Impact of cataract surgery on visual acuity and quality of life assessed using the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 in a public teaching hospital in Brazil / Impacto da cirurgia de catarata na acuidade visual e na qualidade de vida usando o National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 em um hospital público de ensino no Brasil

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study set out to examine the impact of surgical treatment of senile cataract on visual acuity and quality of life in patients operated in a public teaching hospital. Methods: Prospective study including patients aged over 60 years with clinical indications for cataract surgery treated at a medical residency service. The National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 was applied. Corrected distance visual acuity was measured before and after cataract surgery. Correlations between National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 scores and corrected distance visual acuity were investigated. Surgeons in charge, and surgical complications were also reported. Results: A total of 69 patients (89 eyes) were enrolled in this study. Patients were submitted to unilateral (52) or bilateral (17) surgery. Mean patient age was 70.8 ± 7.3 (52 to 95) years. Mean preoperative and postoperative National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 scores were 77.4 ± 15.3 (25.7 to 98.2) and 89.7 ± 14.0 (28.2 to 100) respectively. The larger differences in National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 subscale scores were associated with general vision (from 34.4 to 48.6). Mean preoperative and postoperative corrected distance visual acuity were 0.7 ± 0.39 (0.3 to 1.3) LogMAR and 0.24 ± 0.19 (0.1 to 1.0) LogMAR respectively. Comparative analysis of preoperative and postoperative findings revealed significant (p<0.001) improvements in quality of life and corrected distance visual acuity. Most surgeries (70%, 74 eyes) were performed by surgeons in training. Comparative analysis between patients submitted to unilateral and bilateral surgery revealed significantly (p=0.016) larger visual acuity gains in patients requiring surgery in both eyes. However, questionnaire scores did not differ significantly (p=2.48). Complications were observed in 13 eyes (14.6%), posterior capsule tear being the most common. Even in these cases, total National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 scores and corrected distance visual acuity increased significantly (p<0.001). Conclusion: Cataract surgery performed in teaching hospital settings improved patient quality of life and visual acuity. Therefore, public health agencies should ensure access to cataract surgery.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito da cirurgia de catarata na acuidade visual e na qualidade de vida em adultos submetidos à cirurgia de catarata em hospital público de ensino. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo, que incluiu pacientes acima de 60 anos com indicação clínica para cirurgia de catarata em um serviço de residência médica. O National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 foi aplicado, e a acuidade visual corrigida à distância foi avaliada antes e após a cirurgia de catarata. Foram realizadas correlações entre o escore do National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 e a acuidade visual. Cirurgiões e complicações cirúrgicas também foram descritos. Resultados: Foram incluídos neste estudo 89 olhos de 69 pacientes, em um total de 52 cirurgias unilaterais e 17 bilaterais. A idade média foi de 70,8±7,3 anos (52 a 95), e a pontuação média do National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 antes da cirurgia foi 77,4±15,3 (25,7 a 98,2) e, depois, de 89,7±14,03 (28,2 a 100). A maior diferença entre os subdomínios do National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 foi a visão geral (34,4 a 48,6). A acuidade visual corrigida à distância média antes do procedimento foi de 0,70±0,39 (0,3 a 1,3) LogMAR e, depois, foi de 0,24±0,19 (0,1 a 1,0) LogMAR. Comparando os resultados antes e após a cirurgia de catarata, houve melhora significativa na qualidade de vida (p<0,001) e na acuidade visual (p<0,001). Dentre as cirurgias, 70% (74 olhos) foram realizadas por cirurgiões em treinamento. A análise comparativa entre os grupos de pacientes de cirurgias unilaterais e bilaterais apresentou um ganho na acuidade visual maior no grupo que operou ambos os olhos, com significância estatística (p=0,016). No entanto, o aumento na pontuação do questionário, observado em ambos os grupos, não representou diferença estatisticamente significante (p=٢,٤٨٩). Complicações foram observadas em ١٣ olhos (١٤,٦٪), sendo a ruptura de cápsula posterior a mais frequente. Mesmo esses pacientes obtiveram aumento no escore total do National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 (p<0,001) e na acuidade visual corrigida à distância (p<0,001). Conclusão: A cirurgia de catarata realizada em ambiente hospitalar de ensino proporciona melhora na qualidade de vida e na acuidade visual, sendo fundamental que os órgãos de saúde pública garantam o acesso da população a esse procedimento.

