Ocular Surface Disorders at a Rural Medical College Hospital in Maharashtra, India

Abstract

BACKGROUND Disorders affecting the ocular surface may present from mild ocular discomfort to blindness; therefore, prompt detection and apt management assume prime importance. MATERIALS AND METHODS A prospective, cross-sectional, observational study was done to identify and manage various disorders affecting the ocular surface in patients at a rural hospital. Purposive sampling was done, and proportion of various disorders was calculated. Twelve hundred patients with ocular surface disorders visiting the hospital were included in the study. After prior consent and comprehensive history, a thorough, ocular examination was done using slit lamp and accessories. Staining with fluorescein, Tear-film Break Up Time (TBUT), Schirmer's tests and biopsies were done when necessary. General and systemic examination was performed to detect associated diseases. Specific management strategies were employed for each disorder. RESULTS The mean age was 42.27 ± 41.44 years. Conjunctivitis was the most common disorder present in 509 patients, followed by Dry Eye Disease (DED) in 292. Other disorders detected included Stevens-Johnson syndrome, clinically suspicious cicatricial pemphigoid, blepharitis, keratitis, chemical injuries, pterygium, ophthalmia nodosa, sebaceous gland carcinoma (SGC) and graft versus host disease. CONCLUSION Timely detection by thorough examinations and appropriate management of ocular surface diseases alleviates patient's suffering, and in some cases prevents blindness.