Rhutuja Deo1, Smita Singh2
PURPOSE: To estimate the prevalence of blindness due to posterior segment disorders which include diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, age related macular degeneration in rural area in central India of Wardha District.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: Multistage Cluster sampling method was used. Sample size was calculated to be 1400. Door to door examination of 100 people aged ï?³40 years, in each cluster. Demographic information with relevant history, visual acuity, anterior segment examination including AC depth was seen by torch light. Intraocular pressure, and fundus examination for posterior segment patients was done using direct ophthalmoscope.
OBSERVATIONS AND RESULTS: Out of 2800 eyes of 1400 individuals, posterior segment disorders were diagnosed in 31 eyes which include Diabetic retinopathy, ARMD and retinal detachment. The Prevalence of Blindness due to Diabetic Retinopathy is 0.035% in 2800 eyes. The Prevalence of blindness due to ARMD in eyes was 0.07%. The prevalence of Blindness due to Retinal Detachment in eye was 0.035%.
CONCLUSION: Population based data on the magnitude of disease is essential to plan for required services. This was a population based survey in which door to door examination was done. But Slit lamp biomicroscopy or indirect ophthalmoscopy were not done as they were not feasible in rural survey setup. Therefore, the total prevalence reported may be underestimated.
