52. Prevalence of subtypes of epithelial and sub-epithelial corneal dystrophy in Punjab-Pakistan
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Abstract
This study was performed to determine the prevalence of subtypes of epithelial and subepithelial corneal dystrophy. The study was conducted between October, 2015 to June, 2016 on cases of epithelial and sub-epithelial during ophthalmological consultation at tertiary hospitals of Lahore where patients from different cities of Punjab including Okara, Sahiwal, Kasoor, Lahore, Gujranwala, Multan and northern areas also visited i.e., Mayo Hospital, General Hospital, Mughal Eye Hospital, Layton Rehmatullah Benevolent Trust (LRBT) Hospital, Ganga Ram Hospital, Al-Ehsan welfare Hospital and different hospitals of Gujranwala, Pakistan. The techniques used for the diagnosis of epithelial and sub-epithelial corneal dystrophy were visual acuity test by Snellen chart, Slit lamp biomicroscopy, Topography, Keratometer, and Pachymetry. In this study, 121 cases of epithelial and subepithelial corneal dystrophies were identified among which 60 were female and 61 were male patients. The main complaint was a drop in the visual acuity and loss of vision in all patients (100%). The age group that was predominant in epithelial and sub-epithelial corneal dystrophy was 50-60 years and 80-90 years. Cases of epithelial corneal dystrophy were observed in all age groups but 37.09% cases were found in age 41-50 years. Epithelial, sub-epithelial and endothelial corneal dystrophy was more prevalent in males as compared to females in the patients of Punjab. This study will help us in genetic counseling of the affected individuals and their families to let them know the proper treatment of the disease.
Keywords: Biomicroscopy; Cornea; Keratometer; Visual acuity