Pattern of Eye Diseases in a Tertiary Hospital in Osogbo, Southwestern Nigeria

The aim of the study was to determine the pattern of eye diseases in patients that attended the eye clinic of a teaching hospital in Osogbo, South-Western Nigeria between March 2018 and February 2019.

Methodology: A retrospective cross-sectional study of 2420 consecutive new patients that attended the eye clinic between the period was included in the study. Patients’ records as contained in the individual case notes were accessed for relevant information. Data obtained included the age, sex, religion, tribe and diagnoses at first attendance. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21(SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). Descriptive statistics were used in summarizing the data and Pearson’s chi-square statistical method was used to determine statistical significance of association between categorical variables at 5% probability level.

Results: Cataract, refractive errors and glaucoma were the common types of eye diseases seen. Of the refractive errors, females predominate and myopia was the commonest type encountered. Furthermore, myopia was commonest in all age groups. However, in the 10-19 years age group, it occurred at 6 years to 9 years (P= 0.001) Vitreoretinal diseases 111(4.6%) were also encountered, some of which needed to be referred out to other centers.

Conclusion: Cataract, refractive errors and glaucoma were the common eye diseases seen in this study. Refractive errors have become more common than glaucoma in this environment. This calls for more intensified efforts in the provision of corrective treatments for refractive errors, cataract surgical outreaches and glaucoma awareness programs. The occurrence of vitreo-retinal diseases in substantial proportions also calls for the availabilty of vitreo-retinal equipment and specialists.