Visual outcome of traumatic cataract in a tertiary care hospital, Tirupati

Background: The incidence of ocular injuries in India is estimated to be 20.5% affecting mainly those aged less than 40 years and males. Cataract is the commonest complication after ocular injury resulting from either penetrating injuries from sharp objects like stick or thorn or with blunt trauma by objects like stone, cricket ball etc. The present study aims to find out the visual outcome of traumatic cataract cases. Material and methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted among 40 traumatic cataract cases attending outpatient units of SVRR Government General Hospital, Tirupati during July 2014 to June 2015. A predesigned interview schedule was used to collect the necessary information. All patients had undergone Posterior Chamber Intra Ocular Lens Implantation and visual outcome was assessed after 15 days, 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months. The results were analyzed using MS excel software and Epiinfo 7 version statistical software. Results: It was found that a large majority of the cases were aged less than 40 years (67.5%) and males (62.5%). The most common type of cataract developed was found to be ‘white soft’ type (47.5%). In 52.5% of patients, the time lag between injury and surgery was found to be 1 week to 1 month. It was found that 70% patients had regained vision (>6/18) after surgery. Conclusion: Posterior Capsular Intra Ocular Lens Implantation is highly effective in restoring vision in traumatic cataract cases. The time lag between injury and surgery should be as short as possible for complete recovery. There should be quick referral of traumatic cataract cases to the specialized ophthalmic care units depending on condition of patients.