Blindness And Visual Impairments Causes In Patients Presenting To Tertiary Eye Care Centers Of Peshawar

Abstract

Background: Blindness remains a significant issue, particularly in underdeveloped regions, with an estimated 38 million blind and 110 million visually impaired worldwide. Cataracts and glaucoma are primary causes. Many cases are preventable or treatable. Pakistan's Vision 2020 initiative targets blindness prevention, but its impact needs assessment. This study aims to determine the prevalence and causes of blindness and visual impairment among patients at tertiary eye care centers of Lady reading Hospital  and Kuwait Teaching Hospital Peshawar. .

Methods: The study reviewed hospital records from LRH and KTH eye care centers in February 2017. Patients with visual acuity below 3/60 were classified as blind, and below 6/18 as visually impaired. Data included age, gender, and causes of decreased visual acuity.

Results: The study included 100 cases, with 55 males and 45 females. Participants averaged is 42.78 ± 20.75 years old. Blindness frequency was 10%, higher in females (13.33%) than males (7.2%). Visual impairment occurred at a rate of 39%, slightly higher in females (40%) than males (38.1%). Most cases (84.6%) were moderate visual impairment (n=33). Cataracts were the leading cause (37%), followed by uncorrected refractive errors (28%), among others.

Conclusion: Despite Vision 2020 efforts, cataracts remain the leading cause of blindness in tertiary eye care hospitals. Extensive studies are required to assess the burden of avoidable blindness and understand why these causes persist.