The prevalence of trachomatous trichiasis in Oman (Oman eye study 2005)

1. To estimate the prevalence and identify the determinants of Trachomatous Trichiasis (TT) among the > 40 years old Omani population. 2. To compare the results of the present study to those of the survey conducted in 1996 and propose public health policies for eye care in Oman.

Ophthalmologists randomly selected 75 houses in 24 clusters. The visual status per eye was noted. The anterior segment of the eye was examined to detect TT, using the WHO simplified grading. Frequencies, the age sex standardized prevalence and their 95% Confidence Intervals (unadjusted for clustering) were calculated and the numbers of people with TT in the population were estimated.

Persons examined numbered 2,339. The prevalence of TT among the > 40 years old Omani population was 4.14% (CI 95% 3.3 to 4.9). The gender variation [OR = 1.51 (CI 95% 1.01 to 2.37)] and regional variation of TT was significant (p < 0.001). The standardized prevalence of TT in the > 40 years old Omani population had declined from 7.25% in 1996 to 3.96% in 2005. Predictors of TT were female gender, and age > 60 years.

Trichiasis is still a public health problem in Oman. The prevalence is higher than the "< 1 TT case per 1000" target set for the "Ultimate Intervention Goals" for the "Elimination of Blinding Trachoma." The TT surgery rate in Oman should be increased to reach this goal. The underlying causes of low coverage should be identified and addressed through a program approach.