Evaluation of quality of life and visual acuity after posterior capsulotomy with neodymium: YAG laser in adults / Avaliação da qualidade de vida e da acuidade visual após capsulotomia com Neodymium: YAG laser em adultos

Abstract Purpose: To determine the impact of neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) laser posterior capsulotomy on quality of life and visual acuity in adults. Methods: A prospective study that included patients over 65 years old with clinical indications for Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy. On the day of the procedure, corrected distance visual acuity tests, slit-lamp examination and posterior capsule opacification (PCO) photo documentation were performed, followed by application of the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-25). The PCO rate was evaluated with Evaluation of Posterior Capsule opacification (EPCO 2000) software. Four weeks after the posterior capsulotomy, corrected distance visual acuity was measured, and the NEI-VFQ-25 was applied again. Complications were also reported. Results : Sixty eyes from 45 patients were enrolled in the study. The mean age was 71.51 ± 6.38 years (65 to 93). Comparing the results before and after the Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy, there was a statistically significant improvement in quality of life according to the NEI-VFQ-25 (p<0.001) and in visual acuity (p=0.0). The mean score in NEI-VFQ-25 Questionnaire before capsulotomy was 62.07 ± 20.90 (16.81-95.90) and after was 83.95±19.49 (20.68 - 100.0). The mean CDVA before the procedure was 0.75 ± 0.35 LogMAR (0.1-1.3) and after was 0.21 ± 0.20 LogMAR (0.0-1.3). The mean PCO rate measured by the EPCO software was 0.688 ± 0.449. There was a positive correlation between the EPCO score and the total score of quality of life after Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy (r=0.845, p=0.00). Damage to intraocular lens was the only complication observed in six eyes (10%). Conclusion: Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy, in addition to improving visual acuity, is able to improve quality of life.

Resumo Objetivo: Determinar o impacto da capsulotomia posterior com laser de neodímio: YAG (Nd: YAG) na qualidade de vida e na acuidade visual em adultos. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo que incluiu pacientes acima de 65 anos com indicação clínica para capsulotomia com laser de Nd: YAG. No dia do procedimento, foram realizados testes de acuidade visual corrigida, exame com lâmpada de fenda e fotodocumentação da opacificação da cápsula posterior (OCP), seguido da aplicação do National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-25). A taxa de OCP foi avaliada utilizando o software de avaliação de opacificação de cápsula posterior (EPCO 2000). Quatro semanas após a capsulotomia posterior, a acuidade visual corrigida foi medida, e o NEI-VFQ-25 foi aplicado novamente. Complicações também foram relatadas. Resultados: Sessenta olhos de 45 pacientes foram incluídos no estudo. A idade média foi de 71,51±6,38 anos (65 to 93). Comparando os resultados antes e após a capsulotomia com laser Nd: YAG, houve melhora estatisticamente significante na qualidade de vida de acordo com o NEI-VFQ-25 (p <0,001) e na acuidade visual (p = 0,0). A média do escore total do questionário NEI-VFQ-25 pré capsulotomia foi de 62.07 ± 20.90 (16.81-95.90) e pós foi de 83.95 ±19.49 (20.68 - 100.0). A AVCC antes do procedimento foi 0.75 ± 0.35 LogMAR (0.1-1.3) e após foi 0.21 ± 0.20 LogMAR (0.0-1.3). A taxa média de OCP medida pelo software EPCO foi de 0,688 ± 0,449. Houve correlação positiva entre o escore EPCO e o escore total de qualidade de vida após a capsulotomia com laser de Nd: YAG (r = 0,845, p = 0,00). O dano à lente intraocular foi a única complicação observada em seis olhos (10%). Conclusão: A capsulotomia com laser Nd: YAG, além de melhorar a acuidade visual, é capaz de melhorar a qualidade de vida.

Ultrasound power and irrigation volume in different lens opacity grades: comparison of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery and conventional phacoemulsification

OBJECTIVES: To compare the amount of ultrasound energy and irrigation volume in conventional phacoemulsification cataract surgery versus femtosecond laser-assisted phacoemulsification at different nuclear-cortical cataract grades. METHOD: This was a prospective, consecutive, investigator-masked nonrandomized parallel cohort study. Patients were divided into 4 groups (Phaco1, Phaco2, Femto1 and Femto2) according to the surgical technique (conventional phacoemulsification [Group Phaco] or femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery [Group Femto]) and the Lens Opacity Classification System III (LOCS) grade (LOCS<11 [group 1] or LOCS≥11 [group 2]). The measured outcomes were effective phacoemulsification time (EPT), indicating the ultrasound energy, and balanced salt solution (BSS) use, indicating the irrigation volume, to indirectly estimate the damage to the corneal endothelium caused by the cataract surgery. RESULTS: A total of 160 eyes from 109 patients were included: 87 eyes in Group Phaco, 73 eyes in Group Femto, 76 eyes in group 1 and 84 eyes in group 2. The EPT mean in Femto1 was 53% less (2.73±1.88, 0.1 to 8.65) than that in Phaco1 (5.80±2.86) (p=0.00) and in Femto2 (8.38±9.32) was 33% less than that in Phaco2 (12.55±8.38) (p=0.00). No significant differences in mean LOCS grades between the Phaco1 (8.21±1.44) and Femto1 (7.90±1.90) groups (p=0.73) or between the Phaco2 (13.15±2.55) and Femto2 (12.72±2.18) groups (p=0.95) were found. There were no significant differences in the mean BSS use between the Phaco1 (55.73±12.45) and Femto1 (59.37±10.93) groups (p=0.48) or between the Phaco2 (64.34±21.00) and Femto2 (65.71±17.60) groups (p=0.47). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to conventional phacoemulsification at different nuclear-cortical cataract grades, femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery provides an EPT reduction but does not influence the BSS use.

