SENILE CATARAT IN SUDAN: VISION AND VISION- RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE

Aim: To assess the impact of senile cataract and its treatment on the Sudanese patient's visual, functional status and on quality of life.

Methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional, hospital based study was conducted in Makkah Eye Complex (a voluntary organization; a tertiary eye care center) in Khartoum Alryad. Elderly patients (300); their age varies from 60 to 95 (Mean 67.91 and SD ±6.779) years with senile cataract were asked to participate in the study. Participation was entirely voluntary. Information was collected by means of interviews, questionnaire and clinical examination. The data were analyzed using Predictive Analytic Software (PASW) statistics-18 (2010) a modified version of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). All tests are of two sides (confidence interval of 95% level). Therefore, a probability (P) value ≤ 0.05 was taken to indicate the statistical significance for all analysis and spearman correlation (r) was used to identify association between variables.

Results: In the presence of cataract the results showed significant declines in all of visual functions (>85% visually impaired). Improved visual functions as a result of cataract surgery included the following: Better optically corrected vision (71%) achieved satisfactory visual outcomes (Log MAR >0.48) with average distance VA of (0.36-0.46 Log MAR). Increased ability to perform near work (0.22-0.42 Log MAR); improved contrast sensitivity (1.35-1.65 Log units); improved peripheral (90%) and central visual field (>85%), and improved colour vision (90%). Improved physical functions: Increased ability to perform activities of daily living (>93%), and increased mobility (>93%). However, financial conditions and opportunity to continue on occupation remained unchanged (>75% not working). Improved psycho-social health and emotional well-being: Improved self-esteem (>99%), and independence (9%); increased social activities (>76%), and relief from fear of blindness (>18%).

Conclusions: Physical functions, emotional well-being, safety, and overall quality of life can be enhanced when visual functions are restored by cataract extraction.