Visual outcome after small incision cataract surgery of patients in a Kenyan Hospital contributors

Abstract

Background: The visual outcome and the effect of cataract surgery on existent and surgically induced refractive errors are a concern of interest that the eye care expert must deal with. Objectives: The aim of the study was to investigate the visual outcome after small incision cataract surgery of patients in a Kenyan hospital. Methods: A descriptive retrospective study covering 3 years (2015 to 2017). Total of 1104 files of patients aged > 50 years who had undergone small incision cataract surgery at Sabatia eye hospital were purposively selected. Information on demographics, clinical aspects and outcome was collected using a ministry of health structured form. Statistical package for social sciences version 24 was used to analyse the data. Results: Of the 1104 patients, 55% (n=606) were females. The mean age of patients was 70.6 ± 9.8 years. Most patients were from the hospital neighbourhood. Visual acuity improved by 38.9%, 28.9%, 19.8% and 11.5% in patients aged 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, and 80-89 years old, respectively. Conclusion: Small incision cataract surgery improved visual acuity in all patients’ groups, but the outcome is influenced by age, refractive error particularly astigmatism. Keywords: Small incision cataract surgery; visual outcome; refractive errors.