Long-term efficiency of cataract surgery with hydrophilic acrylic Ioflex intraocular lens

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficiency of long-term cataract surgery using low-cost intraocular lens implantation in community campaigns. METHODS: Fifty-eight randomly selected patients were evaluated four years after phacoemulsification and Ioflex intraocular lens implantation. Causes of low visual acuity related to the intraocular lens were evaluated, and treatment costs were calculated. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 72±10.2 years. Four years after surgery, 25 eyes (43.0%) had decreased visual acuity related to the intraocular lens: posterior capsule opacification was noted in 24 eyes (41.3%), and intraocular lens opacification was noted in one eye (1.7%). The total cost of the post-surgical complication treatments represented 6.3% of the initial budget of the entire surgical patient group. CONCLUSIONS: The efficiency of cataract surgery with low-cost Ioflex intraocular lens implantation was significantly reduced in a long-term follow-up study because postoperative complications related to intraocular lenses emerged at higher rates than when the gold-standard treatment was used.

Review of developments in corneal transplantation in the regions of Brazil - Evaluation of corneal transplants in Brazil

The aim of this study was to identify inequalities in corneal donation and transplantation among the regions of Brazil. A transversal and retrospective study was specifically conducted using data from the Brazilian Transplant Registry collected by the Brazilian Association of Organ Transplantation between January 2002 and December 2014. The collected data were processed using descriptive statistical methods, and p<0.05 was the rate of rejection of the null hypothesis. From 2002 to 2014, there was an increase in the absolute number of corneal transplants, the annual rate of transplants per million people and the percentage of needed transplants performed in each of the five regions of Brazil. Family refusal and medical contraindication were the most frequent reasons for a lack of corneal donation. Although remarkable progress has been made in the last decade in each of the five Brazilian regions, health professionals’ lack of preparation to approach families with donation requests at the death of a family member appears to be the main obstacle to increasing the number of corneal donations. Thus, the present study suggests the implementation of public policies to make corneal transplants more effective, particularly given that there are considerable disparities in the effectiveness with which regional needs are met and in health professionals’ ability to perform transplants among the Brazilian regions, with higher rates in the South, Southeast and Midwest regions and lower rates in the North and Northeast regions.

Ocular risk management in patients undergoing general anesthesia: an analysis of 39,431 surgeries

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to describe and analyze ocular findings associated with nonocular surgery in patients who underwent general anesthesia. METHODS: The authors retrospectively collected a series of 39,431 surgeries using standardized data forms. RESULTS: Ocular findings were reported in 9 cases (2.3:10,000), which involved patients with a mean age of 58.9±19.5 years. These cases involved patients classified as ASA I (33%), ASA II (55%) or ASA III (11%). General anesthesia with propofol and remifentanil was used in 4 cases, balanced general anesthesia was used in 4 cases, and regional block was used in combination with balanced general anesthesia in one case. Five patients (55%) underwent surgery in the supine position, one patient (11%) underwent surgery in the lithotomy position, two patients (22%) underwent surgery in the prone position, and one patient (11%) underwent surgery in the lateral position. Ocular hyperemia was detected in most (77%) of the 9 cases with ocular findings; pain/burning of the eyes, visual impairment, eye discharge and photophobia were observed in 55%, 11%, 11% and 11%, respectively, of these 9 cases. No cases involved permanent ocular injury or vision loss. CONCLUSION: Ophthalmological findings after surgeries were uncommon, and most of the included patients were relatively healthy. Minor complications, such as dehydration or superficial ocular trauma, should be prevented by following systematic protocols that provide appropriate ocular occlusion with a lubricating ointment and protect the eye with an acrylic occluder. These procedures will refine the quality of anesthesia services and avoid discomfort among patients, surgeons and anesthesia staff. .

Cataract surgery: emotional reactions of patients with monocular versus binocular vision / Cirurgia de catarata: aspectos emocionais de pacientes com visão monocular versus binocular

PURPOSE: To analyze emotional reactions related to cataract surgery in two groups of patients (monocular vision - Group 1; binocular vision - Group 2). METHODS: A transversal comparative study was performed using a structured questionnaire from a previous exploratory study before cataract surgery. RESULTS: 206 patients were enrolled in the study, 96 individuals in Group 1 (69.3 ± 10.4 years) and 110 in Group 2 (68.2 ± 10.2 years). Most patients in group 1 (40.6%) and 22.7% of group 2, reported fear of surgery (p<0.001). The most important causes of fear were: possibility of blindness, ocular complications and death during surgery. The most prevalent feelings among the groups were doubts about good results and nervousness. CONCLUSION: Patients with monocular vision reported more fear and doubts related to surgical outcomes. Thus, it is necessary that phisycians considers such emotional reactions and invest more time than usual explaining the risks and the benefits of cataract surgery.Ouvir.

