199980 Phacoemulsification in Eye Camps

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Sanjiv Desai, MS , Dept. of Community Ophthalmology, Tarabai Desai Eye Hospital, Jodhpur, India
Rajiv Desai, DO , Dept. of Community Ophthalmology, Tarabai Desai Eye Hospital, Jodhpur, India
Navin Desai, FRCS , Dept. of Community Ophthalmology, Tarabai Desai Eye Hospital, Jodhpur, India
Title : Phacoemulsification in Eye Camps

Purpose : Quality visual outcomes in cataract surgery cases which is the desired goal in all eye camps are generally not achieved with ECCE+IOL techniques. Moreover, because its expensive, phacoemulsification is not offered free of cost in eyecamps where the indigent are operated free of charge in masses. This study was aimed at finding out if phacoemulsification is a feasible technique in an eye camp setting and what post-operative visual outcomes are attained.

Setting : Inreach camp organized at a Non-profit NGO [Non-Government Organisation] Eye Hospital in India.

Methods : 74 cataract patients who underwent stop and chop phacoemulsification through a clear cornea incision with lens implantation in an Inreach eye camp were the subjects of this study. Surgical time from corneal incision to subconjunctival antibiotic injection was measured with a stopwatch. Best corrected visual acuity was recorded at six weeks and cost of consumables was calculated at the prevailing rates.

Results : Good visual outcome [BCVA >6/18] was achieved in 97.2 % cases and borderline outcomes [BCVA = 6/18 – 6/60] was attained in 2.7 % cases. The surgical time varied from 8 minutes to 20 minutes. The cost per case was US $ 5.00 over and above the cost of an ECCE + IOL surgery.

Conclusion : Phacoemulsification is a viable solution for improving visual outcomes in eye camps. Quality outcomes outweigh extra costs.

Learning Objectives:
This communication describes how phaco surgery for senile cataract can replace the conventional ECCE or SICS in eye camp settings, thus offering better visual outcomes and therefore improved quality of life in the aged.

Keywords: Aging, Quality Assurance

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have designed the study, and together with my co-authors I have conducted it and analysed. None of us has a financial interest in it.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: Topics in Aging and Public Health
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