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Corneal disease in rural Transkei
J C Hill1, R Maske, S van der Walt
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cape Town, Observatory, RSA.
Summary
A study in Transkei found climatic droplet keratopathy to be a leading cause of blindness in elderly men. Researchers also noted a low incidence of vitamin A deficiency in children, highlighting potential subclinical risks.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- External eye diseases pose a significant public health concern, particularly in developing regions.
- Actinic damage is a known etiological factor for several degenerative eye conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey the prevalence of external eye diseases in Transkei.
- To investigate the incidence of climatic droplet keratopathy, pterygia, and xerophthalmia.
- To identify potential risk factors and public health implications of observed eye conditions.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey examining 1,519 individuals in Transkei.
- Clinical assessment for various external eye diseases, including keratopathy, pterygia, and signs of vitamin A deficiency.
- Data analysis to determine prevalence and identify demographic associations.
Main Results:
- Climatic droplet keratopathy was highly prevalent and a common cause of blindness in elderly men.
- Pterygia were rare, observed only in 7 women, contrasting with the expected prevalence given actinic damage.
- Xerophthalmia (vitamin A deficiency) was found in 0.58% of children (<15 years), with potential subclinical cases and other corneal changes noted.
Conclusions:
- Climatic droplet keratopathy is a significant cause of blindness in the studied population.
- The low prevalence of pterygia warrants further investigation into etiological factors.
- Subclinical vitamin A deficiency may represent a broader public health risk for childhood infections.