The output of cataract surgery performed by trained non-ophthalmologist physicians in rural areas: study of cataract outcomes and up-take of services report 7.

BACKGROUND: Cataract is the leading cause of blindness worldwide and surgery can restore vision in most patients. Some patients have little access to surgical services due to lack of cataract surgeons and the unaffordable costs. In 2005 we built a service model that trained rural non-ophthalmologist physicians to perform cataract surgeries in rural China. This study evaluates the long-term impacts of this model. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study to analyze patients' hand-written medical records and electronic outpatient record between January 2005 and December 2019 at two rural health clinics in Southern China. RESULTS: In total, 34,601 patients (49,942 eyes) underwent cataract surgery by non-ophthalmologist physicians from 2005 to 2019.Visual acuity was clearly documented in 38,251 eyes. Before surgery, the unaided distance visual acuity (UDVA) of 60.7% (23,205/38,251) eyes was less than 0.05 decimal. On the first day after surgery, the percentage of UDVA < 0.05 eyes was reduced to 6.0%, and 96.7% (36,980/38,251) of the eyes achieved a better UDVA compared to pre-operation. Surgical-related complications occurred in 218 eyes. The most common complication was posterior capsule rupture (114, 0.23%). 44.3% (15,341/34,601) of the patients chose to have a second eye cataract surgery (SECS) in the same clinic. At one of the outpatient clinics, 21,595 patients received basic eye care apart from cataract surgery between 2018 and 2020. CONCLUSIONS: Non-ophthalmologist physicians trained for cataract surgeries in rural clinics can improve cataract related visual acuity and basic eye care to the local population.

Cataract Development Among Pediatric Patients With Uveitis.

Importance: The long-term estimated risk of development of cataracts among pediatric patients with uveitis is not clear. Objective: To describe factors associated with the development of cataracts among pediatric patients with uveitis. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cohort study used the international TriNetX database to enroll pediatric patients with and without uveitis from January 1, 2002, to December 31, 2022. The nonuveitis cohort consisted of randomly selected control patients matched by age, sex, race and ethnicity, and specific comorbidities. Exposure: Diagnosis of uveitis, identified using diagnostic codes. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was the risk of developing cataracts among the uveitis group compared with the nonuveitis comparison group, with hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs reported. Results: A total of 22 687 pediatric patients with uveitis (mean [SD] age, 10.3 [5.6] years; 54.2% male) and 22 687 comparators without uveitis (mean [SD] age, 10.3 [5.6] years; 54.5% male) were enrolled in the study. The risk of cataracts was increased among pediatric patients with uveitis up to a follow-up duration of 20 years (HR, 17.17; 95%CI, 12.90-22.80) from the index date. Subgroup analyses revealed an elevated cataract risk across age groups: 0 to 6 years (HR, 19.09; 95% CI, 10.10-36.00), 7 to 12 years (HR, 27.16; 95% CI, 15.59-47.20), and 13 to 18 years (HR, 13.39; 95% CI, 8.84-20.30); both female sex (HR, 13.76; 95% CI, 9.60-19.71) and male sex (HR, 11.97; 95% CI, 8.47-16.91); and Asian (HR, 13.80; 95% CI, 3.28-58.07), Black or African American (HR, 10.41; 95% CI, 5.60-19.36), and White (HR, 15.82; 95% CI, 11.05-22.60) race. Furthermore, increased cataract risks were also observed among those with and without a history of immunosuppressive agents (with: HR, 26.52 [95% CI, 16.75-41.90]; without: HR, 17.69 [95% CI: 11.39-27.40]), a history of steroid eye drop use (with: HR, 29.51 [95% CI, 14.56-59.70]; without: HR, 16.49 [95% CI, 11.92-22.70]), and a history of intraocular procedures (with: HR, 11.07 [95%CI, 4.42-27.71]; without: HR, 14.49 [95% CI, 10.11-20.70]). Conclusions and Relevance: In this cohort study of pediatric patients with uveitis, an elevated risk of cataracts following a uveitis diagnosis was found compared with pediatric patients without uveitis. The findings suggest that pediatric patients with uveitis should be monitored for cataract development.

