VISUAL OUTCOMES OF CATARACT SURGERY IN LENS-INDUCED GLAUCOMA: EXPERIENCE FROM A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE IN NORTHEAST INDIA

Abstract

In many developing nations, lens-induced glaucoma continues to be a major contributor to preventable blindness, particularly in rural populations where delayed cataract surgery is common. The condition arises from advanced cataracts, with phacolytic and phacomorphic variants leading to irreversible damage to the optic nerve if not treated promptly. Gaining insight into the demographic characteristics and clinical patterns of patients is crucial for enhancing treatment outcomes.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the postoperative visual outcomes in patients with lens-induced glaucoma following cataract surgery.

Methodology: The investigation employed a prospective observational design, involving 40 patients with lens-induced glaucoma at a tertiary hospital. Detailed demographic data, cataract type, glaucoma subtype, duration of symptoms, and laterality were recorded. All patients underwent cataract extraction, and postoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was assessed.

Results: The majority of patients (72.5%) were aged 45–65 years, with a female predominance (63%) and rural background (87.5%). Mature cataracts were the most common (47%), followed by immature (30%) and hypermature (23%). Phacolytic glaucoma was the predominant subtype (82%), while phacomorphic glaucoma accounted for 18%. Patients presenting within one week of symptom onset achieved better visual outcomes, with 37.5% recording BCVA of 6/6–6/12. In contrast, delayed presentation was associated with poor vision (˂6/60 in 7.5% of cases).

Conclusion: Lens-induced glaucoma predominantly affects middle-aged rural women with advanced cataracts. Early presentation is a critical determinant of favourable visual outcomes. Strengthening rural eye care services and promoting timely cataract surgery can substantially reduce the burden of lens-induced glaucoma-related blindness.