Statistical Observation of the Inpatients Referred for Ophthalmologic Examination

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To study profiles of inpatients and eye problems evaluated and managed by the ophthalmology consultation service of a large university teaching hospital. METHODS: We evaluated one thousand fourteen patients from April 2002 through December 2002. We recorded demographic information, hospitalization information, and eye examination information, including reason for consultation, type of consultation, ophthalmologic diagnosis. RESULTS: Approximately half the patients were male. Patients in 7th decade were 199. Endocrinologic devision of internal medicine services accounted for 19.0% of all consultations. Twenty-two percent of all consultations was to rule out diabetic retinopathy. We recorded 64 primary ophthalmologic diagnoses and 40 secondary ophthalmologic diagnoses. The top five common primary ophthalmologic diagnoses were diabetic retinopathy, conjunctivitis, cataract, refractive error and dry eye. Cataract was the most common secondary ophthalmologic diagnosis. There were 266 primary hospital discharge diagnoses. The most common primary hospital discharge diagnosis was diabetes mellitus. CONCLUSIONS: . Many people requiring examination for diabetic retinopathy had no history of previous ophthalmic examination. Therefore, education for patients with diabetes mellitus is needed. This study profiled the typical patients and eye problems seen by an ophthalmologist when inpatient consultation is requested. We hope that this report provides a basic source for planning and management of consultation services in residency training programs.