Abstract

Globally, estimated 272.4 million people are visually disabled (i.e. low vision) of whom nearly 42.7 million are blind. Out of them 175 million people are suffering from cataract and refractive errors in all ages all over the world, out of which more than 90% dwell in low income countries. Despite of national programme in India other causes of blindness are increasing due to the lack of locally available data on ocular morbidities, hence the present study was carried out to know prevalence of common ocular morbidities and to know about its epidemiological determinants. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in five adopted villages of a Medical College, during the period from Jan. 2010 to Dec. 2010. All elderly persons, of age 50 years and above were involved in study. Data was collected using pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire on socio-demographic, socioeconomic class and personnel characteristics were recorded after obtaining written informed consent from the study subject. The participating subjects were examined for ocular morbidity and the findings were recorded in the field itself. For effective ocular examination investigator underwent two months training in the Department of Ophthalmology. Institutional ethical clearance was taken. Results and conclusion: Among 974 persons, blindness (<6/60) was 7.2% in the study population and by WHO (<3/60) was 5.4%. Blindness was found significantly associated with age and sex. Prevalence of low vision was found to be 29.3% and was found to be significantly associated with age, sex, caste, education, socioeconomic status and fuel used. Refractive error was the most common ocular disease (85%) in study population. It was found to be significantly associated age, caste, education, occupation and tobacco consumption. Proportion of cataract was 36.3% and was found to be significantly associated with age, sex, caste, education, occupation, socio-economic status, type of house, fuel used and blood pressure. Prevalence of dry eye was 12.7%. It was found to be significantly associated with age, sex, education, and occupation. Diabetic retinopathy was present in 8.9% study population and was found to be significantly associated with age, sex, education, type of house, fuel used, tobacco consumption and alcohol consumption. Glaucoma was present in 5.6% of the study population. In the present study glaucoma was found to be significantly associated with age. Age related macular degeneration (AMD) was present in 6.6% of study population. AMD was found to be significantly associated with age and education.

Keywords: Ocular morbidities; Refractive error; Cataract; Dry eye; AMD; Glaucoma; Diabetic retinopathy