Avaliação da qualidade de vida em pacientes idosos antes e após a cirurgia de catarata / Quality of life assessment in elderly patients before and after cataract surgery

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a qualidade de vida de pacientes idosos antes e após de se submeterem à cirurgia de catarata. Métodos: Estudo longitudinal analítico com abordagem quantitativa. A coleta de dados se deu em duas etapas (antes da cirurgia de catarata e 2 meses após o procedimento), tendo sido aplicados dois questionários, sendo um sociodemográfico e o outro o World Health Organization Quality of Life OLD. Recorreu-se à estatística descritiva e aos testes estatísticos t de Student, análise de variância, de Mann-Whitney e de Kruskal-Wallis. Resultados: Participaram da pesquisa 34 idosos, sendo 15 (44,1%) até 69 anos de idade e 19 (55,9%) com mais de 69 anos. Identificou-se decréscimo nos escores do Funcionamento do Sensório nos idosos que não tinham atividade de lazer (p=0,0006), não praticavam atividade física (p=0,0023) e não utilizavam a internet (p=0,0010). No domínio Atividades Passadas, Presentes e Futuras, identificou-se aumento do escore nos idosos que não tinham atividade de lazer (p=0,0258), não praticavam atividade física (p=0,0303), afirmaram ter outros problemas de saúde (p=0,0372) e referiram ter boa saúde (p=0,0298). Já no domínio Participação Social, houve aumento do escore nos idosos que não tinham atividade de lazer (p=0,0068), não praticavam atividade física (p=0,0033) e afirmaram ter saúde regular (p=0,0102). Conclusão: Evidenciaram-se decréscimo no Funcionamento do Sensório e aumento nas Atividades Passadas, Presentes e Futuras e na Participação Social.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate quality of life of elderly patients before and after cataract surgery. Methods: A longitudinal analytical study with quantitative approach. Data collection was performed in two stages (before cataract surgery and 2 months after the procedure), when two questionnaires were used - a sociodemographic and the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQLD). Descriptive statistics and Student's t test, analysis of variance, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were employed. Results: A total of 34 elderly individuals participated in the research, 15 (44.1%) aged up to 69 years and 19 (55.9%) over 69 years. A decrease in the Sensory Functioning scores was identified in those who had no leisure activity (p=0.0006), did not exercise (p=0.0023) and did not use the internet (p=0.0010). In the domain Past, Present and Future Activities, an increase in the score was observed in the elderly who had no leisure activity (p=0.0258), did not exercise (p=0.0303), reported having other health problems (p=0.0372), and in those who reported having good health status (p=0.0298). In the Social Participation domain, there was an increase in the score of the elderly who had no leisure activity (p=0.0068), did not exercise (p=0.0033), and of those who reported having regular health status (p=0.0102). Conclusion: There was a decrease in Sensory Functioning scores and an increase in the domains Past, Present and Future Activities, as well as Social Participation.

Assessing the construct validity and responsiveness of Preference-Based Measures (PBMs) in cataract surgery patients.

PURPOSE: The validity and responsiveness of the EQ-5D-3L in visual conditions has been questioned, inspiring development of a vision 'bolt-on' domain (EQ-5D-3L + VIS). Developments in preference-based measures (PBM) also includes the EQ-5D-5L and the ICECAP-O capability wellbeing measure. This study aimed to examine the construct validity and responsiveness of the EQ-5D-3L, EQ-5D-5L, EQ-5D-3L + VIS and ICECAP-O in cataract surgery patients for the first time, to inform choice of PBM for economic evaluation in this population. METHODS: The analyses used data from the UK Predict-CAT cataract surgery cohort study. PBMs and the Cat-PROM5 [a validated measure of cataract quality of life (QOL)] were completed before surgery and 4-8 weeks after. Construct validity was assessed using correlations and known-group differences evaluated using regression. Responsiveness was evaluated using effect sizes and analysis of variance to compare change scores between groups, defined by patient-reported and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: The sample comprised 1315 patients at baseline. No PBMs were associated with visual acuity and only the ICECAP-O (Spearman's rs = - 0.35), EQ-5D-3L + VIS (rs = - 0.42) and EQ-5D-5L (Value Set for England rs = - 0.31) correlated at least moderately with the Cat-PROM5. Effect sizes of change were consistently largest for the EQ-5D-3L + VIS (range 0.34-0.41), followed by the ICECAP-O (range 0.20-0.34). Results indicated no improvement in responsiveness using the EQ-5D-5L (range 0.13-0.16) compared to the EQ-5D-3L (range 0.17-0.20). CONCLUSIONS: Whilst no PBMs comprehensively demonstrated evidence of construct validity and responsiveness in cataract surgery patients, the ICECAP-O was the most responsive generic PBM to improvements in QOL. Surprisingly the EQ-5D-5L was not more responsive than the EQ-5D-3L in this setting.

