BackgroundVitreo-retinal diseases are among the leading causes of visual impairment and blindness worldwide. This study reports the prevalence and pattern of vitreo-retinal diseases in the Bhaktapur Glaucoma Study (BGS), a population based study conducted in Nepal.MethodsBGS was a population based cross-sectional study involving 4800 subjects aged 40 years and over from Bhaktapur district. Subjects were selected using a cluster sampling methodology and a door-to-door enumeration. All subjects underwent a detailed ocular examination at the base hospital which included log MAR visual acuity, refraction, applanation tonometry and a dilated fundus examination. Fundus photography, optical coherence tomography and fundus fluorescein angiography were performed where indicated.ResultsComplete data was available for 3966 (82.62%) out of the total of 4800 enumerated subjects. The mean age was 55.08 years (SD 11.51). The overall prevalence of vitreo-retinal disorders was 5.35% (95% CI, 4.67 - 6.09). Increasing age was associated with a higher prevalence of vitreo-retinal disorders (P < 0.001). The prevalence of diabetes mellitus was 7.69% (95% CI, 6.88 - 8.56). Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) was the most common vitreo-retinal disorder with a prevalence of 1.50% (95% CI, 1.15 - 1.94), increasing significantly with age. The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy among the study population was 0.78% (95% CI, 0.53 - 1.11) and among the diabetic population 10.16% (95% CI, 7.01 - 14.12). The population prevalence of other retinal disorders were hypertensive retinopathy 0.88%, macular scar 0.37%, retinal vein occlusion 0.50%, macular hole 0.20%, retinitis pigmentosa 0.12%. and retinal detachment 0.10%.The prevalence of low vision and blindness due to vitreo-retinal disorders was 1.53% (95% CI, 1.18 - 1.97) and 0.65% (95% CI, 0.43 - 0.96), respectively. The prevalence of low vision and blindness was 28.77% (95% CI, 22.78-35.37) and 12.26% (95% CI, 8.17-17.45), respectively among cases with vitreo-retinal disorders. Blindness was observed to be unilateral in 19 cases (73%), and bilateral in 7 cases (27%).ConclusionsThe prevalence of vitreo-retinal disorders in this Nepalese population was 5.35%, which increased significantly with age. AMD was the predominant retinal condition followed by diabetic retinopathy. One fourth of the subjects with vitreo-retinal disorder had low vision. Taking into consideration the aging population and emerging systemic diseases such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension, vitreo-retinal disorders could be of future public health importance.

A lack of awareness of DR coupled with a high proportion of cases already at a sight-threatening stage of retinopathy at their first presentation reflects the need for improved awareness programs to reduce the burden of blindness from DR in Nepal.

BackgroundThis study aims to explore the prevalence, pattern and risk factors of retinal vein occlusion (RVO) in an elderly population of Nepal.MethodOne thousand eight hundred sixty subjects of age 60 years and above were enrolled in a population-based, cross-sectional study. Detailed history, visual acuity, anterior segment and posterior segment examinations were done. Blood pressure, non-fasting blood sugar, body mass index and abdominal girth were measured. Retinal vein occlusions were further divided into branch retinal (BRVO), hemi-retinal and central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO).ResultAge ranged from 60 to 95 years with a mean of 69.64 ± 7.31 years. Overall population prevalence for RVO was 2.95% (95% Confidence interval (CI): 2.23–3.83), BRVO 2.74% (95% CI: 2.05–3.58) and CRVO 0.21% (95% CI: 0.06–0.55). BRVO was seen in 51 subjects (92.73%) and CRVO in 4 (7.27%). Among the total RVO, unilateral and bilateral involvement was 85.45% and 14.55%, respectively. Among the subjects with BRVO and CRVO, 37.25% and 50% had low vision, respectively. The risk of RVO increased with ageing and was more among males. There was an increased risk of RVO among those with hypertension, and with diabetes and hypertension. There was also an increased risk of RVO among subjects with hypermetropia, those with pseudophakia and those who were smokers and consumed alcohol.ConclusionRetinal vein occlusion is a common retinal vascular disorder in the elderly population of Nepal. The main risk factors for RVO were increasing age and hypertension.

