CLINICO-DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE AND VISUAL OUTCOME IN PATIENTS WITH CATARACT: A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Cataract remains one of the leading causes of reversible blindness and visual impairment worldwide, 
especially among elderly individuals in developing countries. Timely diagnosis and surgical management with intraocular 
lens implantation can restore vision and improve daily functioning. 
Aim: To evaluate the clinico-demographic profile and postoperative visual outcome in patients undergoing cataract 
surgery. 
Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Ophthalmology during 2020 among 
140 patients diagnosed with cataract and undergoing cataract surgery. Patients aged above 40 years with clinically 
diagnosed cataract were included. Patients with traumatic cataract, congenital cataract, glaucoma, retinal pathology, and 
previous ocular surgery were excluded. Demographic characteristics, type of cataract, associated systemic diseases, 
preoperative visual acuity, postoperative complications, and postoperative visual outcome were evaluated. 
Results: The mean age of participants was 64.6 ± 9.8 years. Male predominance was observed, and the majority of 
patients belonged to the 61–80-year age group. Diminution of vision was the presenting complaint in all patients. Nuclear 
cataract was the most common type, followed by cortical cataract. Diabetes mellitus and hypertension were common 
associated systemic diseases. Significant improvement in postoperative visual acuity was observed following surgery, 
with 110 (78.6%) patients achieving visual acuity better than 6/18. Corneal edema and posterior capsular opacity were 
the most common postoperative complications. Diabetes mellitus, age above 80 years, posterior subcapsular cataract, and 
delayed presentation demonstrated significant association with poor visual outcome. 
Conclusion: Cataract remains an important cause of visual impairment among elderly patients. Cataract surgery with 
intraocular lens implantation provides satisfactory visual recovery in the majority of patients. Early diagnosis, timely 
surgical intervention, careful evaluation of systemic comorbidities, and postoperative follow-up are essential for 
improving visual outcome and reducing complications.