Study of ocular morbidities in elderly patients of North Karnataka

Ocular morbidities are quite common phenomenon in elderly patients due to lack of immunity and associated diseases like Diabetes mellitus, HTN which result into blindness. also influenced by their location, habits medical history. This study is attempted the pattern ocular morbidity understand risk factors responsible for visual impairment. It a hospital based cross sectional where 300 > 60 years with were studied. A acuity <6/12 was taken as impairment <3/60 Snellen’s chart, E Chart, retinoscopy, torchlight, slit lamp, Schiotztonometer, ophthalmoscope used examination diagnosis. Tropicamide+phenylephrine ophthalmic solution dilatation pupil lignocaine 4% local anesthesia. Detailed history on structured questionnaire followed complete examinations relevant investigations diagnose elderly. The highest cataract 34% Refractive Error 30%, Blepharitis 16.3%, Dry eye 12.6% pterygium, 8.5%. Majority blindness cataracts 42.05%, Glaucoma 12.5% third major cause corneal ulcers 10.23%.Eyelid Abnormalities seen 1.4% 60-75 age, 5.9% 76-85, 47.4% age group 86 above p value highly significant (p<0.00). Corneal degenerations found 1.1 % Urban 14.5% rural population (P<0.05), 44.6% 22.7% Based nature occupation Eye 8.2% indoor 22.8% outdoor significant. relationship established between diabetes 0.00. In present be most among (>60 years) error, Blepharitis, dry pterygium. Cataract glaucoma. will help ophthalmologists treat such efficiently considering influencing ensure early intervention prevent