Risk factors associated with eye diseases in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

Four hundred and eighty-two patients who presented in the General Outpatient Department with eye diseases between July and December 1989 were included in the study. Risk factors considered were residential age, sex, residential address, occupation, previous eye medication and socio-economic status. The study showed that no agerange was spared even though more adults (64%) presented with eye diseases than children. There was slight male preponderance. Majority (70.7%) of patients had tried one form of treatment or the other. Most (73.2%) of the patients were of the lower socio-economic groups. School children, farmers, welders and panel beaters were particularly at risk of ocular problems from injuries with potential for blindness. These groups of people at risk of eye conditions can be targeted for health programmes e. g health education particularly at the primary heath care level.