Barriers to follow-up for pediatric cataract surgery in Maharashtra, India: How regular follow-up is important for good outcome. The Miraj Pediatric Cataract Study II

摘要

Background:Regular follow up and amblyopia treatment are essential for good outcomes after pediatric cataract surgery.Aim:To study the regularity of follow-up after cataract surgery in children and to gauge the causes of poor compliance to follow up.Subjects:262 children (393 cataracts) who underwent cataract surgery in 2004-8.Materials and Methods:The children were identified and examined in their homes and a “barriers to follow-up” questionnaire completed. Demographic data collected, visual acuity estimated, and ocular examination performed.Statistical Analysis:SPSS version 19.Results:Of the 262 children, only 53 (20.6%) had been regularly following up with any hospital, 209 (79.4%) had not. A total of 150 (57.3%) were boys and the average age was 13.23 years (Std Dev 5 yrs). Poor follow up was associated with the older age group (P 1 line with regular follow-up.Conclusion:Regular follow-up is important and improves vision; eye care practitioners need to take special efforts to ensure better follow-up.