Does Eye Camp Contribute to the Fight against Blindness? Experience of the Central Region in Togo

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate results of cataract surgery in Eye Camp in rural areas. Patients and Method: This study set about the retrospective analysis of cases and operating reports of patients over the age of 10, operated for cataract in Eye Camp and fixed strategy from January, 2010 to December, 2012. Postoperative data were specified and compared. Results: Out of a total of 1145 patients operated, 577 (50.40%) were men compared with 568 (49.60%) women. The general mean age was 62 years, similar in Eye Camp and in fixed strategy. Sixty percent of patients were operated in Eye Camp. After 4 weeks of follow-up, 77% of patients were met again, and 83% among them showed good results (corrected visual acuity = 3/10). This rate of good results was 80.43% in Eye Camp against 87.7% in fixed strategy. We noted 18.25% of complications among which 11.25% were in Eye Camp. The functional outcomes of both strategies get closer to WHO standards. Conclusion: Eye Camp in the Central Region of Togo is an interesting alternative that contributes to the fight against blindness, even if postoperative follow-up is still to be improved.