Causes of blindness among patients in south Jordan

Abstract EN

Objectives: To identify the major causes of blindness in southern part of Jordan among patients presenting to the ophthalmology clinics, and to classify these causes according to certain age groups. Methods: This study was conducted at Prince Ali and Prince Zaid Hospitals during three years period between May 2001 and April 2004.

Using the World Health Organization criteria for definition of blindness. Results: The major cause of blindness was found to be cataract.

It was seen in 49.8% of all blind patients.

Other causes included glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy, which were seen in 15.7% and 13.6% of the patients respectively.

Glaucoma was the leading cause of blindness in the young age group, while cataract was the most common cause of blindness in middle and old age groups. Conclusion: Our study showed that cataract, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy were the major causes of loss of vision.

The late presentation of cataract patients, poor compliance of glaucoma patients and the lack of knowledge and ignorance of diabetic patients worsen the problem.

Therefore, we advise to adopt a national ophthalmic educational program in order to decrease the incidence of blindness