Congenital eye diseases in Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

Aim: To look at the incidence of congenital eye disease in Rachel Eye Center, Abuja, in the hope that some of the more common problems may be highlighted and strategies for a more effective service may evolve. Materials and Methods: The case notes of all new patients aged one year or less who presented at the Rachel Eye Center, Abuja, where between 150-250 new cases are seen every month, over a ten-year period (1990 and 2000) were reviewed. Results: One hundred and thirty seven patients with a definitive diagnosis were selected for the study, of which 30.5% had congenital eye disease. The commonest causes were nasolacrimal duct obstruction (12.4%), cataract with or without microphthalmos (5.1%), strabismus (2.9%), and buphthalmos (2.9%). Conclusion: Further research is needed to determine what proportion of congenital cataracts is associated with rubella in Nigeria, even though the association is well established elsewhere, so that the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine may be included in the Expanded Programme on Immunization, if it is found to be a problem of public health significance. There is also a need to strengthen the institution of social welfare in the country so that those born incurably blind can be better assisted. Key words:congenital blindness, cataract, rubella, mumps, measles Nigerian Journal of Ophthalmology Vol 12(2) 2004: 46-49