Results and evaluation of high volume intracapsular cataract surgery in Nepal.

One thousand intracapsular cataract extractions were performed by two ophthalmologists over a 57-day period at Lahan Eye Hospital in Nepal. Ninety-nine per cent of eyes had a visual acuity of less than 3/60 at surgery. Ninety-eight per cent of eyes achieved a visual acuity of 3/60 or better with aphakic spherical correction at discharge, of which 69% had a visual acuity of 6/36 or better. In 314 eyes seen at 1-month follow-up, 88% achieved 6/18 or better with full aphakic correction. The surgical time averaged less than 10 min and the cost of disposables less than pounds 1 per operation.