Ocular Complications Secondary to Common Malpractices Followed in Rural Areas – A Tertiary Care Centre Study

Abstract

Aim of the Study: To assess the ocular complications associated with common malpractices done in rural area. Materials and Method: A hospital based observational, cross section study. In a year, 38 patients found to have undergone ocular malpractices after considering inclusion and exclusion criteria. Detailed clinical history with ophthalmic examination was done. Results: Out of 38 patients who underwent malpractices, 28 (73.7%) had history of quackery, 4 (10.5%) had history of wrong medicine usage, 3 (7.8%) had history of traditional medicine usage and 3 (7.8%) had multiple causes. Commonest complaint was stone or foreign body removal by quacks using grass. The common complications noted were periorbital skinreaction (10.5%), conjunctivitis(42.1%), keratoconjunctivitis (13.1%), sight threatening corneal ulcers (28.9%), old corneal opacity (2.6%), panophthalmitis (2.6%). Conclusion: Quackery, traditional medicine usage, wrong drugs usage are the common ocular malpractices prevalent in rural India. Often, they are associated with sight threatening complications. Public awareness is needed to decrease the harmful effects arising from such practices