New Screening Approach for Ocular Diseases

Abstract

Objective: Present a new screening approach for ocular diseases. Method: Transversal, retrospective, single center study that analyzed medical records of patients from a social project on the prevention of blindness and amblyopia, which aimed at: 1) Detect the main ocular disorders such as amblyopia, primary angle-closure suspect (PACS); glaucoma suspect (GS); predisposing retinal detachment lesions (PRDL); age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and diabetic retinopathy (DR); 2) Perform cataract diagnosis; 3) Provide guidance and treatment for allergic conjunctivitis. 4) Prescribe glasses for children until 14 years of age. Participants were examined by a single specialist, holder of a post-doctoral degree in ophthalmology, with 36 years of experience and a sub-specialization in retina and vitreous. All data were analyzed in 2022. Results: The examiner diagnosed 42 cases of PACS, 21 of GS, 8 of PRDL, 14 of AMD, 3 of DR, 40 of cataract and 31 cases of allergic conjunctivitis. Thirty-three participants younger than 14 were prescribed glasses. Other pathologies included retinal detachment, papilledema, corneal ulcer, suspected conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma, retinal vasculitis, strabismus, uveitis, bilateral papilla paleness and lacrimal duct obstruction. Out of the 297 cases examined, 168 participants presented some type of alteration that could compromise their vision. Conclusion: The examiner’s experience and knowledge were decisive factors for the quick diagnosis, advice, screening and/or treatment of several ocular diseases. The social project results reveal that the primary care and/or the screening performed by a specialist are likely to reduce blindness cases.