EFFECT OF SEASONAL VARIATION ON NUMBER OF CATARACT SURGERIES PERFORMED IN A TRUST HOSPITAL OF LAHORE
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Abstract
Background:
There are different factors which control patient access to surgery for cataract. These include locality, gender, literacy rate, monthly income, season, availability of ophthalmologists and operative facilities.
Material and Methods:
The place of study is the Ophthalmology department of Akhter Saeed trust hospital, EME Society, Lahore. A Cross-sectional survey was conducted and sample was taken through non-probability conventional sampling method. The results were analyzed by SPSS 20. The frequencies were presented in form of a bar chart and graph.The data of cataract surgeries performed over the last five years from January 2016 to December 2020 was collected.A retrospective data regarding the number of cataract surgeries performed over the last five years was collected. There were 675 patients included in the study who presented in the outpatient department (OPD) and admitted to the eye ward for cataract surgery. After taking written consent these patients were screened for hepatitis B and C and scheduled for cataract surgery. The monthly data of several cataract surgeries performed in the hospital was noted, and patients were followed as per routine.
Results:
The data of 675 patients were collected, operated for cataracts over the last five years, from January 2016 to December 2020 in a trust hospital where most patients were operated free. According to data the top three months with a maximum number of surgeries were November, March, and October. The number of patients operated in these three months was 87(12.88%), 86 (12.74%), and 80 (11.85%) respectively. The months which showed the lowest number of patients were August, July, and June 34 (5.04%), 32 (4.74%), and 24 (3.55%) respectively.
Conclusion: Most patients presenting with cataract for surgery chose some specific months (March and November) over others for their cataract operations, depending upon personal believes, preferences, and economical resources