Research Journal of Medical Sciences
ISSN: Online 1993-6095ISSN: Print 1815-9346
Abstract
To assess the clinical profile of patients seeking visual impairment certificate. This 1‐year cross sectional study consisted of 105 patients above 5 years of age with visual impairment attending Ophthalmology OPD at KIMS Hospital Hubli, seeking visual impairment certificate. The clinical profile of patients was recorded. Out of 105 cases in the study, most of them were in the age group of 20‐30 years (25.7%) and above 50 years (24.8%). Mean age was 36.9 years. Oldest in the study group was 74 years and youngest was 6 years. Out of 105 patients, males were 73 (69.5%) and females were 32 (30.5%). The major cause of visual impairment in patients seeking visual impairment certificate was retinitis pigmentosa (21.9%), followed by congenital anomalies (16.2%) and least were staphyloma (1.9%) and empty socket (1.9%). Males were the most affected compared to females in most of the pathologies. The major anatomical site affected is retina (41%) followed by whole globe (30.5%). The most of the whole globe pathologies were avoidable as they were associated with trauma. Major retinal and optic nerve pathologies were non‐avoidable. These findings were statistically significant as the p<0.001. The results have shown high number of retinitis pigmentosa and congenital diseases of eye, it explains the need for genetic counselling. Men are more common beneficiaries when compared to women showing gender bias, gender‐based inequality for getting visual impairment certificates should be minimised through awareness and education of people. Integrated education has been initiated in the state as the number of integration is still low. An alternative would be to encourage low‐vision classes with print education in the blind schools alongside Braille classes but this would require investment in teaching materials.
How to cite this article:
Swetha Mallikarjun, Geetha S. Bandi, Ramya Karjol, Jyothi N. Sanganal and K. Manish. Clinical Profile of Patients Seeking Visual Impairment Certificate.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.59218/makrjms.2023.9.164.167
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/10.59218/makrjms.2023.9.164.167