Xerophthalmia clinics in rural eye camps

Abstract

Even though the primary prevention of many eye diseases can be effectively incorporated into the existing pattern of rural eye camps, efforts in this direction are restrained and insubstantial. We describe our technique and experience in the prevention of xerophthalmia by organising a distinct entity called a xerophthalmia clinic in our eye camps. The clinic consists of an Ophthalmologist or an Ophthalmic assistant who will exclusively examine children who come to the eye camp. This is perhaps, the first report on rural xerophthalmia clinics, in ophthalmic literature. Over a seven year period from 1984 to 1990 we have conducted 71 xerophthalmia clinics amongst the ninty eye camps organised. A total of 11,370 children were examined in the xerophthalmia clinic out of which 18.9% were afflicted with the disease. Therapeutic doses of Vitamin A were administered on the spot to the afflicted and prophylactic doses were administered to the rest. Intensive health education efforts are made through clinics to effectuate change in dietry habits towards consumption of locally grown DGLV (Dark Green Leafy Vegetables) like Anthenum, chenopodium and Amaranthus. A bipronged offensive consisting of mega-dosing and health education is, for the present and the foreseeable future, the best strategy to combat xerophthalmia in this desert region. A year by year breakdown of prevalence rates in the present study shows that in years of severe drought the prevalence of xerophthalmia increases three fold over the non-drought or mild drought years, thereby demonstrating that drought is a substantial risk factor in developing countries leading to vitamin A deficiency and xerophthalmia.