OBJETIVO: Verificar reações emocionais relacionadas à cirurgia de catarata entre pacientes com visão monocular (Grupo 1) e binocular (Grupo 2). MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo tranversal, comparativo por meio de um questionário estruturado respondido por pacientes antes da cirurgia de catarata. RESULTADOS: A amostra foi composta de 96 pacientes no Grupo 1 (69.3 ± 10.4 anos) e 110 no Grupo 2 (68.2 ± 10.2 anos). Consideravam apresentar medo da cirugia 40.6% do Grupo 1 e 22.7% do Grupo 2 (p<0.001) e entre as principais causas do medo, a possibilidade de perda da visão, complicações cirúrgicas e a morte durante o procedimento foram apontadas. Os sentimentos mais comuns entre os dois grupos foram dúvidas a cerca dos resultados da cirurgia e o nervosismo diante do procedimento. CONCLUSÃO: Pacientes com visão monocular apresentaram mais medo e dúvidas relacionadas à cirurgia de catarata comparados com aqueles com visão binocular. Portanto, é necessário que os médicos considerem estas reações emocionais e invistam mais tempo para esclarecer os riscos e benefícios da cirurgia de catarata.

Cancelamento de cirurgias de catarata em um hospital público de referência / Cancellation of cataract surgery in a public hospital

OBJETIVO: Analisar a incidência e causas de cancelamento de cirurgias de catarata em um hospital público de referência. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo em que foram analisados o número de cancelamentos de facectomias durante o ano de 2009. Foram analisados sexo, idade, tipo de procedimento suspenso (facoemulsificação ou extração extracapsular do cristalino), tipo de anestesia, convênio (Sistema Único de Saúde ou convênio/particular) e motivo de suspensão da cirurgia (causas clínicas, institucionais ou pessoais). RESULTADOS: Foram agendadas no período 2.965 cirurgias de catarata, havendo 650 cancelamentos (21,92%). Dentre as principais razões para a suspensão do procedimento destacaram-se as causas clínicas (86,90%). Os meses de inverno apresentaram os maiores índices de suspensão de cirurgias de catarata. CONCLUSÃO: A taxa de cancelamento de cirurgia de catarata em serviços públicos parece ser a mesma que há 10 anos. A principal causa de suspensão deve-se por condições clínicas (hipertensão, diabetes, falta de exames, etc.).

PURPOSE: To report the incidence and causes of cataract surgery cancellations in a public hospital. METHODS: This is a retrospective study, which examined the number of cancellations of cataract surgery during 2009. We analyzed the type of procedure suspended (phacoemulsification or extracapsular extraction), type of anesthesia, gender, age, covenant (public/private) and the main reasons for suspension of the surgeries (clinical causes, institutional or personal). RESULTS: We analyzed 2,965 scheduled cataract surgeries, with 650 cancellations (21.92%). The main reason for the suspension of the procedure was clinical causes (86.90%). The winter months had the highest suspension rates of cataract surgery. CONCLUSION: The cancellation rate of cataract surgery in Brazilian public system seems to be the same as 10 years ago. The main cause of the suspension should be in clinical conditions (hypertension, diabetes, lack of exams, etc.).

A clinical comparison between DisCoVisc and 2% hydroxypropylmethylcellulose in phacoemulsification: a fellow eye study

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to compare the effects and outcomes of two ophthalmic viscosurgical devices, 1.6% hyaluronic acid/4.0% chondroitin sulfate and 2.0% hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, during phacoemulsification. METHODS: This prospective, randomized clinical trial comprised 78 eyes (39 patients) that received phacoemulsification performed by the same surgeon using a standardized technique. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either 1.6% hyaluronic acid/4.0% chondroitin sulfate or 2.0% hydroxypropylmethylcellulose on the first eye. The other eye was treated later and received the other viscoelastic agent. Preoperative and postoperative examinations (5, 24 and 48 hours; 7 and 14 days; 3 and 6 months) included measurements of the total volume of the ophthalmic viscosurgical device, ultrasound and washout times to completely remove the ophthalmic viscosurgical device, intraocular pressure, central corneal thickness and best-corrected visual acuity. The corneal endothelial cell count was measured at baseline and at six months postoperatively. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01387620. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between groups in terms of cataract density or ultrasound time. However, it took longer to remove 2.0% hydroxypropylmethylcellulose than 1.6% hyaluronic acid/ 4.0% chondroitin sulfate, and the amount of viscoelastic material used was greater in the 2.0% hydroxypropylmethylcellulose group. In addition, the best-corrected visual acuity was significantly better in the hyaluronic acid/ chondroitin sulfate group, but this preferable outcome was only observed at 24 hours after the operation. There were no statistically significant differences between the two ophthalmic viscosurgical devices regarding the central corneal thickness or intraocular pressure measurements at any point in time. The corneal endothelial cell count was significantly higher in the hyaluronic acid/chondroitin sulfate group. CONCLUSION: The ophthalmic viscosurgical device consisting of 1.6% hyaluronic acid/4.0% chondroitin sulfate was more efficient during phacoemulsification and was easier to remove after IOL implantation than 2.0% hydroxypropylmethylcellulose. In addition, the corneal endothelial cell count was significantly higher following the use of hyaluronic acid/chondroitin sulfate than with hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, which promoted an improved level of corneal endothelium protection.

