How to Improve Outcome of Paediatric Cataract Surgery in Nigeria and Other Developing Countries

Abstract

Paediatric cataract is an important problem all over the world. In developing countries, it is a major cause of childhood blindness resulting in a considerable level of morbidity, economic loss, and social burden. Managing cataracts in children remains a challenge because treatment is often difficult, due to the several ways in which the eyes of children differ from that of adults. The high cost of operative equipment and the uneven world distribution of the manpower that is required make the challenges unique. To assure the best long term outcome for cataract blind children, appropriate paediatric surgical techniques need to be defined and adopted by ophthalmic surgeons in developing countries. This review focuses on issues related to paediatric cataract management that are appropriate and suitable for ophthalmic surgeons in the developing world. It is hoped that adoption of some of the suggested guidelines and recommendations will lead to improved surgical outcome in developing countries, and thereby increase the uptake of the available services.

Key words: paediatric cataract management, developing countries