Pattern of Ocular Diseases in Patients Attending to a Tertiary care Hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal

Abstract

Introduction: Ocular disease is collective term which represents ocular morbidity that hinders the health and proper function of eye. This study aim to assess the pattern of Ocular diseases which ultimately help to policy level managers to plan accordingly to formulate relevant plans and policies to address the Ocular Disease in Nepal so as to reduce blindness. Methodology: This study was a retrospective hospital-based study which analyzed one fiscal year data of oldest tertiary hospital of Nepal. Secondary data from OPD register of Ophthalmology Department, Bir Hospital was reviewed. The data was entered in Ms-Excel and further analyzed in SPSS Version 25 to assess information as per the objective of the study. Results: Ocular diseases were more prevalent in females than in males. The maximum number of patients were in age group of 61 to 70 years group 20.16%. Mean age of the patient was found to be 45 ± 3.27 years. Most common Ocular Disease was Refractive error 37.99 % followed by age related cataract 17.99%, dry eye 16.99%. Similarly, 12.99% of were inpatient while 87.01% of them were outpatient. Endocrinology department refer most of the patients among departmental cross consultation 45.30 % followed by Nephrology department 19.68%. Conclusion: Refractive error, age related cataract, ocular allergy were most common ocular diseases. Government and concerned stakeholders need to formulate and implement relevant policy to address those ocular diseases to prevent and minimize ocular diseases and preventable blindness in Nepal.

Keywords: Ocular Disease, Ophthalmology, Refractive Error, Retrospective Study