Study highlights steps in managing childhood cataracts in low-income settings
The effective management of childhood cataracts in low-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, relies on early identification, access to quality surgical care, and ongoing follow-up, according to a study that found that strategies must be tailored to local resource constraints.
In this prospective study, which focused on the factors influencing the treatment in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, data from 91 patients with congenital and juvenile bilateral cataracts were continuously recorded, and patients were followed up after treatment. Key factors such as the timing of presentation and treatment outcomes were analyzed.
Key Findings:
- Patient Identification: 88.5% of patients were identified by cataract finders.
- Presentation Time: The age at first presentation averaged 5.8 years, regardless of parental education, income, or the child’s gender.
- Surgical Outcomes: Early childhood surgery yielded the best visual outcomes.
- 51.1% of eyes showed visual improvement post-surgery.
- 34.6% had no change, with most of these cases being blind before surgery.
- Secondary cataracts were the most common postoperative complication, occurring in 26.37% of operated eyes.
Early detection, robust healthcare infrastructure, and high-quality postoperative care are crucial for managing childhood cataracts.
Reference
Poschkamp B, Dinkulu S, Stahnke T, et al. Management of Bilateral Congenital and Juvenile Cataracts in a Low-Income Country: Patient Identification, Treatment Outcomes, and Follow Up. Children (Basel). 2024;11(9):1064. doi: 10.3390/children11091064. PMID: 39334598; PMCID: PMC11430800.
