The burden of ocular diseases in an underdeveloped village in Southwest Sumba, Eastern Indonesia, 2016
Abstract: Prevalence estimates
of ocular diseases in a given district are important to plan the programs of
eye care services. This study aimed to describe the burden of ocular diseases
as an initial step in improving eye care services in underdeveloped areas in
Indonesia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed among residents of
Perobatang Village in Southwest Sumba district in July 2016. Eye examinations
were conducted by ophthalmologists, and visual acuity was measured by
optometrists. Participants were provided with appropriate treatment according
to diagnosis. Surgical services were offered two months after the examination.
Results: After eximining a total of 667 of 1,459 (46%) residents, the
result showed that the most frequent ocular problems were presbyopia (30.8%),
cataract (12.8%), refractive error (11.3%), and pterygium (10.7%). The
proportion of myopia was 5.9%, hyperopia was 5.0%, and astigmatism was 2.2%.
Moreover, the proportion of blindness was 10%. Cataract caused blindness in 44
participants. Other causes of blindness included age-related macular
degeneration, retinopathy, optic atrophy, glaucoma, retinal detachment and
trauma.
Conclusion: The burden of ocular problems in Perobatang Village,
Southwest Sumba, Eastern Indonesia was high. These findings showed the
importance of public health action from local government and non-governmental
organizations to improve eye care services in Southwest Sumba district.
Keywords: blindness;
Indonesia; Southwest Sumba; underdeveloped district; visual impairment
Author: Ratna Sitompul, Yeni
D. Lestari, Simon Siregar, Asti Ayudianingrum, Isfiyanto Isfiyanto, Gladys
Kusumowidagdo, Della P. Sari, Eiko B. Matiur, Saleha Sungkar
Journal Code: jpkedokterangg170223
