Pattern of ocular diseases among adult patients visiting ophthalmic clinics in Qassim University, Saudi Arabia 2021

Background: The World Health Organization confirmed the importance of obtaining information about the pattern of ocular diseases in the population as this is helpful to provide appropriate management and application of programs based on the priorities of the population. This study aimed to determine the most prevalent patterns of ocular diseases and to compare the patterns of ocular diseases among different age groups and genders in patients visiting ophthalmic clinics in Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This study was retrospective and cross-sectional in nature, and the data were collected from ophthalmic clinics in Qassim University, Qassim region, Saudi Arabia from January 1, 2020 to January 1, 2021. The data collection form consisted of basic demographic characteristics and diagnosed ocular disease. Results: A total of 384 patients were included. The most common age group was > 50 years old (35.4%) with slightly more males (53.4%) than females (46.6%). The most common anatomical region of eye abnormality was the cornea (26.8%), and its prevalence was statistically significantly higher in age group 16-30 years (p < 0.001). Refractive errors were the commonly detected corneal disease (17.7%), while cataracts (9.9%) and presbyopia (8.6%) were the most common lens diseases. Likewise, blepharitis was the most common diseases for the eyelid (7.8%), and strabismus was the common disorder of ocular motility (7.3%). Conclusion: The prevalence of refractive errors and strabismus was more common among young patients, while the prevalence of cataracts and glaucoma was more common among older patients.