Comparison of visual outcome between conventional extracapsular cataract extraction and phacoemulsification cataract surgery

Objectives: To compare visual outcomes in patients who had conventional extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) and phacoemulsification for age-related cataract.Materials and Methods: Prospective study comparing the visual outcomes in 360 eyes of 352 patients, 180 of whom were randomized to conventional ECCE and the remaining 180 to phacoemulsification cataract surgery. Visual acuity was assessed on day 1, 1 week, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks postoperatively.Results: In the EECE group, good presenting visual acuity of 6/18 or even better was found in 6%, 31%, 46%, and 69% patients at 1-day, 1-week, 4-week, and 12-week postoperative intervals, respectively. In the phacoemulsification group, visual acuity of 6/18 or even better was achieved in 48%, 78%, 82%, and 89% patients, respectively, at the same postoperative interval as the ECCE group. This difference was statistically significant at all the postoperative intervals.Conclusion: Phacoemulsification achieves better postoperative visual acuity at the early and intermediate postoperative periods. Availability of this technique of cataract extraction will enhance eye care in our various institutions.