Dificuldades de acesso ao tratamento de pacientes com indicação de cirurgia de catarata nos Sistemas de Saúde Público e Privado / Difficulties in access to treatment for patients undergoing cataract surgery in public and private health systems

OBJETIVO: Estimar o valor dos Projetos Catarata para a comunidade, identificando características e dificuldades de acesso ao diagnóstico e ao tratamento da catarata na rotina de atendimento de diversos Sistemas de Saúde. MÉTODOS: Durante uma campanha de catarata realizada em um hospital universitário foi aplicado um questionário de múltipla escolha somente aos pacientes selecionados para a cirurgia de catarata. Foram avaliadas, dentre outras, as seguintes variáveis: acesso prévio à consulta oftalmológica (serviço público ou privado); motivo(s) para a não realização da cirurgia no serviço inicial. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 627 pacientes com diagnóstico de catarata. A maioria 595 (95 por cento) já havia consultado um oftalmologista previamente, sendo que em 63 por cento das situações (375 pacientes) a consulta havia sido realizada há menos de um ano. A última avaliação oftalmológica foi realizada pelo Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) em 52 por cento dos casos (307 pacientes), e entre estes, a fila de espera foi apontada pela maioria como sendo a causa da não realização da cirurgia. Com relação aos pacientes previamente atendidos em serviços privados, o motivo da não realização da cirurgia foi o custo da cirurgia e custo da lente intraocular. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados deste estudo sugerem que a rotina de atendimento oftalmológico no SUS em São Paulo não está preparada para atender a demanda por cirurgias de catarata, e o sistema de saúde privado ainda exclui uma parcela da população que possuí acesso à consulta clínica da cirurgia de catarata. É importante a continuidade da realização de campanhas comunitárias para atender a população que não teria como acessar a cirurgia pelas vias convencionais.

PURPOSE: To identify the difficulties in access to diagnosis and treatment of cataract in patients attended during a cataract campaign. METHODS: A questionnaire was administered to patients selected for cataract surgery. We evaluated, among others, the following variables: prior access to ophthalmologists (public or private), reason(s) for not having surgery early in the initial service, the average cost charged by cataract surgery and intraocular lens (IOL) (private services and agreements). RESULTS: A total of 627 patients was evaluated. Most of them - 595 (95 percent) had previously attended an ophthalmologist, and in 63 percent of cases (375 patients) the consultation had been held for less than a year. The last evaluation was performed by the Brazilian Public Health System (SUS) in 52 percent of the cases (307 patients). Regarding the reason for not having surgery in the initial service, the high cost of the surgery (R$ 2.000 - R$ 4.000) and the cost of IOLs (R$ 1.000 - R$ 1.500) was the main obstacle for most attended services and private covenants. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that the routine of ophthalmologic care in SUS at São Paulo is not prepared to answer the demand for cataract surgeries and private healthcare system still excludes a portion of the population. It is important to continue the implementation of community campaigns to serve the population that would be unable to access the surgery through conventional ways.

Influência da correção cirúrgica da catarata na percepção laborativa / Influence of cataract surgical correction on working perception

Objetivo: Analisar o benefício gerado nas atividades profissionais após a cirurgia de catarata. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo prospectivo, randomizado, no Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade de São Paulo. Os pacientes foram submetidos à facoemulsificação (FACO) e à extração extracapsular (EECP). Resultados: A amostra foi composta de 205 pacientes, destes, 101 realizaram cirurgia pela técnica de facoemulsificação. A média de idade no grupo da facoemulsificação foi de 68,3 anos ± 9 anos e de 69,1 anos ± 8,5 anos no grupo da extração extracapsular (p=0,70). A porcentagem de pacientes empregados no grupo facoemulsificação foi de 16,83 por cento, e no outro grupo de 13,46 por cento. A maioria dos pacientes que não remunerados formalmente sentiu-se motivada a procurar trabalho. A maioria dos analisados relatou aumento da produtividade no trabalho após a cirurgia, 82,50 por cento no grupo facoemulsificação e 78,60 por cento no grupo extração extracapsular (p=0,20). Conclusão: A cirurgia de catarata por ambas as técnicas proporcionou melhora da produtividade no trabalho, e estimulou indivíduos economicamente inativos a procurar trabalho remunerado.

