Irreversible visual loss in a tertiary care center in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background Data on visual loss have been collected in various regions of Saudi Arabia. However, we lack data representing a wide range of different populations or reflecting changes since the first study in Saudi Arabia in 1986. Purpose The aim of this study was to determine the causes of uncorrected visual impairment and blindness in the Saudi population as presented by countrywide referrals to King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSH&RC). Patients and methods This is a prospective descriptive study on all patients of all ages attending the eye clinic in KFSH&RC or referred to the Ophthalmic Consult Service with WHO definitions of visual impairment [visual acuity (VA)=20/60 or visual field (VF) <20°] and blindness (VA=20/400 or VF<10°). Best-corrected visual acuity, age, sex, and causes of visual loss were tabulated. The included patients were divided into five groups: unilateral impairment (UI), bilateral impairment (BI), unilateral blindness (UB), bilateral blindness (BB), and one impaired eye with one blind eye (BIB). Results There were 197 patients attending the ophthalmic department from May until November 2014 with WHO definition of visual impairment or blindness. Bilateral visual loss was reported in 129 (65.48%) patients. Patients from rural areas represented 78.14% of all included patients. UI, BI, UB, BB, and BIB were detected in 32 (16.24%), 56 (28.43%), 36 (18.27%), 36 (18.27%), and 37 (18.78%) patients with visual loss, respectively. Brain tumors, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, incurable myopia with extensive chorioretinal degeneration, and glaucoma were the main causes of visual loss. Conclusion The study contributed to a global database for the different causes of irreversible visual loss in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, the design and provision of low vision aids and social support can be targeted to appropriately identified subgroups of our population.