively even in developing countries where people are unaware that surgery is available and of the good surgical outcome.