Epidemiological profile of the most common eye diseases in Bandundu City and surrounding areas: analysis of consultation data from Winner’s Medico-Social Ophthalmology Clinic, January 1 to December 31, 2024
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59228/rcst.026.v5.i2.312Keywords:
Glaucoma, Cataract, Visual Acuity, Blindness, Democratic Republic of the CongoAbstract
To describe the epidemiological profile of ocular diseases among patients attending Winner’s Medico-Social Ophthalmology Clinic in Bandundu in 2024, focusing on primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and its association with vision loss severity. We conducted a retrospective descriptive and analytical study using consultation records from January 1 to December 31, 2024. Complete records documenting a full ophthalmic examination, visual acuity measurement, and the primary ocular diagnosis were included. Variables were age, sex, primary diagnosis, best-eye visual acuity categorized using logMAR, and POAG status. A total of 212 patients were included (mean age 50.4 ± 19.2 years; 66.5% male). POAG was the most frequent primary diagnosis (56.6%), followed by cataract (12.3%) and conjunctivitis/allergy-related conditions (9.0%). Best-eye visual acuity was normal or mildly reduced in 41.5% of patients, while 23.6% met criteria for blindness. POAG frequency increased with age (p ≈ 0.0006) and showed no significant difference by sex (p ≈ 0.14). POAG was the leading diagnosis and was often associated with advanced visual impairment; strengthening early screening and access to care is urgently needed.
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