Pattern of Eye Diseases in Adults at the General Outpatient Clinic of a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria

OBJECTIVE: To determine the pattern of eye diseases at the general outpatient department (GOPD) of a Nigerian tertiary hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients selected by systematic random sampling at the GOPD of a Nigerian tertiary hospital were studied. Information on sociodemographics and ocular complaints were obtained using interviewer-administered questionnaire. Ocular examination included visual acuity measurement and anterior and posterior segments examinations. Data analysis was with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. RESULTS: Three hundred and eighty-two patients, comprising 124 (32.5%) males and 258 (67.5%) females, aged between 18 and 86 years, mean 44.8 ± 15.4 years, were studied; 112 (29.3%) had eye diseases but only 88 (78.6%) patients complained of ocular disorder(s). Common complaints were poor vision 53 (60.4%), red eye and grittiness 15 (17.0%) each. Common eye diseases were lens 52 (13.6%) and conjunctiva 46 (12.0%) disorders. Attaining higher education was protective against eye diseases (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Nearly a third of patients at the GOPD have eye diseases. Therefore, primary eye care should be integrated into the GOPD service with provision of relevant manpower and facilities for care of the ophthalmic patients.