ETIOLOGICAL SPECTRUM OF IRREVERSIBLE LOSS OF VISION IN TRIPOLI EYE HOSPITAL-LIBYA

Abstract

The study aimed to determine the causes of irreversible unilateral and bilateral severe
visual loss that cannot be medically, optically or surgically rehabilitated, in patients
followed at Tripoli Eye Hospital. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 43 patients
with irreversible vision loss. Demographic and clinical data were collected, ocular
diseases that could be treated, were excluded. Additionally, patients under 10 years of
age were not included. The study showed unilateral irreversible vision loss (58%) were
more prevalent than bilateral visual loss (41.8%). Male-to-female ratio was 2.07:1.
Glaucoma was the most common cause (67.4%), followed by retinal diseases (21%).
Primary open angle glaucoma was the predominant cause in the glaucoma group
(51.7%), while tractional retinal detachment was the most common cause in the retinal
group (44.4%), often associated with diabetes mellitus. Refractive amblyopia was the
cause in all patients with refractive-related visual disability, which was unilateral and
affected younger individuals (mean age: 31.6 years). Glaucoma and diabetic ocular
complications are the commonest causes of irreversible vision loss observed at Tripoli
Eye Hospital, Libya. Early detection of these conditions through effective screening at
primary healthcare centers is crucial. As older age often associated with systemic
diseases that can impact vision, early detection of ocular diseases linked to these
conditions, such as diabetes mellitus, can prevent vision loss and maintains functional
vision throughout a patient's life.