Importance of Serological Workup in Cataract Cases of Out-Reach Programmes

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the frequency of positive serology among patients who underwent elective cataract surgery. METHODS: Retrospective study of 800 cases who underwent thorough laboratory work up as a part of clinical study. 490 were male (61.25%) and 310(38.75%) were female. 35 cases (4.37%) were positive for serology. Hepatitis A in 9(1.13%) cases , Hepatitis B in 6 (0.75%)cases ,hepatitis C in 10 (1.3%)cases ,HIV positive in 8 (1%)cases , VDRL in 2 (0.25%)cases. All cases were grouped as high risk cases for Operating theatre (OT) supportive staffs and surgeons and operated with extra caution. RESULTS: Retrospective analysis of incidence of positive serology in camp cases were found significant. All were operated with all safety measures to protect surgeons and other supportive staffs. CONCLUSIONS: Study proves that serological work up is necessary for all the cases posted for elective cataract surgery. Serology positive patients need special attention to safe guard the surgeon and other supportive staffs KEYWORDS: Elective Cataract surgery, serology, Non manifest sero positive cases, professional health hazard, protective measures. INTRODUCTION: Cataract is a preventable cause of blindness and cataract surgery is the most common surgery performed worldwide to restore vision. As per NPCB2011 (National Program for Control of Blindness), 1% of the Indian population (121 core) is blind. Of this, 62% are blind due to cataract. Incidence of cataract is 0.4% to 0.5%. Approximately 7 million people