Incidence of Ophthalmic Disease in the Dakhla Oasis in Egypt by a prevention of blindness major campaign

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the incidence of ocular diseases in Dakhla Oasis Egypt Setting: Examination in 1 central hospital and 17 primary health care units and 10 small villages and cities in the western desert in Egypt.Methods: There were 15 ophthalmic volunteers were divided into 3 screening groups and one operation team. The 3 groups screen the village and give free medical treatments for the patients, the major operations referred to the central hospitals to be done by the operation team. Screenings include full eye exam, IOP and VA measurement, fundus examination and minor operations. Major operations, laser treatments and some investigations were done by the surgical team. Results: The campaign examined 3780 patients and treatment was given, 81 Cataract operations, 14 Other Major operations and 29 minor operations were done. The diseases were 6.59% lid, 1.11% lacrimal system, 49.60% conjunctive, 6.30% corneal, 0.40% uvea, 5.58% glaucoma, 12.59% cataract, 4.92% fundus diseases and 1.11%EOM problems. Conclusions: Prevention of blindness program is important for curing different ocular diseases and preventing their progression.