Aims: To determine the burden and factors associated with refractive errors after cataract surgeryin a training institution.

Study Design: A retrospective cross-sectional study.Place and Duration of the Study: Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center Eye department. NorthernTanzania, from January 2016 to December 2017.

Methods: A review of files of all adult patients who have had cataract surgery in 2016 and 2017was conducted. A total of 626 eyes of 554 patients who had post-operative refraction byexperienced optometrists were included. Information were extracted from patients’ files thenentered into SPSS version 20 for analysis. The main outcomes were post-operative refraction andbest corrected visual acuity.

Results: Mean age was 69.3 years (SD=10.7) and ECCE accounted for 76% of surgeries. At least84.6% had post-operative refractive error and astigmatism was the most common refractive error(56.8%). Spherical error accounted for 27.8%. Spherical error ranged from -12 to 4DS, mean = -0.42 (SD=1.3) DS and median = 0.00DS. The maximum cylindrical error was -7.5 DC, mean = -1.15 (SD=1.36) DC and median = -1.0DC. At least 56% had spherical equivalent within 1D ofemmetropia. A BCVA of 6/18 or better was achieved in 92.8%. Age, poor pre-operative VA, poorpresenting VA, astigmatism on keratometry, difference between recommended and inserted IOL,ECCE, grade of surgeon and suturing were associated with refractive errors.

Conclusion: Refractive errors following cataract surgery are common. Best corrected visual acuityoutcome was in normal recommended range; however, the magnitude of refractive errors was highand the proportion of patients who achieved a final refraction within 1D of emmetropia was belowthe recommended range. An effort should be made to lower the prevalence and magnitude ofrefractive errors associated with cataract surgery in training institutions.