EFFECTS OF IOP IN HUMAN HEALTH AMONG PATIENTS RECEIVING EYE HEALTH CARE SERVICES IN JINJA REFERRAL HOSPITAL. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Background

Elevated IOP may cause glaucomatous optic nerve damage and subsequent visual field deficits leading to substantial limitations in daily functioning and loss of autonomy. The study aims to assess the effect of IOP on human health among patients receiving eye health care services at Jinja Referral Hospital.

Methodology

A retrospective Cross-sectional descriptive study. Simple random sampling was used to select 20 respondents. The study was carried out from September 2022 to May 2023. Data was processed quantitatively by tallying and using SPSS and presented in tables and. Patients with known allergies to the eye drops used in the study were excluded.

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Results

The mean age of the respondents was 55 years with a standard deviation of 9. The mean weight was 55.6 kg with a standard deviation of 10.5. Out of 20 patients with increased IOP 4 patients had no problem with the eye and are normal. 1 patient had a sudden onset of painful eye and blurring of vision. 8 patients had increased IOP for 12 months and came with painless tubular vision. 5 patients had stayed with increased IOP for 24 months untreated and 2 patients spent 30 months with increased IOP. 16 of the clients who had increased IOP, were also affected with glaucoma. Those who were left untreated developed visual impairment and others went blind.

Conclusion

Increased Intraocular pressure can remain asymptomatic among patients for some time but can later cause varying symptoms like painless tubular vision, and blurred vision some may experience a sudden onset of painful eye and if left untreated it can eventually progress into glaucoma, and Blindness.

Recommendation

Jinja Hospital administration should organize continuous medical education about intraocular pressure and how it is associated with systemic factors.