[First experience of implantation of extended depth of focus intraocular lenses in patients with glaucoma]. / Pervyi opyt implantatsii intraokulyarnykh linz s uvelichennoi glubinoi fokusa u patsientov s glaukomoi.

PURPOSE: This study evaluates the effectiveness of implantation of extended depth of focus (EDOF) intraocular lenses (IOL) in patients with cataract and glaucoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 13 patients (16 eyes) who underwent implantation of the Lentis Comfort EDOF IOL (Teleon Surgical BV, Netherlands). Standard phacoemulsification cataract surgery with IOL implantation was performed in a planned manner after the hypotensive surgery stage in two eyes; a combined procedure was performed in 14 cases. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), near visual acuity, and intraocular pressure (IOP) measured with a Maklakov tonometer were assessed preoperatively, on the first day, and 3-6 months after surgery. Computer perimetry using the 30-2 program and spatial contrast sensitivity (SCS) assessment were also performed preoperatively and at the same follow-up time points. RESULTS: On the first day after surgery, UCVA was 0.53±0.65, BCVA was 0.85±0.45. Near UCVA (at 40 cm) was 0.5±0.14 on the first day after surgery and 0.56±0.18 at 3-6 months. According to computer perimetry data, retinal light sensitivity values increased in all patients in the long-term (-3.1±2.9 dB). SCS values increased for objects of all sizes compared to preoperative values. CONCLUSION: Implantation of EDOF IOL contributes to improved vision without reducing contrast sensitivity and retinal light sensitivity in patients with concomitant cataract and glaucoma.

Tear film assessment before and after phacoemulsification in patients with age-related cataracts.

BACKGROUND: The study aims to assess the tear film before and after phacoemulsification in patients with age-related cataracts. METHODS: A prospective observational study of 41 age-related cataract patients undergoing phacoemulsification procedure. Tear Film Break-Up Time (TBUT), Tear Film Meniscus Height (TMH), Meibomian glands (MG), and Lipid Layer Thickness (LLT) were assessed by a non-invasive Dry Eye Diagnostic System. All measurements were taken preoperatively, one week, one month, and three months postoperatively. The Marginal homogeneity and The Cochran Q tests were used in the statistical analysis. RESULTS: The value of Non-Invasive Break-Up Time (NITBUT) was statistically significantly lower at one week (7.15 ± 3.31), one month (7.61 ± 3.41), and three months (7.66 ± 3.36) postoperatively than preoperatively (10.71 ± 2.71), p < 0.001. The Non- Invasive Tear Meniscus Height (NITMH) was significantly lower at one week (0.18 ± 0.0), one month (0.20 ± 0.09), and three months (0.20 ± 0.09) postoperatively than preoperatively (0.30 ± 0.113) p < 0.001. By the first month, both (NITBUT) and (NITMH) improved significantly compared to the first post-operative week. There was no statistically significant difference between one month and three months. The (NITMH) improved to a healthy level of ≥ 0.2 mm by the first month through the third month. Both (NITBUT) and (NITMH) did not reach the baseline by the third month. The meibomian glands and the lipid layer thickness had the same preoperative grade distribution without changes. CONCLUSION: Phacoemulsification surgery can cause post-operative deterioration in the tear film, which starts within a week of the procedure, followed by gradual recovery over the next weeks and months. The phacoemulsification procedure mainly affects the tear break-up time and tear meniscus height. Both the lipid layer and meibomian glands are not affected.

Modified femtosecond laser-assisted arcuate keratotomy for managing low corneal astigmatism using trifocal intraocular lens implantation in Chinese cataract patients.