Differences in Cataract Surgery Rates Based on Dementia Status.

BACKGROUND: Cataract surgery substantially improves patient quality of life. Despite the rising prevalence of dementia in the US, little is known about use of cataract surgery among this group. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between dementia status and cataract surgery. METHODS: Using administrative insurance claims for a representative sample of 1,125,387 US Medicare beneficiaries who received eye care between 2006 and 2015, we compared cataract surgery rates between patients with and without dementia via multivariable regression models to adjust for patient characteristics. Main outcome measures were annual rates of cataract surgery and hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval (CI) for receiving cataract surgery. RESULTS: Cataract surgery was performed in 457,128 patients, 23,331 with a prior diagnosis of dementia. 16.7% of dementia patients underwent cataract surgery, compared to 43.8% of patients without dementia. 59 cataract surgeries were performed per 1000 dementia patients annually, versus 105 surgeries per 1000 nondementia patients. After adjusting for patient characteristics, dementia patients were approximately half as likely to receive cataract surgery compared to nondementia patients (adjusted HR = 0.53, 95% CI 0.53-0.54). Among the subset of patients who received a first cataract surgery, those with dementia were also less likely to receive second-eye cataract surgery (adjusted HR = 0.87, 95% CI 0.86-0.88). CONCLUSION: US Medicare patients with dementia are less likely to undergo cataract surgery than those without dementia. This finding has implications for quality of care and dementia progression. More information is necessary to understand why rates of cataract surgery are lower for these patients, and to identify conditions where benefits of surgery may outweigh risks.

A follow-on study on vision-related quality of life assessment using the NEI-VFQ-25 in those with a history of unilateral and bilateral congenital cataracts.

PURPOSE: To assess vision-specific health-related quality of life (using the NEI-VFQ-25), educational attainment and visual acuity (VA) in patients with a history of congenital cataracts and appraise these in relation to Kirwan et al.'s (Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 49, 2012, 26) study. METHODS: A retrospective hospital-based study of patients with unilateral and bilateral congenital cataracts whounderwent surgery aged younger than 12 months. Those 13 years or older at follow-up were selected for inclusion. Patients with glaucoma, other associated ocular complications or systemic abnormalities were excluded. Educational attainment and VA at latest review were recorded. RESULTS: Twelve patients with unilateral cataract (mean age: 26 ± 4.5) and fifteen with bilateral cataract (mean age 22 ± 4.3) were included. Bilateral group had greater difficulty with near and distance activities, vision-specific role difficulties, vision-specific dependency and general health than the unilateral group. There were no significant differences with regard to ocular pain, vision-specific social functioning, vision-specific mental health, driving, colour vision, peripheral vision or educational attainment between the groups. All patients attended mainstream school, and majority progressed to third-level education. Follow up at an increased time from surgery - 6.2 ± 5.13 (unilateral) and 6.5 ± 6.4 years (bilateral) - compared to Kirwan et al.'s study. CONCLUSION: Results were in keeping with Kirwan et al.'s. Bilateral group had greater difficulty with day-to-day tasks compared to the unilateral group, including near and distance vision activities. They had greater vision-specific role difficulties and vision-specific dependency. There was no difference between the groups in regard to vision-specific social functioning, vision-specific mental health or educational attainment. This can be a source of reassurance to parents and patients.

