Dr. Rekha Kumari Goyal, Dr. Anju Kochar, Dr. Sunita Kumawat
PURPOSE-To analyze epidemiological profile, causes of blindness and determine the category and % of disability and reason of seeking visual handicap certificate in North West Rajasthan.
MATERIALS AND METHODS-150 patients seeking disability certificate in eye OPD of a tertiary centre in Rajasthan were evaluated between Oct 2015 to April 2016. Visual impairment was categorized on basis of WHO CRITERIA. Causes of blindness was accessed and stratified.
RESULT-Most common age group seeking disability certificate was between 50-60 yr .Male outnumbered female. Anterior segment disorders and acquired blindness were common cause of visual impairment with corneal blindness being the leading preventable cause.
CONCLUSION – Prevalance of blindness in India is 1.5% and in Rajasthan is 2.5% which is alarming. Consolidated efforts are still required to bring down the preventable causes and national polices should be framed with focus on states with high burden of visual disability.