Dr. Ankita Narula, Dr. Ruma Das, Dr. Mohit Ganesh Bharambe, Dr.Abhisek Mondal
PURPOSE : To study the reasons for late presentation of cataract cases to a tertiary care hospital in Southern Assam.
MATERIALS AND METHODS : A short term descriptive study based on a questionnaire including sociodemographic data, knowledge about cataract and barriers in cataract surgery was conducted in 200 cases.
Inclusion criteria –
1) Vd < 3/60
2 ) >NSIII/Dense PSC/Mature/Hypermature cataract
Exclusion criteria – Any other significant ocular pathology along with cataract causing diminution of vision.
RESULTS: Out of 200 patients included in the study, 90% patients had some knowledge about cataract. Attitudinal barriers contributed 43.6% whereas barriers related to service delivery, cost and affordability contributed 56.4% to the magnitude of the problem.
CONCLUSION: Awareness among people about active screening and prompt early surgeries through ongoing reach in camps and facilities provided by government and NGOs would lead to drastic reduction in blindness due to cataract.