ABSTRACT
Purpose: The aim of this study was to report the proportion and patterns of eye diseases observed among infants seen at two rural eye care centers in South India. Methods: A retrospective review of case records of infants seen between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2017 at two rural secondary eye care centers attached to L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad. Data were collected regarding their demographic profile, the pattern of eye problems observed, management at the facility itself, and need for referrals. Results: During this period, a total of 3092 children were seen. Among them, 141 were infants (4.56%, 71 boys: 70 girls, median age: 8 months). Twenty-five percent of infants were less than 6 months of age. The most common eye problem was congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (n = 76, 53.90%), followed by conjunctivitis (n = 33, 23.40%), retinopathy of prematurity (n = 4, 2.84%) and strabismus (n = 3, 2.13%). One case each of congenital cataract and suspected retinoblastoma were identified. Majority of the cases (58.8%) belonged to the oculoplastic and orbital surgery sub-specialty. Sixteen percent of the infants (n = 23) had sight-threatening eye problems. Twenty percent (n = 28) were referred to tertiary care hospital for further management. Conclusion: Profile of eye disease in infants in secondary or rural eye care centers ranged from simple to complex, including sight-threatening diseases. While our study concluded that nearly 4/5th of these eye problems were simple and could be managed by a well-trained comprehensive ophthalmologist, 20% of these cases required a referral to a tertiary care center.