To evaluate the visual outcome and astigmatic correction following trifocal intraocular lens (IOL) implantation using the modified femtosecond laser-assisted arcuate keratotomy (FSAK) in Chinese cataract patients with low astigmatism. This retrospective study included consecutive cataract patients with regular corneal astigmatism ranging from 0.75 to 1.5 D who underwent FSAK combined with the trifocal IOL implantation between November 2020 and September 2022. Monocular uncorrected distance visual acuity, uncorrected intermediate visual acuity, uncorrected near visual acuity, and refractive data were collected at the 3-month follow-up. The pre- and post-operative high-order aberrations (HOAs) were recorded. The variation in astigmatism was analyzed using Alpins vector analysis. A total of 27 eyes from 23 patients were analyzed. The monocular uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) (5 m) at the 3-month follow-up was 0.04 ± 0.09 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR), which was significantly improved compared with the preoperative value of 0.95 ± 0.51 logMAR (P <.001). The corneal astigmatism was significantly reduced from 1.24 ± 0.42 D to 0.49 ± 0.34 D (P <.001). The target-induced astigmatism (TIA) was 1.25 ± 0.43 D, the surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) was 1.16 ± 0.52 D, and the difference vector (DV) was 0.5 ± 0.34 D. The magnitude of error (ME) (difference between SIA and TIA) was -0.1 ± 0.41 D, and the correction index (CI) (ratio of SIA to TIA) was 0.93 ± 0.36. The angle of error was 3.92° ± 16.90°. Total HOA was reduced from 0.89 ± 1.11 to 0.41 ± 0.55 (P = 0.184), and the corneal HOA was lowered from 0.17 ± 0.18 to 0.10 ± 0.10 (P = 0.129). Implantation of trifocal IOL following the modified FSAK in Chinese cataract patients exhibited excellent visual efficacy and effectively reduced corneal astigmatism.

The burden, causes, and determinants of blindness and vision impairment in Asia: An analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study.

Background: Asia accounts for more than half of the world's population and carries a substantial proportion of the global burden of blindness and vision impairment. Characterising this burden, as well as its causes and determinants, could help with devising targeted interventions for reducing the occurrence of blindness and visual impairment. Methods: Using the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 database, we retrieved data on the number of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs); crude and age-standardised rates; and the prevalence (with 95% uncertainty intervals (95%UIs)) of blindness and vision loss due to six causes (age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, near-vision impairment, refractive error, and other vision loss) for Asian countries for the period between 1990 and 2019. We defined DALYs as the sum of the years lost due to disability and years of life lost, and calculated age-standardised figures for the number of DALYs and prevalence by adjusting for population size and age structure. We then evaluated the time trend of the disease burden and conducted subgroup analyses by gender, age, geographic locations, and socio-demographic index (SDI). Results: In 2019, the DALYs and prevalence of blindness and vision loss had risen by 90.1% and 116% compared with 1990, reaching 15.84 million DALYs (95% UI = 15.83, 15.85) and 506.71 million cases (95% UI = 506.68, 506.74). Meanwhile, the age-standardised rate of DALYs decreased from 1990 to 2019. Cataracts, refractive error, and near vision impairment were the three most common causes. South Asia had the heaviest regional disease burden (age-standardised rate of DALYs = 517 per 100 000 population; 95% UI = 512, 521). Moreover, the burden due to cataracts ranked high in most Asian populations. Being a woman; being older; and having a lower national SDI were factors associated with a greater vision loss burden. Conclusions: The burden due to vision loss remains high in Asian populations. Cataracts, refractive error, and near vision loss were the primary causes of blindness and vision loss. Greater investment in ocular disease prevention and care by countries with lower socioeconomic status is needed, as well as specific strategies targeting cataract management, women and the elderly.

Compound electrolyte intraocular irrigating solution produces better effects on vision recovery of cataract patients after surgery than Ringer lactate solution.

