Ophthalmic surgical practice In Ilorin, Nigeria in the 1990s

Abstract

The treatment of ocular morbidity to restore vision often requires surgery. This study was done to determine the frequency of such surgical interventions and the various types of ophthalmic surgery done at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Ilorin, Nigeria. A retrospective review of all ophthalmic surgical procedures done in UITH between January 1990 and December, 2000 was carried out. The records were obtained from the operating theatre's register. Data analysis was with SPSS version 10. Within the study period, 1398 ocular surgeries were performed. Cataract surgery was the commonest (54.5%) and mostly performed in the 50-69 years age group; repair of corneal laceration was next (6.9%). The third most common surgery was pterygium excision (6.7%), common in the 30-69 years age group. Trabeculectomy for glaucoma was in the fourth position (6.2%). Destructive surgery (evisceration, enucleation and exenteration) was performed more in the paediatric age group. Cataract blindness is curable by surgery; the progression of glaucoma could be arrested with surgery. Early surgical intervention in ocular trauma would not only restore anatomical integrity but functional ability of the eye. The cataract surgical output could be improved upon by organizing outreach program and peripheral eye clinics. Use of protective eye shields by susceptible individuals would minimize ocular morbidity from trauma. Prompt referral of children with potential blinding eye injury or treatable ocular tumour would reduce the incidence of destructive surgeries in children.

Keywords: ophthalmic surgeries, practice, Ilorin, Nigeria

The Tropical Journal of Health Sciences Vol. 13(2) 2006: 31-34