Evaluation of outcome of Cataract Surgery and other causes of Blindness

Evaluation of outcome of Cataract Surgery and other causes of Blindness (National Survey on Blindness) under NPCB in 2001 in Dhenkanal, Orissa and 2005 in Malda ,WB.


In Dhenkanal, Orissa, a 2001 National Survey on Blindness, conducted under the National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB), found cataract to be the leading cause of blindness, responsible for 63.7% of cases. Uncorrected refractive errors were the second most common cause. The survey also evaluated the outcomes of cataract surgery, with 58% of individuals being blind before surgery, and only 6.3% remaining blind post-op. 
Detailed findings:
Cataract as the leading cause:
Cataract was identified as the most prevalent cause of economic blindness, followed by uncorrected refractive errors. 
Visual outcomes after surgery:
The study showed that a significant portion of individuals with cataract improved their vision after surgery, with 47.5% achieving good visual outcomes, 37.6% moderate outcomes, and 15% poor outcomes. 
Co-morbidities and complications:
Glaucoma was a common co-morbidity identified in the survey. Intra-operative complications like vitreous loss and posterior capsular rupture were also observed, and capsular opacity was a common postoperative issue. 
Factors influencing poor visual outcome:
Factors contributing to poor visual outcome included uncorrected refractive errors, co-morbidities, and surgery-related complications. 
Overall success rate:
The overall success rate of cataract surgery was reported as +98%, with more than 90% of operated eyes achieving a visual acuity of 6/18 or better. 
Causes of low vision:
Uncorrected refractive errors were the most common cause of low vision.