Ocular Morbidity in Adults at a Tertiary Hospital in Akure, Southwest Nigeria

Background Ocular disorders are very significant for physical and mental well-being, as they can lead to loss of manpower and have a consequential impact on the socioeconomic status of the individual, family, and the community at large. Objective This study aimed to determine the prevalence and spectrum of eye diseases in our hospital. Method We conducted a retrospective review of all patients aged 18 years and above who presented to the eye clinic of the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTHC), Akure, Nigeria between January 2021 and December 2022. Data on age, sex, occupation, and diagnosis were retrieved from the case notes and analyzed using SPSS version 18 (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, Chicago, Illinois, USA). Any P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Out of the 1956 patients managed during the period, 45.4% were male and 54.6% were female. The major causes of ocular morbidity were cataract (20.6%), refractive errors (20.1%), and glaucoma (10.8%). There was a female preponderance for cataract and refractive errors, while glaucoma was more common among male patients. Conclusion Cataract, refractive errors, and glaucoma are the leading causes of ocular morbidity in Akure, Nigeria. Public enlightenment, coupled with prompt and effective management, will reduce the burden of blindness in the country.