[Phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation in leprosy patients: case control study].

PURPOSE: To check the complications of cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation in leprosy patients by the phacoemulsification technique, and to compare these results, with a control group.

METHODS: The used method was a case control study, where 31 eyes from leprosy patients were submitted to cataract surgery, from June 1999 to January 2003, called Case Group. On the other hand, 31 eyes of healthy patients were selected for the Control Group. The comparison between the groups was performed using Fisher's exact test. The used program was EPI INFO 6.04.

RESULTS: Sphincter tear was the only postoperative complication higher in the leprosy group (p=0.024). The other alterations did not show statistic differences (p>0.05). Visual acuity improvement was the same in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the visual acuity and complications after cataract surgery with intraocular lens are the same in leprosy patients and healthy ones.