Prevalence of common ocular morbidities in adult population of aligarh.

AIMS AND

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence of common ocular morbidities (cataract, refractive errors, glaucoma, and corneal opacities) and their demographic and sociocultural correlates.

SETTINGS AND

DESIGN

The present cross-sectional study was conducted in the field practice areas of the Department of Community Medicine, JNMC, AMU, Aligarh, for a period of one year, from September 2005 to August 2006.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Systematic random sampling was done to select the required sample size. All adults aged 20 years and above in the selected households were interviewed and screened using a 6/9 illiterate 'E' chart. Those who could not read the 'E' chart were referred to the respective health training center for a complete eye examination by an ophthalmologist.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Chi- square test.

RESULTS

The prevalence of visual impairment, low vision, and blindness, based on presenting visual acuity was 13.0, 7.8, and 5.3%, respectively. The prevalence of cataract was 21.7%. Bilateral cataract was present in 16.9% of the population. Cataract was significantly associated with age, education, and fuel use. The prevalence of myopia, hypermetropia, and astigmatism was 11.5, 9.8, and 3.7%, respectively. Glaucoma was diagnosed in six patients, giving a prevalence rate of 0.9%. All the six patients of glaucoma were aged above 40 years. The prevalence of corneal opacity was 4.2%.

CONCLUSION

There is a high prevalence of treatable or preventable morbidities such as cataract, refractive errors, and corneal opacity.