Primary care barriers to cataract surgery in the eastern zone of Peninsular Malaysia: an interpretative phenomenological analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Cataract is the leading cause of blindness in Malaysia. There is an alarming backlog of cataract extraction surgery as the majority believes they did not require surgery. This study aimed to explore the barriers at the primary care level to cataract surgery from the perspective of patients with severe cataract blindness. METHODS: Eleven participants were involved in this qualitative research which utilised the interpretative phenomenological analysis approach more renowned in health psychology research. All interviews conducted at their home. The interviews were recorded, typed verbatim, and the transcripts were analysed using NVivo software version 8.0. RESULTS: The main barriers identified at the primary care level were 1) nondisclosure of their visual problems originated from their belated needs for better sight, delayed awareness of their visual status and social stigma and 2) patient-provider-related issues namely miscommunication and delayed referral. The first main theme explains their belief for not requiring surgery. This has led to their delayed awareness and impeded disclosure of their visual problems to family members or primary care providers. The second main theme reflects the provider-patient-related issues which retarded cataract detection and referral process required for earlier cataract extraction surgery. CONCLUSION: Thus, the appropriate approach targeting these specific barriers at primary care level will be able to detect, motivate and assist patients for early uptake of cataract extraction surgery to improve their vision and prevent severe blindness.

[Neuropsychological benefit of cataract surgery among sight impaired Alzheimer's patient]. / Modifications des troubles du comportement après l'opération de la cataracte chez les patients Alzheimer.

PURPOSE: Evaluation of neuropsychological benefits of cataract surgery for 46 Alzheimer patients on the basis of neuropsychiatric index (NPI), as the principal criterion of analysis of the VIVA study. METHODS: Prospective, monocentric neuropsychiatric study, performed from 2005 to 2011. All Alzheimer's patients with 10

Cost-Utility Analyses of Cataract Surgery in Advanced Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

PURPOSE: To explore the cost-utility of cataract surgery in patients with advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: Patients who were diagnosed as having and treated for age-related cataract and with a history of advanced AMD at the Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, were included in the study. All of the participants underwent successful phacoemulsification with foldable posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation under retrobulbar anesthesia. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and utility value elicited by time trade-off method from patients at 3-month postoperative time were compared with those before surgery. Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained in a lifetime were calculated at a 3% annual discounted rate. Costs per QALY gained were calculated using the bootstrap method, and probabilities of being cost-effective were presented using a cost-effectiveness acceptability curve. Sensitivity analyses were performed to test the robustness of the results. RESULTS: Mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution BCVA in the operated eye increased from 1.37 ± 0.5 (Snellen, 20/469) to 0.98 ± 0.25 (Snellen, 20/191) (p < 0.001); BCVA in the weighted average from both eyes (=75% better eye + 25% worse eye) was changed from 1.13 ± 0.22 (Snellen, 20/270) to 0.96 ± 0.17 (Snellen, 20/182) (p < 0.001). Utility values from both patients and doctors increased significantly after surgery (p < 0.001 and p = 0.007). Patients gained 1.17 QALYs by cataract surgery in their lifetime. The cost per QALY was 8835 Chinese yuan (CNY) (1400 U.S. dollars [USD]). It is cost-effective at the threshold of 115,062 CNY (18,235 USD) per QALY in China recommended by the World Health Organization. The cost per QALY varied from 7045 CNY (1116 USD) to 94,178 CNY (14,925 USD) in sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Visual acuity and quality of life assessed by utility value improved significantly after surgery. Cataract surgery was a cost-effective intervention for patients with coexistent AMD.

Willingness to Pay for Cataract Surgery Provided by a Senior Surgeon in Urban Southern China.