PURPOSE: Intraocular irrigating solution is extensively applied in cataract surgery. This paper explored the difference and relationship between optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical quality analysis system (OQAS) parameters induced by compound electrolyte intraocular irrigating solution (CEIIS) or Ringer lactate (RL) solution during uncomplicated cataract surgery. METHODS: Totally 200 senior cataract patients were randomly divided into the CEIIS and RL groups (N = 100 patients/group). The anterior chamber was irrigated by CEIIS or RL during phacoemulsification. Patients were subdivided into diabetes mellitus (DM)+ and DM- groups. The central macular thickness (CMT), hyper reflective foci (HF), modulation transfer function cutoff frequency (MTF cutoff), Strehl ratio (SR), objective scatter index (OSI), and OQAS values (OVs) at 100%, 20%, and 9% contrast levels were measured preoperatively and 1 day and 1 week after operation using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography and OQAS II, respectively. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was assessed using the Snellen scale, followed by statistical analysis of its logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in clinical characteristics between the CEIIS and RL groups. Both groups exhibited notably increased postoperative CMT, MTF cutoff, SR, OV at 100%, 20%, and 9% contrast levels, and reduced OSI, indicating CEIIS and RL improved postoperative visual quality. CEIIS surpassed RL solution in improving postoperative visual quality, decelerating the increase of macular HF numbers and CMT in DM+ patients and postoperative BCVA. There was no difference between CEIIS and RL in long-term vision improvement. CONCLUSION: CEIIS surpasses RL in postoperative visual recovery and retards increases of macular HF numbers and CMT in senior DM+ cataract patients.

Ocular characteristics and outcomes of phacoemulsification in patients with cataract after renal transplantation.

PURPOSE: To explore ocular characteristics of patients with cataracts after renal transplantation and analyze the results of phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. METHODS: Patients with cataracts after renal transplantation and control patients who underwent phacoemulsification combined with IOL implantation were enrolled. All patients underwent phacoemulsification combined with IOL implantation. Visual acuity, intraocular pressure, type of lens opacity, corneal endothelial cell density, and ocular biological parameters were evaluated before surgery. Visual prognosis, dry eye, and postoperative complications were monitored for 6 months after phacoemulsification. RESULTS: We analyzed 25 eyes of 16 patients after renal transplantation and 30 eyes of 21 control patients. The most common type of cataract of renal transplantation group was posterior subcapsular, while the most common type of cataract of control group was cortical. Significant differences in corneal astigmatism, white-to-white ratio, and keratometry values were observed between the groups. The postoperative visual acuity of both groups significantly improved following surgery. Postoperative complications, such as the degree of anterior and posterior capsule opacification and the incidence of a requirement of neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser capsulotomy, were significantly lower in the renal transplantation group. Moreover, secondary glaucoma occurred in two eyes in the renal transplantation group. CONCLUSION: This study showed that cataracts after renal transplantation were mostly posterior subcapsular. Postoperative visual acuity recovered well in most patients, with reduced incidence of postoperative complications. This study suggested that phacoemulsification combined with IOL implantation was safe and effective, providing a reference for multi-focal IOL implantation in kidney transplant recipients.

Clinical results with a multifocal intraocular lens with a novel optical design.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the optical performance and safety of a new multifocal lens with a novel optical design featuring two additional foci (or intensifiers) in patients with cataract and presbyopia. METHODS: In this single-center, non-randomized prospective observational study, 31 patients underwent implantation of the new multifocal IOL between March 2020 and November 2021 at a tertiary clinical center in Buenos Aires and Ramos Mejia, Argentina. Postoperative examinations with emphasis on uncorrected and corrected visual acuity at distance and near and at two different intermediate distances (80 cm and 60 cm) were performed during the 3 postoperative months. RESULTS: Of the 31 patients who underwent implantation of the new IOL, 30 underwent bilateral surgery (61 eyes in total). At 3 months, all 61 eyes had an uncorrected distance visual acuity (UCDVA) of at least 0.15 logMAR; 57 eyes (93%) had an uncorrected distance visual acuity (UCDVA) of 0.1 logMAR and 27 eyes (44%) had an UCDVA of 0.0 logMAR. At 80 cm, 60 eyes (98%) had an uncorrected intermediate visual acuity (UCIVA) of at least 0.1 log MAR and 48 eyes (79%) had an UCIVA of 0.0 logMAR. CONCLUSION: The new multifocal IOL with a novel optical concept (5 foci) showed a wide range of visual acuity especially at intermediate and near distances in patients undergoing cataract surgery. Uncorrected visual acuity was excellent at all tested distances, monocularly and binocularly, spectacle independence and patient satisfaction were high.

