PREVALENCE OF ALLERGIC CONJUNCTIVITIS AMONG SCHOOL CHILDREN ATTENDING EYE OUTPATIENT DEPARTMENT IN GOVERNMENT MEDICAL COLLEGE JAMMU

Abstract

AIM: Allergic conjunctivitis is often underdiagnosed and consequently undertreated condition in children as well as in adults except when it is severe. The aim of the present study is to assess the prevalence allergic conjunctivitis among children attending EYE OPD  in GMC Jammu.

MATERIAL AND METHOD: We conducted an observational study involving all the new cases presenting to the outpatient department over a 6-month period from 1st November 2018 to April 30th, 2019. 1310 children of ?16 years of age who presented to Out Patient Department (OPD), Department of Ophthalmology, Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu were enrolled. The children were divided into three groups: 0-5 years, 6-12 years and 13-16 years for evaluating the allergic conjunctivitis in different age groups. Routine ophthalmic examination including the Snellen's chart, refraction, tonometry, slit-lamp examination of the anterior segment and fundus examination was done. Data on age, sex, final diagnosis was recorded after taking the verbal consent and analysed in detailed.

RESULTS:  A total of 1310 patients were seen during this period, out of which 708 (54.04%) were males and 602 (45.95%) were females. It was seen that allergic conjunctivitis was present in 318 (24.27%) among 1310 children.

CONCLUSION: Public health measures may be required to help reduce the burden associated with this condition. Health professionals working in community can play a very important role in creating awareness amongst the general public regarding signs and symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis; and they can also identify patients having this condition.