Spectrum of eyelid disorders at a Nigerian tertiary eye care center.

Abstract

Background: The eyelids are an essential part of the human face and is a multilayered structure that covers and protects the human eye. Disorders of the eyelids may lead to visual compromise, facial disfigurement, aesthetically unacceptable appearance andits attendant psychosocial impact.
Objective: To describe the spectrum of eyelid disorders presenting at a Nigerian tertiary eye care centre with a view to determine the most common type of eyelid disorders as well as available treatment options.
Study Design: Retrospective chart review.
Methods: A retrospective chart review of all patients who were diagnosed to have eyelid disorders at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH)eye clinic between January, 2013 and December, 2015. Information regarding age, gender, duration of symptoms before presentation, laterality and treatment optionswere obtained from retrieved case files.
Results: A total of ninety-four cases of eyelid disorders were identified during the period under review. The mean age of patients was 30.7±18.5 years with a male to female ratio of 1:1.6. A higher proportion of patients 61 (64.9%) presented less than one year after onset of eyelid symptoms. The most common type of eyelid disorders waschalazion/internal hordeolum (38.3%) followed by blepharoptosis/ptosis (13.8%). Sixty-three (67.0%) patients underwentonly surgical treatment option while 16 (17.0%) patients required only medical treatment.There was statistically significant association between eyelid disorder classification and treatment offered (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Chalazion and blepharoptosis are the most common presenting eyelid disorders at UBTH, Benin.

Keywords: Spectrum, Eyelid disorders, Nigerian and Tertiary eye center.