Retinal diseases are among the leading causes of visual impairment and blindness worldwide. However, they are underdiagnosed and undertreated in Nigeria as in other developing countries probably due to paucity of adequately trained manpower and equipment. With the increasing life expectancy and prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes mellitus and obesity, many patients will develop diabetic retinopathy and invariably sight threatening retinopathies.
To adequately plan and develop a vitreoretinal service in our institution, data on the burden of retinal diseases is required and
necessary. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence and pattern of retinal disorders seen in Federal Medical Center, Owerri as evidence for advocacy towards capacity building and the establishment of a vitreoretinal unit in the institution.
METHODS: This was a retrospective, descriptive review of case notes of patients with retinal diseases seen between January 2010 - December 2014 at the Eye Clinic of the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo State. Data on retinal diseases were analysed using Pearson Chi Square into tables showing percentages and frequency distribution tables according to age and gender. Statistical significance was set at p ≤0.05.
RESULTS: Four hundred and twenty-two patients of the 37,211 cases reviewed had retinal diseases. There were more females than males with a male to female ratio of 0.76 to 1. The mean age was 56.34±7.19SD. The prevalence of retinal diseases was 1.13%. Age-related macular degeneration was the most common retinal disease noted in this study. Retinal diseases occurred more in patients aged 61 years and above than in other age groups. This finding was statistically significant.
CONCLUSION: This study highlighted different retinal diseases identified in this study. ARMD, and non- diabetic maculopathy were the most common conditions recorded. To reduce the burden of visual impairment due to retinal disorders, it is imperative for institutions to establish well-equipped vitreoretinal clinics.