Risk Factors Affecting Post-Operative Visual Outcome in Cataract Surgery: A Comparative Study Between Rural and Urban Populations in Central Uttar Pradesh, India
Abstract:
Visual impairment and blindness are major public health concerns worldwide, with cataracts being the leading cause of preventable blindness. Cataract surgery is a critical intervention, yet post-operative visual outcomes can vary significantly based on several risk factors. This observational, analytical, and longitudinal study aimed to evaluate risk factors influencing post-surgical visual outcomes in cataract surgery patients from both urban and rural populations of Central Uttar Pradesh, India. A total of 9023 adult patients, aged 50 years and above, were enrolled in the study between January 2019 and July 2022. The findings showed that rural patients had a significantly higher risk (1.6-fold) of poor post-operative visual outcomes compared to their urban counterparts. Age, gender, smoking, and socio-economic status emerged as significant independent risk factors, with older age (above 70), male gender, smoking, and middle and lower socio-economic status all contributing to poorer post-operative outcomes. The type of cataract, type of surgery, and associated systemic or ocular diseases did not show a statistically significant impact on visual outcomes. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions and personalized post-operative care to address these modifiable risk factors, particularly in rural and lower socio-economic populations, to improve cataract surgery outcomes.
