Assessment of Pattern Of Visual Impairment And Etiology of Corneal Disorders in Tertiary Eye Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Corneal diseases are a major cause of avoidable blindness, particularly in developing countries. Limited information is available regarding the pattern of corneal visual impairment and its etiological factors in western Nepal. This study aimed to assess the pattern of visual impairment and identify etiological factors associated with corneal disorders in this region.

Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary eye hospital. A total of 151 patients with corneal diseases were selected through simple random sampling. Demographic, clinical, and ocular history data were collected using a structured Proforma. Comprehensive eye examinations with slit-lamp biomicroscopy and visual acuity assessment were performed using a Snellen chart. Visual impairment was categorized according to World Health Organization criteria. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20, with descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Among 151 participants, 60.9% were male, with a mean age of 44.12±16.94 years. Most participants were from rural areas (86.1%) and engaged in agriculture (47.7%). Infectious etiologies accounted for 58.3% of cases, with fungal Keratitis being the most common (39.1%), followed by viral infection (29.8%). Nearly half (47.7%) reported a history of ocular trauma, predominantly from vegetable matter (43.5%). Moderate visual impairment was observed in 34.4% of patients, while blindness affected 30.5%. Rural residence (p=0.022) and central corneal opacity (p<0.001) were significantly associated with poorer visual outcomes.

Conclusions: Infectious Keratitis and trauma were the leading causes of corneal blindness. Strengthening eye safety measures and improving rural eye care services may reduce corneal visual impairment and blindness.