Evaluation of complications of extracapsular cataract extraction performed by trainees

Background: Cataract extraction is the most common intraocular surgery taught to residents. Aim: This study aims to review the complications of trainee-performed extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) so as to identify the steps in which the trainee can benefit from closer supervision and practice. Subjects and Methods: This was a descriptive retrospective study of complications in the initial 150 ECCE with intraocular lens implant performed by two Ophthalmologists; from the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital; Enugu; who visited a high volume training center. Both the intraoperative and early post-operative complications were studied. Data entry and analysis were performed descriptively using the Statiscal Package for the Social Sciences; SPSS version 15.0 (Chicago; IL; USA). Results: The age range of the patients was 40-95 years. The intraoperative complications included capsular flaps 12/161 (7.5); posterior capsule rent; 10/161 (6.2) and vitreous loss; 8/161 (5.0). Corneal complications (striate keratopathy; superior corneal edema; generalized corneal edema and corneal folds) ranked highest in post-operative complications accounting for 34 (56/164). Conclusions: Performance of adequate and proper anterior capsulotomy; minimal handling of the cornea and avoidance of posterior capsular rent are some of the challenges of the trainee in mastering ECCE. Stepwise supervised training can help a trainee master these steps while keeping the complications at acceptably low levels

Pattern of Eye Disorders among Inmates of a Nigerian Prison

Aim:To determine the prevalence of eye disorders among the inmates of a Nigerian prison with a view to providing eye health care for the prisoners. Methods: A cross sectional survey of the ocular health status of the prisoners in a Nigerian prison was carried out using a pretested protocol designed for the study. Data was obtained on bio-data as well as anterior and posterior segment examinations. These were analyzed using EPI-INFO version 6.0. Results: Two hundred and sixty-nine (26.8) out of the 1005 prisoners examined had eye disorders. The commonest ocular problems noted were presbyopia (21.5); pterygium (19.3) refractive error (15.6) and allergic conjunctivitis (12.5). One inmate (0.1) was blind; 12 (1.2) had monocular blindness while 5(0.5) had low vision. Cataract was the commonest cause of monocular blindness and also the only cause of bilateral blindness. Conclusion: The prevalent eye diseases in the prison community are similar to the findings in the general population. There is a need to train the staff of the medical clinics in Nigerian prisons as integrated eye health workers to enable them meet the basic eye health needs of the prisoners