PURPOSE: To study willingness to pay for cataract surgery and surgical service provided by a senior cataract surgeon in urban Southern China. METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional willingness-to-pay (WTP) interview using bidding formats. Two-hundred eleven persons with presenting visual impairment in either eye due to cataract were enrolled at a tertiary eye hospital. Participants underwent a comprehensive eye examination and a WTP interview for both surgery and service provided by a senior surgeon. Demographic information, socioeconomic status and clinical data were recorded. RESULTS: Among 211 (98% response rate) persons completing the interview, 53.6% were women and 80.6% were retired. About 72.2% had a monthly income lower than 1000 renminbi (US $161). A total of 189 (89.6%) were willing to pay for cataract and the median amount of WTP was 6000 renminbi (US$968). And 102 (50.7%) were willing to pay additional fees for surgery performed by a senior surgeon, and the median amount of WTP was 500 renminbi (US$81). In regression models adjusting for age and gender, persons with preexisting eye diseases other than cataract, were more likely to pay for cataract surgery and service provided by a senior surgeon (P = 0.04 for both). CONCLUSIONS: In urban China, cataract patients, especially those with preexisting eye conditions, are willing to pay additional fees for a senior surgeon. Moving to a system where the price of cataract surgery is proportional to the consultant' skill and expertise is possible and may have a potential impact on waiting list and quality of eye care. Further studies are needed to examine the impact of such pricing system on attitudes and choices of cataract patients.

Lost in transition: the essential need for long-term follow-up clinic for blood and marrow transplantation survivors.

Because of expanding indications and improvements in supportive care, the utilization of blood and marrow cell transplantation (BMT) to treat various conditions is increasing exponentially, and currently more than 60,000 BMTs are performed annually worldwide. By the year 2030, it is projected that the number of BMT survivors will increase 5-fold, potentially resulting in one half of a million survivors in the United States alone. As the majority of survivors now live beyond the first 2 years after BMT, they are prone to a unique set of complications and late effects. Until recently, BMT experts assumed responsibility for almost all of the care for these survivors, but now oncologists/hematologists, pediatricians, and internists are involved frequently in offering specialized care and preventive services to these survivors. To integrate and translate into clinical practice the unique BMT survivorship issues with current preventive guidelines, a team effort is required. This can be facilitated by a dedicated "long-term-follow-up (LTFU)" clinic that provides lifelong care for BMT survivors. In this review, we first illustrate with clinical vignettes the need for LTFU and then focus upon the following: (1) types of LTFU clinic models, (2) challenges and possible solutions to the establishment of LTFU clinic, and (3) vulnerable transition periods.

A multicenter prospective cohort study of quality of life and economic outcomes after cataract surgery in Vietnam: the VISIONARY study.

PURPOSE: To measure the change in quality of life and economic circumstances after cataract surgery and identify the predictors of an improvement in these outcomes. DESIGN: A multicenter, prospective, longitudinal cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: Participants aged 18 years were recruited to the study if the clinical assessment of their best uncorrected vision was <= 6/18 in the better eye because of cataract [Corrected]. METHODS: Cataract surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Data were collected on quality of life and a multidimensional assessment of household economic circumstances (work status, income, asset ownership, household economic hardship, and catastrophic health expenditure). RESULTS: At 12 months follow-up, 381 of 480 participants were re-interviewed, and all had undergone surgery. There was a significant improvement in quality of life. Household economic circumstances also improved (mean change paid work participation/month: 44.5 hours, P < 0.0001; mean change unpaid work participation/month: 89.5 hours, P < 0.0001; change in proportion with hardship: -17%, P < 0.0001; and change in proportion with catastrophic health expenditure: -7%, P = 0.02). Improvements were most likely in near-poor households and were related to the type of surgery and complications after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: This research showed that cataract surgery is associated with meaningful improvements in quality of life and household economic circumstances that are indicative of positive transitions out of poverty. Given the unmet need for cataract surgery in low- and middle-income countries where cataract impairment is substantial, this research demonstrates the potential of a relatively simple, low-cost health intervention to greatly improve household economic circumstances.