Purpose: To analyze the benefits after cataract surgery in professional activities. Methods: A prospective, randomized study was conducted at the Clinical Hospital of the University of São Paulo. The patients had cataract surgery by phacoemulsification (PHACO) and by extracapsular extraction (EECP). Results: The sample consisted of 205 patients, 101 of these, submitted to phacoemulsification. The mean age in phacoemulsification group was 68.3 years ± 9 years and 69.1 years ± 8.5 years in extracapsular extraction group (p=0.70). The percentage of patients employed in phacoemulsification group was 16.83 percent, and in the extracapsular extraction group of 13.46 percent. Most patients who were not employed felt motivated to seek work. Most of the patients increased their productivity at work after surgery, 82.50 percent in the phacoemulsification group, and 78.60 percent in the other group (p=0.20). Conclusion: Cataract surgery of both techniques has improved the productivity at work and encouraged economically inactive individuals to seek employment.

Cirurgia de catarata: características e opiniões de pacientes com visão mono versus binocular / Cataract surgery: characteristics and opinions of patients with monocular versus binocular vision

OBJETIVO: Verificar em dois grupos de pacientes com visão monocular (grupo 1) e com visão binocular (grupo 2), a serem submetidos à cirurgia de catarata num hospital universitário, opiniões em relação ao problema ocular, à qualidade da visão e à cirurgia de catarata. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado estudo transversal e comparativo, de forma consecutiva, por meio de questionário estruturado, aplicado por entrevista a pacientes, elaborado a partir de estudo exploratório e medidas acuidade visual e causa da perda visual. RESULTADOS: A amostra foi constituída por 96 indivíduos do grupo 1 (50,0 por cento homens; 50,0 por cento mulheres, com idade entre 41 e 91 anos, média 69,3 anos ± 10,4 anos) e 110, do grupo 2 (40,9 por cento homens; 59,1 por cento mulheres, com idade entre 40 e 89 anos, média 68,2 anos ± 10,2 anos). A maioria dos indivíduos de ambos os grupos apresentava baixa escolaridade. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre os grupos em relação ao sexo (p=0,191), à idade (p=0,702) e à escolaridade (p=0,245). Não exerciam atividade laboral 95,8 por cento dos indivíduos do grupo 1 e 83,6 por cento, do grupo 2 (p=0,005) e 30,4 por cento do grupo 1 mencionaram não ter possibilidade de trabalhar por causa da deficiência visual. Observou-se acuidade visual do olho a ser operado menor que 0,05 em 40,6 por cento (grupo 1) e 33,6 por cento (grupo 2), entre 0,25 e 0,05. Quase a totalidade dos indivíduos de ambos os grupos afirmou ter dificuldade para realização das atividades de vida diária e qualificou como insuficiente a respectiva acuidade visual; 71,9 por cento dos entrevistados do grupo 1 e 71,6 por cento, do grupo 2 mencionaram saber a causa da visão fraca; desses, 87,1 por cento do grupo 1 e 83,3 por cento do grupo 2 referiram a catarata como causa da baixa acuidade visual. CONCLUSÃO: Os indivíduos de ambos os grupos tiveram acesso à cirurgia de catarata com acuidade visual menor do que a idealmente indicada; os pacientes com visão monocular apresentaram acuidade visual significativamente menor em relação aos com visão binocular; a maioria dos entrevistados de ambos os grupos referiu dificuldades para realizar atividades cotidianas como consequência da baixa visão; muitos indivíduos de ambos os grupos desconheciam a causa da dificuldade visual ou a atribuíram a outra causa que não a catarata.

