Dr. DIVYA RAICHANDANI

Dr.Kavita Kumar, Dr.Sooraj Singh Kubrey, Dr. DEV KUMAR TEKAM

Abstract

AIM-To Study the consequences of Severe Acute Malnutrition on Ocular morbidities & co- morbidities in early age group.

METHOD- An Institutional based Observational study conducted in the Department of Ophthalmology. Total 75 children, age between 6 – 60 months were enrolled. Socio-demographic profile, systemic examination, and ocular findings were noted and data was analyzed to obtain results.

RESULTS-Out of 150 eyes, 28eyes(18.66%) had significant ocular findings,conjunctival xerosis was present in13.33% eyes,corneal xerosis in 6.66%eyes,keratomalacia in 2% eyes,corneal opacity in 2%eyes and perforated corneal ulcer in 1.33%eyes.Among the posterior segment findings,Retinal hemorrhages were in 2%eyes.

CONCLUSION-Compared to literature ocular findings were in less no.of children,probably due to timely vaccination and nutritional supplements being provided but signs of vitamin A deficiency were severe,suggesting the need of proper ophthalmic care to prevent sight threatening disease.