[Biometry in cataract camps. Experiences from north Kenya].
BACKGROUND
Biometry has the potential to improve refractive outcomes of cataract surgery in developing countries. However, the procedure is difficult to carry out in remote areas.


METHODS
The feasibility of automated biometry using portable devices was assessed in an eye camp in a remote Kenyan community and reasons for failure were documented. PC-IOLs in the range of 17-27 dioptres (dpt) were implanted and a model was created to predict spherical refractive error if a standard 22 dpt lens had been used.


RESULTS
In 104 out of 131 eyes (80%) biometry was possible. Failure to obtain K-readings in eyes with coexisting corneal pathology was the main limiting factor. The calculated mean IOL strength to achieve emmetropia was 21.56 dpt with a SD=1.96 (min: 14.78 dpt, max: 27.24 dpt). If 22 dpt lenses had been implanted around 20% would have had an error of more than 2 dpt and 7% an error of more than 3 dpt.


CONCLUSIONS
Biometry is a challenging procedure in remote areas where comorbidities are common. However, without biometry and implantation of different IOL powers poor refractive outcome can be expected in around 20% of patients.
Kwale District Eye Centre, 901-801, Mombasa, Kenia. sebbriesen@yahoo.de
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Briesen
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Roberts
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Karimurio
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Kollmann
D000328:Adult; D001699:Biometry / Q000379:methods*; D002386:Cataract / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002387:Cataract Extraction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007630:Kenya / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D042262:Retinoscopy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019035:Rural Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017211:Treatment Failure; D016896:Treatment Outcome