CPSA Shanghai 2017 Poster Abstract Program

Objective: Evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of cataract task forces for underprivileged communities, in a follow-up of 4 years, with the use of low price intraocular lens. Methods: Retrospective study, based on a database of a sample of 58 patients randomly selected, submitted to a cataract task force in a rural area of Pernambuco, Brazil. All surgeries were performed by the same surgeon using the same surgical technique and equipment. The data collected included pre-surgical visual acuity, postoperative visual acuity and late post-surgical visual acuity, biomicroscopy slitlamp and fundoscopy evaluation. Patients with visual loss related to posterior capsule opacification was referred to Nd:YAG laser. For comparative purposes, it was used literature data from a hydrophobic intraocular lens. Cost of intraocular lens material and Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy for posterior capsule opacification was then evaluated and compared between the intraocular lenses. Results: The mean age of patients with Ioflex was 72 ± 10.2 years. Four years after surgery,24 eyes (41.3%) had decreased visual acuity due to posterior capsule opacification. Two patients with posterior capsule opacification had decreased visual acuity due to intraocular lens opacification. Twelve eyes (20.7%) presented mild posterior capsule opacification with unchanged visual acuity. The total cost of the post-surgical procedures represents 74.5% more in the initial budget. The total cost of hydrophilic intraocular lens implantation and the postoperative complications per 100 was USD 7283.23. Based in the literature data, the hydrophobic intraocular lens had 7.47% of Nd:YAG laser treatment for posterior capsule opacification, and the total cost of hydrophobic intraocular lens implantation and its postsurgical complications per 100 was USD 10130.21. Conclusions: Ioflex intraocular lens is efficient in cataract task forces in short term, however, long-term scheduled follow-up of operated patients is required, with an easier access to avoid low visual acuity again and loss of project efficiency.