Study of visual outcomes and complications of cataract surgery in congenital cataract cases in tribal population of Jharkhand

Aim: To study the visual outcome and complications of phacoemulsification and IOL implantation in patients of congenital cataract among tribal population of Jharkhand. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study. Congenital cataract cases who underwent cataract surgery during 2017 to 2019 were included. Patient’s demographics, pre and postoperative visual acuity and complications were recorded. The outcome of surgery measured as VA achieved and evaluation of complications. Results : Thirty six eyes of 24 children (16 bilateral) with age ranging from 1 month to 11 years were recorded. Mean follow up period 20.03 month (range 6-24 month). Postoperatively, visual acuity could be assessed by Snellen acuity chart in 20 children out of which 13 children (65%) best had corrected visual acuity ≥6/18. Most common postoperative complication was posterior capsular opacification (6 eyes, 18.75%) followed by IOL deposits (5 eyes, 15.62%), Uveitis (4 eyes, 11.11%), optic capture (3 eyes 9.37%), Glaucoma (2 eyes, 5.55%) retinal detachment (1 eye, 2.77%). Conclusion : Primary IOL implantation in congenital cases is safe. PCO was the most common complication. Primary posterior capsulotomy with anterior vitrectomy helps in reducing rate of PCO in younger children.