Clinico-epidemiological profile of patients presenting to tertiary eye care hospital in south India for blindness certificate – A prospective observational study

Abstract

To evaluate and analyze the causes of visual impairment, handicap, and blindness in a tertiary eye hospital among patients applying blindness certificates in Chennai.  Applications for blindness certificates were analyzed over two years (2019-2021). The main cause of blindness, visual handicap, and visual impairment in these applications was ascertained by age group and etiology. Visual impairment disability percentages and definitions proposed by the Government of India [category 0-4, 20-100%] were used to categorize and give a percentage to all applicants. Results were compared with data from studies on blindness certificates and population-based studies.  A total of 118 applications were reviewed. The mean age was 23.5±7.9 (range 12 to 65 years). The most common causes of blindness were retinitis pigmentosa and optic atrophy. In the age group 0-15 years, phthisis bulbi followed by microphthalmos were found to be the most common cause of blindness. Among the 15-30 years age group, macular pathology was the most common cause of visual blindness. Between 30-40 years of age group Retinitis pigmentosa is most common. Above 40-60 years of age, optic atrophy and glaucoma were the most common cause of blindness. Data from applications for blindness certificates provide valuable information regarding different causes of visual blindness provide an insight into the overall trends in disease profile and service delivery.