Primary health care model for detection of ophtalmological visual disturbances in a population of employees of Universidad de Tarapaca, Chile

Abstract

Purpose Implement a primary health care model for the Universidad de Tarapacá personnel in Arica, Chile, which is a desert region. Methods The model was applied at 510 employees and consisted of applying a survey and eye exams such as: Visual acuity for near and far, autorefractometria, biomicroscopy, IOP. In the analysis measures of central tendency, proportions, means and standard deviation were used. The ratio differences were analyzed in in bivariate statistic chi2 and T Student. Results The average age was 48 years old, 57% female and 43% male. The 27% have Aymara ancestry and of these, 13% have ocular disorders. The 18% have systemic diseases and 73% have just one family member with an ocular disease. One of every 4 states to have a diagnosed eye disease. The 50% of the total has 100% of AV without optical devices. The 34% use optical lenses that do not alter their visual acuity. Of those over 40 years old, 3% has IOP above 24 mm Hg, 7% over 21 and 90% less than 21. The 16% has Pterigion symptomatic and 5% are bilateral. The 61% of the total study population reports to feel the need to be assisted an eye professional. Conclusion It is important to take measures for public health action and modify the regional and national public policies of our country through implementation models resolutive primary eye care for improving the access to healthcare systems. This makes better use of the specialized medical resources.