Outcome of Paediatric Cataract Surgery in Jos: Central Nigeria

Background: This study was carried out to assess the visual outcome of children who had cataract surgery in Jos University Teaching Hospital between January 2001 to December 2005. Patients and methods: The case notes of all the children who had cataract surgery during the study period were retrieved. Information on history, examination, investigations and type of surgery done were noted. Visual acuities before and after surgery were also recorded. Results: There were 43(69.4%) males and 19(30.6%) females giving a ratio of 2.3:1. Extracapsular cataract extraction was done in 75(92.6%) eyes, while lens washout was done in 6(7.4%) eyes. Eight (9.9%)) eyes had visual acuity between 6/6-6/18 while 47(58.0%) eyes had visual acuity less than 6/60. Conclusion: The poor visual outcome in this study is attributed to many factors such as delay in presentation, absence of other ocular pathology, inadequate instruments for paediatric assessment and surgery and failure to turn up for follow-up.