Pattern of ocular comorbidities in patients presenting with cataract in a tertiary eye care hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Cataract is a slowly progressing eye condition marked by clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye or its capsule that prevents light from entering the eye. Ocular comorbidities are collections of eye conditions that exist simultaneously, regardless of their etiopathogenic relationship. Ocular comorbidities are frequently associated with reduced quality of life and disabilities caused by visual impairment. Aim: To determine the pattern of ocular comorbidities in patients presenting with cataract in a tertiary eye care hospital. Material and methods: This hospital based observational study was conducted in the OPD of the Department of Ophthalmology, Government Medical College Jammu over a period of 1 year from November 2021 to October 2022. A total of 500 patients were included in this study. Data was collected using a clinical proforma and analysed using SPSS inc., v.16. Results: The present study found majority of the participants 195(39.0%) in the age group of 61-70 years with female to male ratio of 1.15:1. Diabetic retinopathy was the most commonly associated ocular comorbidity seen in 5.5% of cataract patients. (5.4% R/E and 5.6% L/E). Conclusion: Adequate control of coexisting ocular diseases is of utmost importance in order to avoid any intraoperative or postoperative problems, anticipating visual outcomes and improving visual results postoperatively by taking necessary steps wherever possible.