ETIOLOGICAL SPECTRUM OF IRREVERSIBLE LOSS OF VISION IN TRIPOLI EYE HOSPITAL-LIBYA

The study aimed to determine the causes of irreversible unilateral and bilateral severevisual loss that cannot be medically, optically or surgically rehabilitated, in patientsfollowed at Tripoli Eye Hospital. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 43 patientswith irreversible vision loss. Demographic and clinical data were collected, oculardiseases that could be treated, were excluded. Additionally, patients under 10 years ofage were not included. The study showed unilateral irreversible vision loss (58%) weremore prevalent than bilateral visual loss (41.8%). Male-to-female ratio was 2.07:1.Glaucoma was the most common cause (67.4%), followed by retinal diseases (21%).Primary open angle glaucoma was the predominant cause in the glaucoma group(51.7%), while tractional retinal detachment was the most common cause in the retinalgroup (44.4%), often associated with diabetes mellitus. Refractive amblyopia was thecause in all patients with refractive-related visual disability, which was unilateral andaffected younger individuals (mean age: 31.6 years). Glaucoma and diabetic ocularcomplications are the commonest causes of irreversible vision loss observed at TripoliEye Hospital, Libya. Early detection of these conditions through effective screening atprimary healthcare centers is crucial. As older age often associated with systemicdiseases that can impact vision, early detection of ocular diseases linked to theseconditions, such as diabetes mellitus, can prevent vision loss and maintains functionalvision throughout a patient's life.