Pattern of eye diseases in Nigerian children seen at Lagos University Teaching Hospital : a decade after

ABSTRACT

Analysis of 1;000 new paediatric eye patients over a one year period showed that conjunctival diseases were the commonest as opposed to refractive error found a decade ago. More cases of eye injuries; neuro-ophthalmological conditions; squints and congenital abnormalities were also encountered. Females attend hospital more readily than males constituting 50.9 per cent and 29.8 per cent of new patients seen were children 16 years and below. Uveitis and chronic open angle glaucoma were uncommon compared to adult patients. Trachoma was not found in this environment as opposed to Nothern Nigeria. Some of these eye diseases cause blindness which can be prevented if suggested steps are taken. The demand on specialist services could be reduced if eye care delivery is incorporated into primary health care programme