PURPOSE: To verify in two groups of patients: monocular (group 1) and binocular vision (group 2) to be submitted to cataract surgery at an University Hospital, opinions, expectances and emotional reactions related to the ocular problem, to the quality of vision and to cataract surgery. METHODS: A transversal comparative and consecutive study was performed using a structured questionnaire applied by patients interview. The questionnaire was elaborated from a previous exploratory study; visual acuity and cause of the visual loss were evaluated. RESULTS: The sample was constituted by 96 persons of group 1 (50.0 percent male; 50.0 percent female, ages ranging from 41 to 91 years; average 69.3 years ± 10.4 years) and 110 persons of group 2 (40.9 percent male; 59.1 percent female, ages ranging from 40 to 89 years; average 68.2 years ± 10.2 years). The majority of persons of both groups presented low educational level. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in relation to gender (p=0.191), age (p=0.702) and educational level (p=0.245). No work activity was mentioned in 95.8 percent of the persons of group 1 and 83.6 percent of group 2 (p=0.005) and 30.4 percent of group 1 informed the impossibility to work due the visual impairment. Visual acuity of the eye to be operated was less than 0.05 in 40.6 percent (group 1) and in 33,6 percent (group 2), presented visual acuity ranging from 0.05 to 0.25. Almost the totality of the persons of both groups informed difficulties to perform activities of daily life and qualified as insufficient their visual acuities; 71.9 percent of the patients of group 1 and 71.6 percent of group 2 informed to know the reason of low vision; among these, 87.1 percent of group 1 and 83.3 percent of group 2 mentioned cataract as the reason of low visual acuity. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the patients of both groups were submitted to cataract surgery with visual acuities less than the visual ...

Phacoemulsification versus extracapsular extraction: governmental costs

PURPOSE: To evaluate the governmental costs of patients undergoing phacoemulsification and extracapsular cataract extraction at a public hospital in a developing country. METHODS: A prospective study was conduced with 205 patients. The subjects were randomized for cataract surgery using either phacoemulsification or extracapsular cataract extraction techniques. RESULTS: Of the 205 patients, 101 patients were submitted to phacoemulsificationand 104 patients were submitted to extracapsular cataract extraction. Brazilian Health Care System expenditures for the surgery and the postoperative period were US$ 95.49 more in the phacoemulsification group than in the extracapsular cataract extractiongroup. If we take into account Social Security expenditures, then we estimate that the average difference for the total direct cost for the government for the surgery and the postoperative period for both procedures was US$ 50.91 or approximately half of the initial difference in cost for the phacoemulsification surgery. The total cost of cataract surgery for the government (excluding social security) was estimated at US$ 258.79 for extracapsular cataract extraction and US$ 309.70 for phacoemulsification per patient. Focusing only on working patients, the total cost was US$ 342.21 for phacoemulsification and US$ 587.71 for extracapsular cataract extraction, a difference of US$ 245.50. This difference can be considered monetarily and socially justifiable when the benefits of the surgical technique are evaluated. CONCLUSION: Under the conditions of this study, we observed that phacoemulsification was an efficient procedure with regard to the impact on public health care system, when all costs are assessed comprehensively, mainly for subjects with regular jobs.

Mini-rhexis for white intumescent cataracts

PURPOSE: To compare the intraoperative safety of two techniques of capsulorhexis for intumescent white cataracts: traditional one-stage continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis and two-stage continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis. METHODS: This prospective comparative randomized study included two groups: the 1-CCC group (11 patients) received traditional one-stage continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis with 5-6 mm diameter, and the 2-CCC (13 patients) group received a deliberately small continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis that was secondarily enlarged, or a two-stage continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis. Patients were stratified according to cataract subset, which was characterized echographically. Six patients were considered as type 1, fifteen as type 2 and three as type 3. Type 1 included intumescent white cataracts with cortex liquefaction and extensive internal acoustic reflections, type 2 included white cataracts with voluminous nuclei, a small amount of whitish solid cortex, and minimal internal acoustic reflections, and type 3 included white cataracts with fibrous anterior capsules and few internal echo spikes. RESULTS: With the one-stage technique, 46.15 percent of patients had leakage of the liquefied cortex; in addition, the surgeon perceived high intracapsular pressure in 61.53 percent of cases. Anterior capsule tears occurred in 23.07 percent of cases, discontinuity of capsulorhexis in 30.79 percent of cases and no posterior capsular rupture occurred. With the two-stage technique, leakage of the liquefied cortex occurred in 45.45 percent of cases; additionally, the surgeon perceived high intracapsular pressure in 36.36 percent of cases. No anterior capsule tears, discontinuity of capsulorhexis or posterior capsular rupture occurred. Considering each cataract subset, there was a higher incidence of leakage for type 2 as compared to types 1 and 3. CONCLUSIONS: Two-stage continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis helps prevent unexpected ...

Emotional factors prior to cataract surgery

PURPOSE: Identification of emotional factors related to daily difficulties and surgical treatment among patients with cataract at a university hospital. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out by means of a questionnaire, elaborated based on a previous study. The sample consisted of patients seen at the cataract unit of the ophthalmology clinic of a university hospital. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 110 individuals of both sexes (34.5 percent men; 65.5 percent women) between the ages of 43 and 89 (average 69.0 ± 10.3 years); 26.4 percent had never attended school, 59.1 percent had primary education, and 87.3 percent had no payed occupation. Most of the patients reported daily difficulties due to their ocular condition (82.7 percent), and 54.0 percent reported fear of visual loss. Doubt as to the outcome (32.7 percent), distress (26.4 percent), and sadness (25.5 percent) were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the patients reported difficulties in daily activities as a consequence of cataract. Fear was the predominant feeling related to undergoing surgery. The findings suggest the need for implementing intervention courses for emotional preparation for facing daily activities and cataract surgery.

