Clinical Profile of Pediatric Ocular Morbidity in a Tertiary Eye Care Centre in Western Region of Nepal - Abstract
Purpose: To describe ocular problems seen and treatments provided to the children attending a tertiary level eye care facility in western Nepal.
Material and Methods: In the hospital based retrospective study, all children coming to the pediatric department of Lumbini Eye Institute during October and November, 2013 were reviewed. Out of 1295 new children, 1061children in age of 0-15 years were included in the study. Data on age at presentation, sex and diagnosis were collected from clinical charts and analyzed. Patients were grouped into four age groups (0-1 years, 2-5 years, 6-10 years and 11-15 years) and grouped in terms of clinical diagnoses.
Results: Among 1061 children examined, male: female ratio of 1.43:1, the most common group was children aged 11-15 years (35.5%). Conjunctival diseases were the most common disorder 235 (22.1%) in children followed by refractive errors (19.8%) and disorders of lacrimal drainage system (15.7%). 70.6% children needed medical treatment, 21.5% required glasses, 5.5% required surgery and 1% required orthoptic treatment. 56 % were Nepalese children.
Conclusion: Conjuctival disorder and refractive errors were the most common occurring disorder. Males were more affected than females. Most children needed medical treatment followed by optical correction.