Dr.NAVONIL SAU

Dr. SIL ASIM KUMAR, Dr.RAJNI SAU

Abstract

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of ocular co-morbidities in a rural cataract outreach program in eastern India, for early detection and treatment of their associated burden.

DESIGN: hospital-based cross-sectional study.

METHODS: this study was done from January to February 2018, on outreach patients who came for cataract surgery at the base hospital. All the patients were examined at the word using slit lamp, indirect Ophthalmoscopy.

RESULTS: out of 540 patients male and female ratio was 1.5:1, showing male predominance. The most common ocular co-morbidity noted were meibomian gland dysfunction, pseudo exfoliation syndrome, chronic dacryocystitis, primary glaucoma, pterygium, retinal vascular disease.

CONCLUSION: Ocular co-morbidities are highly prevalent among patients undergoing cataract surgery in our rural hospital setting, and their presence may significantly affect visual outcomes. So we suggest that strategies should be taken to reduce their impact on our community.