Assessment of vision-related quality of life among patients with cataracts and the outcomes of cataract surgery using a newly developed visual function questionnaire: the VFQ-J11.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate vision-related quality of life (VRQoL) and associated factors in patients with cataracts and the outcomes of cataract surgery using the newly developed VRQoL instrument: the visual function questionnaire, 11-item Japanese version (the VFQ-J11). METHODS: A total of 457 patients scheduled for cataract surgery at 12 clinical sites from November 2008 through February 2010 were included in the study. The patients completed the VFQ-J11 before and 3 months after surgery. The VFQ-J11 was used to investigate factors associated with VRQoL of the cataract patients, the outcome of cataract surgery, and the predictors of improved VRQoL due to cataract surgery. RESULTS: In a multiple regression model, the VFQ-J11 score was significantly associated with corrected distance visual acuity in the better-seeing eye (better eye VA), and improvement in the VFQ-J11 score after cataract surgery was associated not only with improvement in the better eye VA, but also with improvement in the worse eye VA. Compared to one-eye cataract surgery, both-eyes surgery had a greater impact on VFQ-J11 score improvement. CONCLUSIONS: The VFQ-J11 is a good measure of VRQoL in cataract patients. The present study indicates that by including the domains measured in the VFQ, the VFQ-J11 can provide valid data on VRQoL and be less of a burden for patients.

Quality-of-life and visual function after manual small incision cataract Surgery in South Western Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Outcome studies after cataract surgery should focus on functional status and quality of life instead of visual acuity measurement alone. OBJECTIVE: To assess patients' quality of life (QoL) and overall visual function (VF) after manual small incision cataract surgery (SICS) with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. METHODS: A prospective hospital based study which evaluated the preoperative and postoperative visual function and vision related QoL among patients presenting with first eye cataract at an eye hospital in South Western Nigeria using the VF-14 questionnaire and the vision related QoL questionnaire. RESULTS: One hundred and eighty two patients were enrolled for the study with a mean age of 66.5 ± 10.46. The mean preoperative visual function (VF) score was 40.17 ± 33.59 (range 0 to 82.14) and postoperatively it was 88.79 ± 20.15 (range 0 to 100) p value <0.001. Prior to surgery, 50 (27.6%) patients had visual function score. 75% however after surgery 161 (88.2%) patients had a visual function score of over 75%. (p value <0.001). Using the vision related QoL questionnaire, the highest impact of visual recovery after cataract surgery was improvement with mobility in almost 80% of the patients. CONCLUSION: This study has demonstrated improvement in vision related quality of life and visual function, resulting in rapid recovery of the patient's functional independence and health status following manual SICS. Small incision cataract surgery should therefore be offered to more patients in the African sub-region.

A randomized, controlled trial of an intervention promoting cataract surgery acceptance in rural China: the Guangzhou Uptake of Surgery Trial (GUSTO).

PURPOSE: To evaluate an educational intervention promoting acceptance of cataract surgery in rural China using a randomized controlled design. METHODS: Patients aged 50 years or older with presenting visual acuity (PVA) less than 6/18 in one or both eyes due to cataract were recruited from 26 screening sessions (13 intervention, 13 control) conducted by five rural hospitals in Guangdong, China. At intervention sessions, subjects were shown a 5-minute informational video, and counseled about cataract, surgery, and surgical cost. During screening, all subjects answered questionnaires on knowledge and attitudes about cataract, their finances, and transportation, and were referred for definitive examination if eligible. Study outcomes were acceptance of surgery (principal outcome) and hospital follow-up. RESULTS: Subjects in the intervention group were younger than controls (P = 0.01), but the groups did not otherwise differ. Among 212 intervention patients and 222 controls, no differences in knowledge and attitude regarding cataract were found. Surgery was accepted by 31.1% of intervention patients and 34.2% of controls (P > 0.50). Predictors of acceptance included younger age, worse logMAR PVA, knowing that cataract can be treated surgically only, greater anticipated loss in income from hospitalization, and greater house floor space per person. Membership in the intervention group was not associated with accepting surgery (odds ratio [OR] = 1.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.67-1.84) or hospital follow-up (OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.63-1.67). CONCLUSIONS: Educational interventions that successfully impart the knowledge that cataract can be only treated surgically may be more effective in increasing uptake in this setting. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01123928.).