Effect of cervical pillow in phacoemulsification surgery for age-related cataract patients: a prospective randomized controlled study.

PURPOSE: To explore the application effect of cervical pillow in phacoemulsification surgery for age-related cataract patients. METHODS: 104 cases of age-related cataract patients admitted to our hospital in June 2023 were enrolled and divided into the control group (traditional supine position) and the experimental group (the cervical pillow supine position) by the digital parity method (52 cases per group). The two groups were evaluated for the discomfort score, the satisfaction of patients and doctors, the head displacement rate, the number of displacement, the operation time and the time of body position during the operation and after the operation. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the gender (P = 0.84), age (P = 0.86), course of disease (P = 0.82) and the time spent on position placement (P = 0.15) of the two groups. The patient in the experimental group had lower discomfort score (P = 0.0001), higher patients satisfaction (P = 0.0001) and higher doctors satisfaction (P = 0.0001) than patients in the control group. There was no significant difference between the experimental group and the control group in the proportion of intraoperative (P = 0.36) and postoperative pain (P = 0.65). Besides, the number of head transfers (P = 0.001), number of head shifts (P = 0.0001), the surgical time (P = 0.0001) and laparoscopic time (P = 0.0001) in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group. CONCLUSION: The additional cervical pillow for age-related cataract patients in the traditional supine position during the operation will not increase the preparation time before the operation, but will help improve the patient satisfaction, improve the comfort and maintain a good position of the operative eye field, bringing obvious comfort and smooth operation for the surgeon in the operation, thus reducing the risk of the operation, shortening the operation time.

Intraoperative challenges and outcomes of pediatric cataract surgery following glaucoma filtering surgery.

PURPOSE: To analyze the intraoperative challenges of cataract surgery in children, following glaucoma filtering surgery. METHODS: This was a retrospective study to analyze intra-op challenges and outcomes of pediatric cataract surgery in post-glaucoma filtration surgery eyes, between January 2007 and December 2019. RESULTS: We included 20 eyes of 16 children. The most common glaucoma surgery performed was trabeculectomy and trabeculotomy (14 eyes). The median age at the time of cataract surgery was 74.5 months. The most common cataract surgery performed was lens aspiration with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation (LA + PCIOL) (9/20). The most common intraoperative challenge faced was difficulty in capsulorrhexis (ten eyes), followed by extension of primary posterior capsulotomy (six eyes). At the final follow up eight eyes had improvement in visual acuity, five eyes had stable visual acuity and five eyes had a drop in visual acuity. In 12/20 eyes IOL was implanted, nine eyes in-the-bag and three eyes had in ciliary sulcus. None of the IOLs in the bag had decentration of IOL. The median postoperative IOP (p = 0.12) and median number of postoperative AGM (p = 0.13) at 2 years remained stable compared to the preoperative values. The IOP remained well controlled in 4 eyes without anti-glaucoma medications and in 14 eyes with anti-glaucoma medications and none needed additional surgery for IOP control. Two eyes developed retinal detachment postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Cataract surgery in pediatric eyes with prior glaucoma surgeries, have challenges with capsulorrhexis and IOL stability. The visual outcomes were reasonably good so was the IOP control.

[Geriatric ophthalmologic co-management : A case report of interdisciplinary collaboration]. / Geriatrisch-ophthalmologisches Co-Management : Ein Fallbeispiel interdisziplinärer Zusammenarbeit.

This case report details the assessment and interdisciplinary collaboration in the management of an 81-year-old patient presenting with acute visual impairment, dizziness, general weakness, gait disturbances and fear of falling. A holistic geriatric evaluation revealed orthostatic dysregulation and an underlying multifactorial gait disorder exacerbated by visual impairment. Ophthalmological findings included left central retinal artery branch occlusion and cataracts. A comprehensive geriatric assessment showed frailty, impaired mobility and decreased functional abilities. Subsequent patient-centered interdisciplinary approaches included treatment for retinal ischemia, orthostatic testing, medication reconciliation, physiotherapy and occupational therapy. This case emphasizes how interdisciplinary collaboration between ophthalmology and geriatrics enables proactive assessment and intervention to reduce the risk of functional decline and loss of autonomy in visually impaired patients, which is of particular relevance considering the increasing prevalence of visual impairment in the ageing population.

