Pattern and Distribution of Ocular Morbidity in Patients Visiting the Field Practice Area of Tertiary Care Hospital of North India.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of common ocular morbidities and their demographic correlates.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Descriptive cross sectional study done in field practice area of Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh

STUDY PERIOD: Mar 2011-April 2012

RESULTS: 1088 study subjects comprised the sample. The most common ocular morbidity was found to be Refractive error with a prevalence of 25.5 %. It was most prevalent in the age group of 5-20 years (37.5 %) followed by the age group 41-50 years (36.5 %).Results were significant between urban and slum population (p= 0.0081). Cataract was found to be the second most common ocular morbidity with a prevalence of 19.3% (210). Majority of patients were of age 51-70 years. No significant relationship was found between urban and slum population regarding prevalence of cataract (p= 0.5663).Allergic conjunctivitis cases figured to 14.7%. and significant co-relation between urban and slum population suffering from allergic conjunctivitis was found (p= 0.0001). Conjunctival degenerations like Pterygium and pinguecula was found in 11.9 %, Aphakia/pseudoaphakia in 3.6 % and Posterior segment diseases like Diabetic and hypertensive retinopathy in 2.94%.

CONCLUSION: This study shows the recent prevalence of most common ocular morbidities which include refractive error, cataract and post segment disease.

KEY WORDS: ocular morbidity, refractive error, North India