European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Aim: To determine the clinical and demographic profile and various aetiologies of visual impairment.
Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Ophthalmology, Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital, Laheriasarai, Darbhanga, Bihar, India, for 1 year. 200 patients were included in this study. History was obtained regarding any ocular complaints, and a detailed ophthalmic examination was done which included a detailed torch light examination, assessment of visual acuity using Snellen’s distance vision chart and Times New Roman near vision chart, tonometry using Schiotz tonometer, and fundus examination using direct ophthalmoscope.
Results: 120 (60%) out of 200 participants were females, while 80 (40%) were males, i.e. they were almost equally distributed. The majority i.e. 140 (70%) participants used L.P.G as fuel at home; while coal, wood or cow dung was used by 46 (23%) and 14 (7%) used both. The participants studied were grouped into; no visual impairment i.e. 148(74%), visual impairment Grade 1 i.e. 31 (15.5%), Grade 2 i.e. 10 (5.5%) or blindness Grade 3 i.e.7 (3.5%), Grade 4 i.e. 3 (1.5%) based on WHO classification of low vision. Out of the 200 patients that were studied, majority i.e. 168 patients (84%) had refractive errors. In some cases, more than one type of refractive error was noted. 4 patients (2%) had a nebular corneal opacity, which had developed following trauma with an iron nail.
Conclusion: Only through health education and increased public visibility can they be found and addressed as soon as possible. This will lessen the stigma of vision deficiency and blindness, which will reduce our society's economic burden.