Comparison of Visual Outcome after Phacoemulsification Versus Extracapsular Cataract Extraction

Abstract

Abstract

Objective:  Cataract is one of the leading causes of blindness throughout the world especially the develop-ing and the third world countries. Phacoemulsification is considered the treatment of choice for the manage-ment of cataract however extra-capsular cataract extra-ction is still one of the most performed surgeries for cataract extraction. The purpose of study was to eva-luate and compare the surgical outcome of both the procedures.

Methods:  This was comparative study done at insti-tute of Ophthalmology Mayo Hospital Lahore. One hundred patients were selected and divided into two equal groups. Group I patients underwent phacoemul-sification with intraocular implant while patients in group II were managed with extracapsular cataract extraction. Evaluation was done on 1^st postoperative day, the 1^st followup visit (after one week), 2^nd follow up visit (after one month) and on third follow up visit (after 8 weeks). On each visit visual acuity was recor-ded on snellen chart, and amount of astigmatism by retinoscopy.

Results:  There were total of one hundred patients with senile cataract divided into two equal groups, 64 were males and 36 were females. Group I were opera-ted by phacoemulsification whereas the group II underwent extracapsular cataract extraction. Although phacoemulsification is superior to conventional cata-ract surgery regarding visual outcome and early reha-bilitation, extracapsular cataract extraction is quite comparable to phacoemulsification and is a good alter-native.

Conclusion:  Extracapsular cataract extraction is a good alternative to Phacoemusification in areas of low socio-economical status especially in remote areas.

Key words:  Phacoemusification, extracapsular cata-ract extraction, conventional cataract surgery, astigma-tism.