Prevalence of ocular morbidities among paediatric patients attending Ophthalmology OPD in MKCG Medical College Hospital, Berhampur, Odisha, India

Background: Ocular morbidities in children can have a serious impact on development, education and quality of life in children hence require prompt attention. This study was conducted with an objective to determine the pattern of ocular morbidity in children less than 15 years of age presenting in the Outpatient Department (OPD) of MKCG Medical College, Berhampur. Methods: A hospital based cross-sectional study was carried out from August 2016 to January 2017 among 282 children. Data was collected by using a semi structured questionnaire after taking informed consent and analyzed. Results: Majority were in the age group of 10-14 years (55.3%). The common presenting symptoms were blurred vision (29.1%) and headache (7.8%). The common ocular morbidities reported were refractive error (34%), ocular infection (13.5%), ocular trauma (9.9%), allergic conjunctivitis (9.2%). Refractive error was more prevalent in children of aged 11-14 years and ocular trauma in 5-9 years compared to children of the other age group. Conclusions: Majority of ocular morbidities are preventable and treatable. So early attention through eye screening and intervention programme at the community level is recommended.