Pattern of eye diseases in a university health service clinic in northern Nigeria.

BACKGROUND

Eye diseases constitute one of the common health problems presenting to the general practice clinic and could have significant socioeconomic consequences.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the pattern of eye diseases presenting to the eye clinic of Ahmadu Bello University Sick Bay, Samaru, Zaria.

METHODS

A prospective study of both new and old consecutive patients presenting to the eye clinic of Ahmadu Bello University Sick Bay between March 2009 and May 2010 was conducted. A screening format designed by the authors was used to extract information on biodata, presenting complaint, visual acuity, anterior and posterior segment examination, investigations and diagnosis. The data was analysed using Analyse-it V2.22(2010) statistical software.

RESULTS

There were 1448 patients comprising 856 males and 592 females who were aged 24.3 years +/- 11.7SD with an age range of 0 to 60 years. The majority (63.5%) were students. The common eye diseases seen were infective conjunctivitis (40.3%), allergic conjunctivitis (32.7%), refractive errors (17.3%), glaucoma (1.9%) and cataract (1.8%).

CONCLUSION

Eye diseases were found to be common within the community of Ahmadu Bello University which is made up of students predominantly. This implies that avoidable (preventable and treatable) ocular disorders are still common among Nigerian students. Early detection (through periodic eye screening) and prompt treatment will significantly reduce visual impairment and needless blindness from these avoidable causes.