An Evaluation of a Cataract Surgical Camp in New Karu L.G.A., Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Aim: To describe the socio-demographic profile of the participants and the ocular pathologies seen during a 3-day free eye screening and cataract surgical camp, to identify the groups we need to create awareness to, and to improve access in subsequent outreaches. Method: A retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among 552 participants that attended a cataract surgical outreach camp in New Karu Local Government Area (L.G.A.), Nasarawa State from 10^th to 14^th September 2013. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 20 using descriptive analysis such as frequencies and cross-tabulation. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Six hundred and sixty-six people registered and 552 were examined comprising of 205 males and 347 females. The majority (81.7%) were younger than 60 years old, accounting for 4.5 times more than those older than 60. Females were in the majority (63%). Amongst those older than 60 years, males were slightly higher as compared to those younger than 60 years, where females were twice as much. Most of the participants (71.3%) reside within the L.G.A. Amongst those that reside within the L.G.A., females were twice the men and there was a fairly even distribution of both sexes amongst those that reside outside the L.G.A. The majority of the screened participants (41%) required presbyopic correction. Cataract was the second commonest ocular pathology (22.6%) and 53 (9.6%) participants with VA ≤ 6/60 were offered the free cataract surgery. Conclusion: There was an increase in female participation and those younger than 60 years. Amongst those younger than 60 years and those that reside within New Karu L.G.A., female participation was twice as much as males. When the barrier of distance is eliminated, it increases female participation.