DR. CHRIS PIUS

DR. KSHEERAJA Y

Abstract

Background: The burden of cataract as the leading cause for blindness continues to increase as a result of disruption in elective surgeries due to Covid 19 pandemic

Aim:To analyse how the surgical backlog created due to COVID-19 pandemic has affected patients visually and surgical outcome

Methods: This was a retrospective study in a medical college hospital for a period of 1 year. Number of Mature cataracts and its complications were analysed. Post op vision,complications of surgery were noted.

Results:A total of 1073 patients were operated.321 patients had mature ,hypermature cataracts. Subluxated lenses( n=3), lens indued glaucoma were seen (n=15) as complications of long standing mature cataracts.

Conclusions: Suspension of elective cataract surgeries during the COVID-19 has resulted in surgical backlog.This study highlights patient prioritization based on patients’ visual needs. Restoration of cataract surgery service requires proper planning, policy making,adherence to protocol