Ophthalmic Emergencies in Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The types and causes of ophthalmic emergencies at

Profile of Ocular Emergencies in a Tertiary Health Centre

“…A study of ophthalmic emergencies in Benin city reported a 1.1% prevalence among total emergency cases at the hospital. 10 This makes comparison with our results difficult. Majority (80.1%) were less than 50 years old.…”

“…23 Dawodu et al in Benin city stated the dearth of eye care professionals and primary eye care professionals in the rural communities as reasons for late presentation among emergencies. 10 A study by Omolase et al proposed proximity to the eye centre as a possible reason for a significant proportion of their patients reporting within 24hours of onset of eye complaints. 21 The farthest distance from our eye-care facility within the state is about 60km.…”

“…12 It is however contrary to some series of report from developing and developed countries where traumatic eye diseases were the leading reasons for consultations. 10,[26][27][28][29] The reasons for this pattern in this study was not actually known but could be as a result of lack of ignorance or poor knowledge on the use of unorthodox eye medication practice which could have averted serious eye problems from minor eye complaints. The enforcement of seat belt use by the government agents might have also reduced ocular injuries from RTA as the passage of child right laws reducing child battering.…”