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Tracing Ocular Conditions in 15,921 Interwar Refugees, Veria, Greece (1926-1940)
Spyros N Michaleas1, Theodoros N Sergentanis2, Irini P Chatziralli3
1Department of History of Medicine and Medical Deontology, Medical School, University of Crete, Greece. sp.michaleas@gmail.com.
Acta Medica Academica
|March 30, 2021
Summary
Ocular conditions in Greek refugees during the Interwar period included anterior segment issues, trachoma, and trauma. These findings highlight the harsh living conditions faced by refugees.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- The Interwar period saw significant refugee movements, impacting health.
- Greek refugees faced challenging living conditions, potentially affecting ocular health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the spectrum of ocular conditions among Greek refugees.
- To analyze data from the Refugee Hospital of Veria, Imathia, Greece, between 1926-1940.
Main Methods:
- Historical epidemiological study.
- Analysis of archival records from 15,921 patients.
- Descriptive statistical analysis of identified ocular conditions.
Main Results:
- Twenty-two cases of ocular conditions were identified.
- Anterior segment conditions (keratitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, conjunctivitis, epithelioma, leukoma, operated cataract) were most common (10 patients).
- Other conditions included ocular trachoma, sympathetic ophthalmia, syphilis-related ophthalmia, ocular malaria, and four cases of ocular trauma.
Conclusions:
- The identified ocular diseases reflect the adverse living conditions of Greek refugees during the Interwar era.
- This study provides insight into the public health challenges faced by displaced populations.
