Cataract intervention surgery: A community approach

Abstract

We present a report of an on-going British Council Prevention of Blindness – sponsored Cataract Surgical Outreach in Inyi – a rural community in Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. The important of Community Women\'s group in the mobilization of patients and the community is documented. The eye care providers from the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, which carried out the study, consisted of consultant Ophthalmologist, ophthalmic resident doctors, nurses and auxiliary staff. Of the 35 patients recruited over a two-month period, 17 males and 18 females, with age range from 51-80 years, mean age 57.8 years. Most patients (88.6%) had age-related cataract. All 35 patients had intra-capsular cataract extraction using a cryoprobe, under local anaesthesia. Three patients (8.6%) had post-operative complications, which are, residual soft lens matter, uveal prolapsed and up-drawn pupil. There was no case of post-operative infection. Rehabilitation was done with spectacles. The benefits of successful cataract operation and restoration of adequate vision as an effective motivator in overcoming patient\'s reluctance and socio-cultural barriers for surgery is highlighted.

Nigerian Journal of Ophthalmology Vol. 8, No.1 (August 2000): pp 17-20

KEY WORDS: Primary eye care, cataract backlog, cataract surgical outreach, community women\'s group and motivators.