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Tribal Odisha Eye Disease Study (TOES). Report # 8. Childhood cataract surgery and determinants of visual outcome in tribal districts.

Authors :
Majhi D
Sachdeva V
Warkad VU
Kekunnaya R
Natarajan D
Karan S
Garg B
Source :
Indian journal of ophthalmology [Indian J Ophthalmol] 2021 Aug; Vol. 69 (8), pp. 2072-2077.
Publication Year :
2021

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to describe the demographic profile, clinical features, visual outcomes, and follow-up patterns after successful cataract surgery in children from the tribal community in Odisha, India.<br />Methods: We retrospectively reviewed records of tribal children aged 4 months-16 years, who underwent public health financed cataract surgery at our institute from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2019. Collected data included demographic profile, clinical features, outcomes, and follow-up. Univariate and multivariate linear regression identified factors affecting the visual outcome at a 6-week follow-up.<br />Results: During this period, a total of 352 children [536 eyes; mean age: 9.11 ± 4.4 years, 219 boys (62%)] underwent cataract surgery. The most common etiology and presenting complaints were idiopathic congenital cataract and decreased vision, respectively. In 304 children (86%), presenting best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was <20/200 (1.0 LogMAR), 113 (32%) had associated strabismus, and 57 (16%) had associated nystagmus. The public health agency did not sponsor postoperative follow-up, and only 195 (56%) and 61 (17.3%) children completed a 6-week and a 3-month follow-up, respectively. Median BCVA at 6-week and 3-month review was 20/125 (0.8, interquartile range [IQR], 0.2-2 LogMAR) and 20/60 (0.5, IQR, 0.25-1.35 LogMAR), respectively.<br />Conclusion: This study showed that children from the tribal community presented late with poor presenting VA and had suboptimal visual outcomes with inconsistent follow-ups. Greater advocacy, delivery of care closer to the place of residence, and financial support for follow-up care could improve early detection, regular evaluation, and outcomes.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1998-3689
Volume :
69
Issue :
8
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Indian journal of ophthalmology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
34304181
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.4103/ijo.IJO_3332_20