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Etiology of corneal opacification in central Tanzania

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Abstract

The frequency and causes of visually significant corneal opacification in central Tanzania was assessed by a population-based survey. The overall prevalence of bilateral corneal opacification was 1.16% (95% CI 0.31–1.44) and unilateral corneal opacification was 2.07% (95% CI 1.55–2.73). Bilateral corneal opacification was most frequently associated with trachoma, keratoconjunctivitis, vitamin A deficiency and measles. Unilateral corneal opacification had similar causes with the addition of cases caused by trauma. Corneal scarring is a frequent occurence in this region. The majority of cases of corneal opacification are secondary to potentially preventable or treatable causes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Ophthalmology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 53792, Madison, WI, USA

    Peter A. Rapoza

  2. Helen Keller International, Inc., New York

    Peter A. Rapoza & Sidney J. Katala

  3. Dana Center for Preventive Ophthalmology, The Wilmer Institute and The School of Public Health, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland

    Sheila K. West, Beatriz Munoz & Hugh R. Taylor

  4. WHO Collaborative Center for the Prevention of Blindness, USA

    Peter A. Rapoza, Sheila K. West, Sidney J. Katala, Beatriz Munoz & Hugh R. Taylor

  5. Department of Ophthalmology, University of Melbourne, Australia

    Hugh R. Taylor

Authors
  1. Peter A. Rapoza
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  2. Sheila K. West
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  3. Sidney J. Katala
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  4. Beatriz Munoz
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  5. Hugh R. Taylor
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Rapoza, P.A., West, S.K., Katala, S.J. et al. Etiology of corneal opacification in central Tanzania. Int Ophthalmol 17, 47–51 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00918868

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00918868

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