[Optimization of phacoemulsification technique for Morgagnian cataract]. / Optimizatsiya tekhnologii fakoemul'sifikatsii morganievoi katarakty.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to develop a new optimized phacoemulsification technique for Morgagnian cataract taking into account the anatomical and topographic parameters of the lens nucleus. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A working classification of Morgagnian cataract was developed based on the size of the nucleus: if the edge of the nucleus is visualized at the upper edge of the pupil or between the upper edge and the middle of the pupil, it was classified as an initial stage of Morgagnian cataract with a large nucleus; if the upper edge of the nucleus is visualized in the middle of the pupil and below, it was classified as an advanced stage of Morgagnian cataract with a small nucleus. The first group included six patients who underwent surgery using the scaffold technique with removal of the whole small nucleus into the anterior chamber. The second group included 11 patients who underwent surgery using the scaffold technique with removal of the last fragment of the nucleus into the anterior chamber. RESULTS: The use of the scaffold technique with removal of the nucleus into the anterior chamber helped reduce the number of intraoperative complications to 16.7% in the first group, compared to 27.3% in the second group, and the percentage of endothelial cell loss to 10.1% in the first group, compared to 10.7% in the second group. CONCLUSIONS: The anatomical and topographic features of the lens and the anterior segment of the eye in Morgagnian cataract with a small nucleus allow for preliminary implantation of an intraocular lens into the capsular bag to protect the posterior capsule during phacoemulsification of the nucleus with minimal mechanical, hydrodynamic and acoustic damage to the surrounding structures of the eye.

Spiroplasma infection as a cause of severe congenital keratouveitis, cataract and glaucoma.

BACKGROUND: Only seven cases of ocular Spiroplasma infection have been reported to date, all presenting as congenital cataracts with concomitant intraocular inflammation. We describe the first case of Spiroplasma infection initially presenting as a corneal infiltrate. CASE PRESENTATION: A 1-month-old girl was referred for a corneal infiltrate in the left eye. She presented in our hospital with unilateral keratouveitis. Examination showed a stromal corneal infiltrate and dense white keratic precipitates in the left eye. Herpetic keratouveitis was suspected and intravenous acyclovir therapy was initiated. Two weeks later, the inflammation in the left eye persisted and was also noticed in the right eye. Acute angle-closure glaucoma and a cataract with dilated iris vessels extending onto the anterior lens capsule developed in the left eye. The inflammation resolved after treatment with azithromycin. Iridectomy, synechiolysis and lensectomy were performed. Bacterial metagenomic sequencing (16 S rRNA) and transmission electron microscopy revealed Spiroplasma ixodetis species in lens aspirates and biopsy. Consequently, a diagnosis of bilateral Spiroplasma uveitis was made. CONCLUSIONS: In cases of congenital cataract with concomitant intraocular inflammation, Spiroplasma infection should be considered. The purpose of this case report is to raise awareness of congenital Spiroplasma infection as a cause of severe keratouveitis, cataract and angle-closure glaucoma in newborns. Performing molecular testing on lens aspirates is essential to confirm diagnosis. Systemic macrolides are suggested as the mainstay of treatment.