OBJETIVO: Identificar fatores emocionais relacionados às dificuldades cotidianas e ao tratamento cirúrgico entre portadores de catarata de hospital universitário. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se estudo observacional transversal descritivo, por meio de questionário estruturado, aplicado por entrevista, elaborado a partir de estudo exploratório. A amostra foi formada por pacientes atendidos pelo setor de catarata da clínica oftalmológica de um hospital universitário. RESULTADOS: A amostra foi constituída por 110 sujeitos de ambos os sexos (34,5 por cento homens; 65,5 por cento mulheres), com idade entre 43 e 89 anos, ± 10,3 anos. Quanto à escolaridade, 26,4 por cento nunca freqüentaram escola, 59,1 por cento se distribuíram entre 1ª e 8ª série (1° grau); 87,3 por cento não exerciam atividade remunerada. A maior proporção dos entrevistados referiu dificuldades cotidianas devido à afecção ocular (82,7 por cento). Quanto ao medo em relação à cirurgia de catarata, 54,0 por cento mencionaram medo de perder a visão. Foram registrados sentimentos/significações em relação ao procedimento cirúrgico: dúvida quanto ao resultado (32,7 por cento), angústia (26,4 por cento), tristeza (25,5 por cento). CONCLUSÕES: A maioria dos entrevistados referiu dificuldades nas atividades cotidianas como conseqüência da catarata. Medo foi sentimento predominante entre os respondentes. Esses fatos sugerem necessidade de implementação de ações junto a pacientes, visando preparo emocional para enfrentamento das atividades cotidianas e da cirurgia de catarata.

Popular beliefs regarding the treatment of senile cataract

OBJETIVO: Identificar concepçöes populares em relaçäo ao tratamento de catarata senil entre pacientes atendidos em projetos comunitários de reabilitaçäo visual. MÉTODOS: Em cinco municípios do Estado de Säo Paulo, Brasil, foi realizado estudo transversal aplicando-se questionário, por entrevista, a uma amostra näo-probabilística composta por 776 sujeitos. A amostra foi formada por indivíduos do sexo masculino (47,2por cento) e do sexo feminino (52,8por cento), com idade entre 50 e 96 anos, média de 71,6 anos. RESULTADOS: Do total dos sujeitos estudados, 41,9por cento nunca estudaram, e 78,5por cento näo exerciam mais atividades profissionais. A maioria declarou confiar em resultados de cirurgia de catarata (85,1por cento); entre os que mostraram dúvida, 47,4por cento disseram achar que a cura da catarata dependia apenas da vontade de Deus. As mulheres acreditavam, mais do que os homens (p£0,0000), na relaçäo entre menopausa, maternidade, menstruaçäo e ocorrência da catarata. Admitiram usar chás de ervas e de rosas para seu tratamento. CONCLUSOES: Foram identificadas concepçöes falsas, de provável origem sociocultural, a respeito de causas e tratamento da catarata senil que indicam a necessidade de intervençöes educativas em saúde ocular

Aspectos médicos e sociais no atendimento oftalmológico de urgência / Medical and social aspects of ophthalmological emergency care

Objetivo: Realizou-se um estudo em cem pacientes no Serviço de Emergência Oftalmológica do Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Estadual de Campinas a fim de analisar as características pessoais e as dificuldades para obter assistência oftalmológica de forma resolutiva. Métodos: A amostra apresentou as seguintes características: distâncias entre 20 e 100 quilometros percorridas por 50,0 por cento dos pacientes a serem atendidos no Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Etadual de Campinas, sendo que 75,0 por cento destes necessitaram de acompanhante e 67,0 por cento eram procedentes de outros municípios. As longas distâncias percorridas representaram despesas adicionais no tratamento de doenças que muitas vezes deveriam ser resolvidas localmente. Resultados : Entre os pacientes encaminhados por oftalmologistas de outros serviços ao Hospital das Clínicas- Universidade Estadual de Campinas, 87,5 por cento poderiam ter seu problema resolvido em nível secundário de atendimento e 66,7 por cento das urgências verdadeiras e 60,O por cento das urgências falsas levaram mais de 7 dias para chegar ao Pronto Socorro - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, sugerindo, nas condiçöes desta pesquisa, uma estruturaçäo precária dos serviços secundários quanto ao preparo para o atendimento de urgência e a orientaçäo do paciente. Conclusäo: Recomenda-se a preparaçäo de médicos generalistas e oftalmologistas em participaçäo resolutiva dos casos de emergência ocular além da instalaçäo de serviços públicos ou conveniados, secundários e terciários, estrategicamente distribuídos por todo o Estado de Säo Paulo.