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Indications for Enucleation of the Eyes of Children in Eastern Nigeria
Abstract
Objective: To determine the reason for enuleation of the eyes among children in eastern Nigeria as this should serve as a guide for initiating appropriate prevention measures where possible.
Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of records of enucleated eyes from children aged 15 years or less received in a central laboratory service situation in Enugu, eastern Nigeria, over a 29-year period (20/2/70-19/2/99) was undertaken.
Results: A total of 82 enucleated eyes were received. Retinoblastoma accounted for 36 (56.1%) enucleations, both sex being equally affected. Avoidable ocular problems resulting in enucleations such as panophthalmitis, endopphthalmitis, some staphyloma and others were noted in as high as 42.7% Trauma, measles and corneal ulcers of unknown aetiology preceded most of these.
Conclusions: A significant proportion of enucleation among children in eastern Nigeria is due to avoidable causes, Health education and other positive measures to reduce the incidence of avoidable enucleations are advocated.
KEY WORDS: Eye Enucleations, Children, retinoblastoma, Avoidable Enucleations
[Nig. J. Ophthalmology Vol.10(1): 21-23]
Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of records of enucleated eyes from children aged 15 years or less received in a central laboratory service situation in Enugu, eastern Nigeria, over a 29-year period (20/2/70-19/2/99) was undertaken.
Results: A total of 82 enucleated eyes were received. Retinoblastoma accounted for 36 (56.1%) enucleations, both sex being equally affected. Avoidable ocular problems resulting in enucleations such as panophthalmitis, endopphthalmitis, some staphyloma and others were noted in as high as 42.7% Trauma, measles and corneal ulcers of unknown aetiology preceded most of these.
Conclusions: A significant proportion of enucleation among children in eastern Nigeria is due to avoidable causes, Health education and other positive measures to reduce the incidence of avoidable enucleations are advocated.
KEY WORDS: Eye Enucleations, Children, retinoblastoma, Avoidable Enucleations
[Nig. J. Ophthalmology Vol.10(1): 21-23]
