Self perceived ocular morbidities among geriatric subjects of urban Varanasi

Introduction: Older population is at higher risk of ocular problems. One of the significant reasons for this phenomenon could be ageing which leads to degenerative changes. With this background this study was conducted on geriatric subjects in urban Varanasi. Objectives: To assess self perceived ocular morbidities in geriatric subjects and their associates. Materials and Method: This cross sectional study was conducted on 616 subjects (> 60 years) selected by multistage sampling procedure from urban Varanasi adopting inclusion and exclusion criteria. After obtaining ethical approval and prior consent of subjects each study subject was specifically interviewed about socio economic and demographic characteristics, self reported ocular morbidities and selected parameters of study subjects with the help of appropriate tools. They were subjected to weight and height recording following standard techniques. Analysis of Data: For analysis of data SPSS version 21.0 was used. For inferential purpose c2 test was used. Results: Overall prevalence of self perceived ocular morbidities was 13.1%. Of all cases with self perceived ocular morbidities cataract (81.4%) was most common morbidity. There existed significant (p<0.01) association of self perceived ocular morbidities with age, ADL involvement and depression status of the study subjects. Conclusion: One out of eight geriatric subjects had self reported ocular morbidities. Health promotion can reduce unmet need of eye diseases and will ultimately limit avoidable cause of blindness and vision