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.