Eye diseases in general out-patient clinic in Ibadan.

Background: Eye diseases constitute one of the commonest problems presenting to the general practice clinic. This study was carried out to determine the pattern of eye diseases presenting to the general out-patient clinic and compare it with those in the ophthalmic clinic.

Methods: All patients presenting to the general out-patient clinic of University College Hospital, Ibadan with ocular problems from July to December 1989 were studied. A structured questionnaire was administered for personal, epidemiological and medical background information. Ophthalmic assessments were done by both the general practitioner and the ophthalmologist.

Results: A total of 3856 new patients were seen in the general out-patient clinic during the study period. Out of this 482 presented with ocular problems with a male to female ratio of 1.4: 1.0. Conjunctivitis (32.9%), cataract (14.7%), ocular injuries (12.8%), refractive errors (9.9%) and glaucoma (5.3%) were common eye conditions. Diseases of ocular adnexa, scleritis, aphakia and orbital tumours were rare.

Conclusion: The pattern of eye diseases differed slightly from that presenting in the ophthalmic clinic. It is important that the general practitioner be conversant with common eye conditions presenting to him to enhance better management and reduce unnecessary referrals to ophthalmologists.