Publication:

A study of the efficacy of cryoextraction in various types of cataract

Background The outcome of cataract surgery is determined by the patient, the technique, and the surgeon: the patient where there is coexisting morbidity; modern techniques (most notably the implantation of an intraocular lens and probably small incision methods) have transformed the quality of visual rehabilitation and dare we say the ‘better’ the surgeon the ‘better’ the results. Objective of the study is to study the efficacy of cryoextraction in various types of cataract and also the complications in immediate post-operative period and up to 6 weeks.

Methods A hospital based cross sectional study was carried out among 1000 cataract patients. Institutional Ethics Committee permission was obtained. Informed consent was taken from each patient. The study was carried out for a period of two years. Patients who were willing, not chronically ill, not bed ridden and having diagnosed as cataract were included in the study. The data was collected in the pre designed study questionnaire. The data was analyzed using proportions.

Results Majority of cases have undergone the Sector type of iridectomy (81.8%). Majority (85.4%) had no complications. Cryo adherence to the iris was the commonest complication (6.3%) followed by capsular rupture in 4.7% of cases. Majority (85.9%) had no complications. Hyphema (4.7%) was the most common complication followed by shallow anterior chamber in 3.8% of cases. 400 cases has come for follow up after 6 weeks post-operative period out of them 91.05% of patients had no complications. Iritis was most common late post-operative complication at the end of 6 weeks in 5% of cases.

Conclusion Cryoextraction of cataract with complete iridectomy has given good results in the present study. The young surgeon can achieve the results equal to that of master using cryoextraction as it is easy to apply and complications are less.