| Past Issue | Volume 4, Number 1, 2002 | | Cataract Blindness in Developing Countries - Procedure of Choice for a Large Population | PK Malik, PK Keshri, A Pathak, HK Yadhuvanshi, P Kapoor Department of Ophthalmology, Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi - 110001, India Purpose: A study was performed to compare the merits of phacoemulsification with non-phacoemulsification small incision cataract surgery. Additionally, the use of 5.5 mm non-foldable intraocular lenses was compared with foldable intraocular lenses. The cost-effectiveness of these procedures was evaluated. Patients and Methods: 750 patients were enrolled in the study. Phacoemulsification with foldable intraocular lenses was performed for 250 patients (group A). Non-foldable phacoprofile intraocular lenses after phacoemulsification were implanted for 250 patients (group B). 250 patients had non-phacoemulsification small incision cataract surgery using phacoprofile non-foldable intraocular lenses (group C). The incision site and extent were similar for all patients. Non-phacoemulsification small incision cataract surgery was performed by a modified phacofracture technique. Results: Postoperative complications and visual rehabilitation were comparable for patients in all 3 groups. Conclusion: The non-phacoemulsification small incision cataract surgery technique with a phacoprofile non-foldable lens is feasible as the procedure of choice for a large population in a developing country. Key words: Lenses, intraocular, Ophthalmologic surgical procedures, Phacoemulsification, Comparative study, Cost-benefit analysis Asian J Ophthalmol 2002;4(1):9-11. | | | |
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