Cataract treatment: must we remain blind to couching?

Abstract

Aim: To highlight the persistence of couching as a treatment for cataract in our community and its attendant complications.

Materials and Methods: Retrospective study, using hospital records of 9 patients who had undergone couching and presented at the eye clinic, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu between November 2004 and April 2005. Information was obtained on the following: - Biodata, period between couching and presentation, type of coucher patronized, reasons for undergoing couching, presenting complaints, visual acuity status on presentation and after treatment, and complications following couching.

Results: Eight eyes (80%) out of the ten eyes in these 9 patients were noted to be blind, on presentation at our centre. The commonest complication was lens dislocation into the anterior chamber with vitreous in the anterior chamber.

Conclusion: Couching as a treatment for cataract is potentially dangerous and remains a significant cause of low vision and blindness in our community, if the practice is left unchecked.

Keywords: couching, cataract, persistence, complications

Journal of College of Medicine Vol. 11(1) 2006: 30-35