inVestIgating the pSychologIcal and ecONomic impAct of cataRact surgerY in Vietnam: The VISIONARY observational study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Visual impairment caused by cataracts not only affects an individual's quality of life but can also have a profound impact on other important psychological factors and on the economic circumstances of individuals and their households. Cataract surgery is an effective intervention to restore vision and is also associated with other positive consequences including improvements in quality of life, economic and psychological outcomes. While there has been an increase in the number and quality of cataract surgeries performed in Vietnam, the programs currently in place are still unable to meet the existing demand and need for surgery. Data on both the cost-effectiveness of cataract surgery and the economic and psychological impact of untreated cataract in this setting is lacking. METHODS/DESIGN: This study, investigating the psychological and economic impact of cataract surgery in Vietnam (VISIONARY), will recruit and interview a sample of adults (18 years or over) who are referred for cataract surgery by one of the following sites and their outreach programs: Hue Eye Hospital; Thai Binh Eye Hospital; Binh Dinh Department of Health Eye Hospital and the Vinh Long Department of Health Social Disease Centre. All participants (those who have cataract surgery and those who do not have surgery) will be followed up at six and 12 months. DISCUSSION: This study is designed to examine the impact of low vision on household economic circumstances and psychological outcomes as well as to investigate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of cataract surgery in Vietnam. It will help to inform international and national non-government organisations working in the country and local policy-makers on priorities for further investment in eye-health services in this setting and their relevance to broader economic development goals.

Patients' experiences and preferences with co-managed care in a cataract pathway.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Co-managed care in cataract pathways allows ophthalmologists more time to treat other patients. However, little is known on how patients experience pathways that greatly reduce the amount of time spent with ophthalmologists. PURPOSE: To determine experiences and preferences of cataract patients with co-managed postoperative care. METHODS: In a nested-case control study, 194 patients who received their first-day review and final review by an ophthalmologist and 289 patients who received a telephone first-day review by a nurse and a final review by an optometrist were included. The Consumer Quality Index Cataract Questionnaire was used to measure patients' experiences with the quality of care after uncomplicated first-eye cataract surgery. RESULTS: Patients in the co-managed care pathway reported similarly good experiences with the quality of care as patients who received their reviews by an ophthalmologist. Patients who were reviewed by a nurse reported to prefer the same first-day review method significantly more often than those who were reviewed by an ophthalmologist. Most patients preferred the final review by an ophthalmologist. CONCLUSION: Overall, patients with cataract highly rated co-managed care pathways without any postoperative contact with ophthalmologists. Nevertheless, patients still preferred ophthalmologists for their final review to optometrists. Any added patients' benefits should be clearly determined before substituting activities from ophthalmologists to other care professionals.

Understanding why patients with cataract refuse free surgery: the influence of rumours in Kenya.

OBJECTIVES: To understand the reasons that hinder people from uptake of sponsored cataract surgery. METHODS: A mixed methods (qualitative and quantitative) approach was used. During routine screening activities at Kwale District, Kenya, local residents with visually impairing cataract were clinically assessed and offered free surgery. Interviews were conducted using a semi-structured guide that covered different aspects related to acceptance of cataract surgery including knowledge of others who underwent surgery and their outcome. Analysis focused on differences between people accepting and people refusing surgery and the reasons for non-acceptance of surgery. RESULTS: Ninety interviews were conducted, 48 with people accepting and 42 with people refusing free surgery. Those who accepted surgery generally reported good outcome in others, while people who refused surgery often reported to know someone who worsened or even become blind after surgery. Many of these 'failed cases' were prominent figures in the local community, and most of them had already died. Glaucoma was the single most common underlying medical condition. On being re-interviewed, several people admitted that they had actually never met someone who had unsuccessful surgery but only heard rumours. CONCLUSION: In Africa, a rumour of blinding eye surgery is not uncommonly being used by patients to justify their refusal to have cataract surgery. Underlying reasons appear to be related to shame, fear of surgery or missing social support. Improved awareness of the general population regarding eye conditions and their management, involvement of the family and local community in decision making, good surgical outcomes and appropriate counselling are possible methods to enhance acceptance.