BackgroundPremacular subhyaloid hemorrhage results in a sudden profound loss of vision. Among the modalities for its treatment, Nd:YAG laser hyaloidotomy is a non invasive method enabling rapid drainage of the obstructed macular area and improved vision within days. This study was aimed to evaluate the efficacy, visual outcome and complications following Nd:YAG laser hyaloidotomy for premacular subhyaloid hemorrhage.MethodsPatients with premacular subhyaloid hemorrhage of more than 3 disc diameters (DD) of various etiologies, attending Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology, Nepal from August, 2014 to February, 2015, were included. A comprehensive ocular evaluation was conducted and fundus photographs were taken to measure the size of the subhyaloid hemorrhage. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) were performed before and after treatment and on subsequent follow up visits. Fundus fluorescence angiography was done whenever necessary. Q switched Nd:YAG laser was applied to create an opening in the posterior hyaloids membrane for draining subhyaloid hemorrhage. The main outcome measures were success rate in performing hyaloidotomy, drainage of subhyaloid blood into vitreous cavity and its resorption, improvement in visual acuity, need for further intervention and postoperative complications.ResultsThere were 21 eyes of 19 patients, 17(89.48 %) male and 2(10.52 %) female. In 3, premacular subhyaloid hemorrhage was bilateral. Mean age was 41.68 ± 17.08 years and a mean duration of symptoms 15.04 days. Mean pretreatment hemorrhage was 6.27DD. Nd:YAG laser hyaloidotomy was successful in 19 eyes(86.4 %). In 2 patients, one each with Eales’ disease and retinal vein occlusion the procedure was unsuccessful, necessitating pars plana vitrectomy, while in a case with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), vitrectomy was resorted for non clearing vitreous hemorrhage. Vision improved from a median of 3/60 pre-operatively to 6/6, at 6 months follow up. At 3 months, 2 patients with Eales’ disease, one developed tractional detachment at macula while the other, an epiretinal membrane. No other complications were noted at 6 months.ConclusionNd:YAG laser hyaloidotomy is an inexpensive, effective and a safe outpatient procedure for premacular subhyaloid hemorrhage, producing rapid drainage with restoration of visual function avoiding more invasive procedures and enabling early assessment of the underlying retina. The final visual prognosis however, rests on the underlying cause of the subhyaloid hemorrhage and any accompanying retinal changes.

AimDiabetic retinopathy (DR) is an emerging cause of blindness in developing countries. This study aimed to explore the prevalence and risk factors of DR in an elderly population in Nepal.Subjects and methodsThis is a population-based, cross-sectional study. A total of 1860 subjects at the age 60 years and above participated (response rate 88.6%). A detailed history was obtained, presenting and best-corrected visual acuity were measured, and anterior segment and posterior segment examinations were carried out. Blood pressure and random blood sugar were recorded; body mass index was calculated, and abdominal girth was measured. DR was graded by clinical examination using Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study criteria.ResultsDiabetes was found in 168 (9%) subjects (mean age 69.6 years), 31 (18.5%) of whom were newly diagnosed. The prevalence of DR was 23.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 17.7%–31%) among the persons with diabetes. The prevalence of DR among newly diagnosed subjects with diabetes was 6.5% (95% CI: 0.8%–21.4%). The prevalence of vision-threatening DR was 9.5% (95% CI: 5.5%–15%) and was higher in males. The prevalence of DR was 83.3% (95% CI: 35.9%–99.6%) among those with diabetes for over 20 years. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, duration of diabetes, hypertension, and alcohol consumption were significantly associated with DR.ConclusionDR is a common problem among the elderly population with diabetes in Nepal. The duration of diabetes, hypertension, and alcohol consumption are the risk factors for the development of DR. Strategies have to be developed for timely diagnosis of diabetes and screening for DR.

BackgroundThis study aims to explore the prevalence and causes of low vision and blindness focused on retinal disease in a population above 60 years in Nepal.MethodsTwo thousand one hundred subjects were enrolled in a population-based cross-sectional study. History, presenting and best corrected visual acuity after subjective refraction, anterior and posterior segment examinations was obtained in detail.ResultsAmong the total subjects, 1860 (88.57%) had complete information. Age varies from 60 to 95 (mean age: 69.64 ± 7.31) years. Low vision and blindness in both eyes at presentation was found in 984 (52.90%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 50.60–55.19) and 36 (1.94%, 95% CI: 1.35–2.66) subjects respectively. After best correction, bilateral low vision and blindness was found in 426 (22.92%, 95% CI: 21.01–24.88), and 30 (1.61%, 95% CI: 0.10–2.30) subjects respectively. As compared to 60–69 years old, risk of visual impairment was four times higher (95% CI:3.26–5.58) in the 70–79 year olds and 14 times higher (95% CI: 9.72–19.73) in the age group 80 years and above.Major causes of bilateral low vision were cataract (68.07%), followed by retinal disorders (28.64%), and for blindness; retinal disorders (46.66%), followed by cataract (43.33%). Illiteracy was significantly associated with visual impairment.ConclusionAmong the elderly population, prevalence of visual impairment was high. Refractive error, cataract and retinal disorders were the major cause of low vision. Screening the population at the age 60 years and above, focused on cataract and posterior segment diseases, providing glasses and timely referral can help reduce visual impairment.

The prevalence of DR was 38 % among the admitted diabetic cases and the DR was significantly associated with the duration of diabetes and systemic hypertension. Almost half of the cases had been unaware of DR before referral. This emphasizes the importance of the collaboration of the physician and the ophthalmologist for an early DR detection.

The demographic characteristics, patterns and risk factors of RVO in Nepal can help guide interventions against these blinding diseases in similar developing countries.