Cataract surgery outcomes in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

PURPOSE: To report the outcomes of cataract surgery in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: The medical records of all pediatric patients (<18 years of age) with a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus who had undergone surgery for cataract between January 2000 and December 2019 at a tertiary care center were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: A total of 27 eyes of 15 patients who met the inclusion criteria were included. Median age at cataract surgery was 13 (IQR, 9.5-16) years, and median follow-up was 3.8 (IQR, 1.25-7.2) years, with 11 eyes followed for more than 5 years. Visual acuity improved from a median preoperative value of 0.8 (IQR, 0.55-1.3) logMAR to 0.15 (IQR, 0-0.45) logMAR at final follow-up. Posterior capsular visual axis opacification in 40.7% and diabetic retinopathy in 14.8% were the common complications requiring additional intervention, including laser capsulotomy and panretinal photocoagulation, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Cataract surgery in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes leads to improvement in visual acuity. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy can lead to poor visual outcomes in these children. Visual axis opacification occurs at similar rates with or without primary posterior capsulorhexis.

Prevalence and causes of blindness and visual impairment in Kogi state, Nigeria-Findings from a Rapid assessment of avoidable blindness survey.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence and causes of blindness and visual impairment among adults in Kogi, Nigeria. METHODS: A Rapid assessment of avoidable blindness (RAAB) protocol was used with additional tools measuring disability and household wealth to measure the prevalence of blindness and visual impairment (VI) and associations with sex, disability, wealth, cataract surgical coverage and its effectiveness. RESULTS: Age- and sex-adjusted all-cause prevalence of bilateral blindness was 3.6% (95%CI 3.0-4.2%), prevalence of blindness among people living with additional, non-visual disabilities was 38.3% (95% CI 29.0-48.6%) compared to 1.6% (95%CI 1.2-2.1%; [Formula: see text] = 771.9, p<0.001) among people without additional disabilities. Cataract was the principal cause of bilateral blindness (55.3%). Cataract surgical coverage (CSC) at visual acuity (VA) 3/60 was 48.0%, higher among men than women (53.7% vs 40.3%); 12.0% among people with non-visual disabilities; 66.9% among people without non-visual disabilities, being higher among people in the wealthiest two quintiles (41.1%) compared to the lowest three (24.3%). Effective Cataract Surgical Coverage at Visual Acuity 6/60 was 31.0%, higher among males (34.9%) than females (25.5%), low among people with additional, non-visual disabilities (1.9%) compared to people with no additional disabilities (46.2%). Effective CDC was higher among people in the wealthiest two quintiles (411%) compared to the poorest three (24.3%). Good surgical outcome (VA>6/18) was seen in 61 eyes (52.6%) increasing to 71 (61.2%) eyes with best correction. Cost was identified as the main barrier to surgery. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest there exists inequalities in eye care with women, poorer people and people with disabilities having a lower Cataract Surgical Coverage, thereby, underscoring the importance of eye care programs to address these inequalities.

Association Between Preoperative Ocular Parameters and Myopic Shift in Children Undergoing Primary Intraocular Lens Implantation.

Purpose: To evaluate the association between preoperative ocular parameters and myopic shift following primary intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in pediatric cataracts. Methods: Eyes from pediatric patients undergoing bilateral cataract surgery with primary IOL implantation were included. Eyes were grouped by age at surgery and subdivided into three axial length (AL) subgroups and three keratometry subgroups. Mixed-effects linear regression was utilized to assess the trend in myopic shift among subgroups. Multivariable analysis was performed to determine factors associated with myopic shift. Results: A total of 222 eyes were included. The median age at surgery was 4.36 years (interquartile range [IQR], 3.16-6.00 years) and the median follow-up was 4.18 years (IQR, 3.48-4.64 years). As preoperative AL increased, a decreased trend was observed in myopic shift and rate of myopic shift (P = 0.008 and P = 0.003, respectively, in the 4 to <6 years old group; P = 0.002 and P < 0.001, respectively, in the ≥6 years old group). Greater myopic shift and rate of myopic shift were associated with younger age at surgery (P = 0.008 and P = 0.008, respectively). Both myopic shift and rate of myopic shift were negatively associated with AL. Conclusions: Age at surgery and preoperative AL were associated with myopic shift in pediatric cataracts following primary IOL implantation. Adjusting the target refraction based on preoperative AL could potentially improve patients' long-term refractive outcome. Translational Relevance: This study may help to guide the selection of postoperative target refraction according to age at surgery and preoperative ocular parameters for pediatric cataracts.