Are blind people more likely to accept free cataract surgery? A study of vision-related quality of life and visual acuity in Kenya.

PURPOSE: To determine possible differences in visual acuity, socio-demographic factors and vision-related Quality of Life (QoL) between people accepting and people refusing sponsored cataract surgery. METHODS: Three hundred and fifty seven local residents with visually impairing cataract, presenting at screening sites in Kwale District, Kenya were clinically assessed and interviewed. The World Health Organization (WHO) QoL-questionnaire WHO/Prevention of Blindness and Deafness Visual Functioning Questionnaire 20 (PBD-VFQ20) was used to determine the vision-related QoL. A standardized questionnaire asked for socio-demographic data and prior cataract surgery in one eye. After interview, patients were offered free surgery. Primary outcome was the mean QoL-score between acceptors and non-acceptors. Secondary outcomes were visual acuity and socio-demographic factors and their contribution to QoL-scores and the decision on acceptance or refusal. RESULTS: Fifty nine people (16.5%) refused and 298 accepted cataract surgery. Vision-related QoL was poorer in people accepting than in those refusing (mean score 51.54 and 43.12 respectively). People with poor visual acuity were only slightly more likely to accept surgery than people with better vision; the strongest predictors of acceptance were the QoL-score and gender. Men were twice as likely to accept compared to women. Of people who accepted surgery, 73.8% had best eye vision of 20/200 or better. CONCLUSION: In this population, visual acuity was of limited use to predict a person's decision to accept or refuse cataract surgery. QoL-scores provide further insight into which individuals will agree to surgery and it might be useful to adapt the QoL-questions for field use. Gender inequities remain a matter of concern with men being more likely to get sight-restoring surgery.

Cataract in central Sri Lanka: cataract surgical coverage and self-reported barriers to cataract surgery.

PURPOSE: To determine the cataract surgical coverage and investigate the barriers to cataract surgery in the Kandy District of central Sri Lanka. METHODS: A population-based, cross-sectional ophthalmic survey of the inhabitants of rural villages in central Sri Lanka was conducted; there were 1721 eligible subjects and 1375 participated (79.9% participation rate). The recorded data included age, gender, education, district, corrected visual acuity, dilated slit-lamp examination and stereoscopic fundus examination. Lens opacity was graded using the Lens Opacities Classification System III. Participants with cataract-induced visual impairment (acuity <6/18 in the better eye) were also invited to respond to a verbal questionnaire about barriers to cataract surgery. RESULTS: Cataract surgical coverage per individual for visual acuity cut-offs of <6/18, <6/60 and <3/60 was 41.9%, 76.8% and 82.7%, respectively; and per eye was 34.0%, 60.3% and 65.2%, respectively. Cataract surgical coverage was higher for men than women, and two-thirds refused referral for surgery, for the following reasons: no desire to improve vision, fear of surgery and lack of awareness were the most frequently reported barriers. SUMMARY: Cataract surgical coverage in central Sri Lanka is higher than that in neighbouring developing regions. Surgical uptake may be improved through better community education.

Holistic approach to pre-operative assessment for cataract patients.

When patients agree to have cataract surgery it is important that they are fully assessed to determine their fitness for surgery. This article discusses the benefits of a nurse-led holistic approach to patient assessment, which, in practice, should be more than simply a 'tick-box exercise'. Essential components of the assessment include obtaining valid informed consent and performing biometry - the process by which the required dioptric power of an intraocular lens (IOL) implant is calculated prior to cataract surgery. It is a highly skilled procedure, which involves the measurement of corneal curvature and the axial length of the eye using either ultrasound or optical methods of biometry. This article examines the vital nursing roles aimed at improving the quality and efficiency of the patient's 'journey'.