A Clinical Profile of Causes of Visual Impairment at an Urban Health Centre in Goa

A Clinical Profile of Causes of Visual Impairment at an Urban Health Centre in Goa

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Background: Many studies have been conducted in urban areas in other Indian superdry baseball top states to study the profile of causes of visual impairment; however, such a study was lacking in Goa.Methods: The study was conducted between January to March 2018, after Institutional ethical committee approval.The study population included 200 patients residing in households registered under the urban health centre in Santa Cruz Goa, who attended the Ophthalmology speciality outreach clinic.After informed consent, patients were interviewed based on a pre-tested proforma.

Socio-demographic details and history was obtained and a detailed ophthalmic examination was done.Results: 42.5% were between 41-60 years of age, 75% used LPG as fuel; 44% participants had completed higher secondary education or graduation while only 4.5% were illiterate.

77% had no visual impairment, visual impairment Grade 1 and 2 was present in 14.5% and 4% respectively.4.5% were grouped as blind.

87.5% had refractive errors, 0.5% had corneal opacities, 20% had cataract, 4% had glaucoma, 2% had optic atrophy, 7% had retinal and macular involvement.Conclusion: A high prevalence of refractive errors and cataract was opheliasmuse.com noted, which are both causes of preventable blindness and can only be prevented by creating awareness by means of health education.