A STUDY OF DISTRIBUTION OF VARIOUS CAUSES OF BLINDNESS AMONGST PATIENTS ATTENDING AT TERTIARY EYE CARE HOSPITAL FOR VISUAL HANDICAP CERTIFICATE PURPOSE

Objectives: To study the various causes of blindness among patients attending DR.R.S.P.R. Government Regional Eye Hospital, Visakhapatnam, for visual handicap certificates. understand relationship between age and sex with etiologies. Methods: Retrospective analysis records 272 (360 eyes) who had applied certificate in period 1 year, i.e., from August 2021 to July 2022, at DR. R. S. P. regional eye hospital, Visakhapatnam. Certificates were issued after all necessary examinations investigations done by qualified ophthalmologists, as per guidelines. Results: The majority are 31–50 group (41.8%). Males (69.85%) more than females (30.14%). Preventable (52.7%) common non-preventable (47.2%). Phthisis (17.2%) was most preventable cause, followed corneal opacity (13.3%). Retinitis pigmentosa (20.5%) cause. Conclusion: Most preventable, so early diagnosis, prompt treatment, regular follow-up reduce incidence blindness. Awareness programs blindness, health education, genetic counseling congenital hereditary will definitely decrease