MRIMS Journal of Health Sciences (Jan 2015)

A clinical study of etiology of corneal opacities

  • Srihari Atti,
  • Srinivas Prasad Killani,
  • Venkataratnam Peram,
  • N Sujatha

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4103/2321-7006.301956
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 3, no. 1
pp. 39 – 41

Abstract

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Background: Corneal opacities are the common causes of corneal blindness. So, this study is to know the etiology of the corneal opacities. Objective: This study was to evaluate the etiology of corneal opacities, a common cause of corneal blindness. Methods: This was a hospital based observational study of 100 Patients of corneal opacities, who attended the outpatient department of Cornea, Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital, Osmania Medical College, Hyderabadover a period of 2yrs from August 2012 to August 2014. The patients were evaluated with a detailed history and comprehensive ophthalmic examination by slit lamp, Goldman applanation / Non Contact Tonometer, Indirect Ophthalmoscopy and Β scan mainly to know the etiology of the corneal opacities. The details of age and sex, laterality, literacy, socioeconomic status, occupation and complications were collected. The data was evaluated by simple statistical methods. Results: This study data analysis of 100 patients of corneal opacities showed that the causes were Trauma in 37 patients (37%), Infections in 33 patients (33%), congenital and developmental in 15 patients (15%) and degenerations and dystrophies in 15 patients (15%). The Age wise distribution was 27 patients (27%) in 0-20yrs, 39 patients (39%) in 20-40yrs, 29 patients (29%) in 40-60yrs and 5 patients (5%) above 60yrs. Laterality showed involvement of right eye in 43 patients (43%), both eyes in 35 patients (35%) and left eye in 22 patients (22%). 67 patients (67%) were males and 33 patients (33%) were females. 67 patients (67%) were from the Rural areas and 33 patients were from urban. 53 patients were Illiterate and 47 patients (47%) were literate. 53 patients (53%) were in Agricultural occupation, and 19 patients (19%) had complications like adherent leucoma. Complicated cataract. Secondary Glaucoma and Bullous keratopathy. Conclusions: The most frequent causes of corneal opacities were, trauma (37%) and infections (33%). Nearly 70% of all the causes of corneal opacities were avoidable. The prevalence of corneal opacities was significantly higher with illiteracy, rural agricultural background, decreasing socioeconomic status and with increasing age.

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