Purpose: To compare demographic characteristics, clinical profiles, and visual outcomes of traumatic cataract patients detected through outreach eye camps versus those presenting directly to a tertiary eye care center. Patients and Methods: This observational study included 2,093 patients with traumatic cataract treated at a tertiary eye hospital in western–central India. Patients were categorized into camp-detected ( n = 622) and noncamp (self-presenting; n = 1471) groups. Demographic variables, injury characteristics, and postoperative visual outcomes (Snellen acuity) were analyzed. Comparisons between groups were performed using Pearson Chi-square tests and independent t -tests, with significance set at P < 0.05. Results: Camp-detected patients were significantly younger (23.9 ± 17.6 vs. 30.5 ± 19.4 years; P < 0.001), more likely to be rural (96.0% vs. 89.5%; P < 0.001), and predominantly from lower socio-economic strata ( P < 0.001). Open-globe injuries were more frequent in camp patients (57.4% vs. 52.9%), although not statistically significant ( P = 0.059). Posterior segment involvement was significantly less common in camp patients (7.4% vs. 14.5%; P < 0.001). Preoperative visual acuity was comparable between groups ( P = 0.687). Postoperative visual outcomes differed significantly, with noncamp patients achieving better Snellen acuity overall ( χ 2 = 30.18, P < 0.001). In pediatric patients, noncamp cases also demonstrated superior visual outcomes ( χ 2 = 16.48, P = 0.036). Conclusions: Outreach eye camps effectively identify younger, rural, and socioeconomically disadvantaged traumatic cataract patients. Although post-operative visual outcomes were better in noncamp patients, camp-detected cases still achieved substantial visual rehabilitation, underscoring the value of camp-based services in underserved populations.
Shah et al. (Wed,) studied this question.