Visual outcome of conventional extracapsular cataract extraction with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation versus manual small-incision cataract surgery

Abstract

Background: An effective method for cataract surgery should be identified to combat cataract blindness.

Aim: To study the surgical outcome of conventional extracapsular cataract extraction versus manual small-incision cataract surgery.

Materials and methods: A randomized clinical trial was carried out including one hundred eyes (88 patients) which were divided into two groups using systematic randomization: groups of conventional extracapsular cataract extraction with posterior chamber intraocular lens (ECCE with PCIOL) implantation and manual small-incision cataract surgery (MSICS). The postoperative parameters/variables studied were the unaided and best-corrected visual acuity and astigmatism.

Statistics: Epi info 2000 version statistical software was used for data analysis and calculation of relative risk, 95% CI and p value. The p value of less than 0.05 was considered as significant.

Results: In the immediate postoperative period, unaided visual acuity of =/> 6/18 was achieved in 24 subjects in MSICS group versus 7 in ECCE with PCIOL group (RR=2.05, 95% CI=1.44 - 2.94, p = 0.0002), whereas the same at 6 - 8 weeks postoperatively was found in 28 and 22 subjects in those groups respectively (RR=1.27, 95% CI=0.86-1.89, p=0.23). The astigmatism of =/> 2 at 6 - 8 weeks was found in 35 and 17 subjects from the conventional and MSICS groups respectively ( R=2.28, 95% CI = 1.39-3.73, p=0.0002).

Conclusion: Both MSICS and conventional ECCE with PCIOL are safe and effective techniques for treatment of cataract patients. A more rapid recovery of good vision can be achieved with MSICS than with conventional ECCE with PCIOL in the immediate postoperative period.

Key words: ECCE; MSICS; visual acuity; astigmatism

DOI: 10.3126/nepjoph.v1i1.3668

Nep J Oph 2009;1(1):13-19