奈良県僻地検診における眼疾患と受診状況について

Abstract

We investigated ocular diseases observed at ophthalmological checkups in 5 villages in Nara Prefecture between October 2005 and November 2005, and reviewed the status of consultations at local ophthalmological clinics. A total of 74 persons underwent these checkups (26 males, 48 females), with a mean age of 66.9 years. Twenty-four of the 74 persons had ocular disease. Of seven patients with ocular fundus disorders such as branch retinal vein occlusion, age-related macular degeneration, and macular hole, six had periodically consulted local ophthalmological clinics. Glaucoma was noted in five patients including those in whom glaucoma was suspected. Only one patient was being treated at a local clinic. As glaucoma, which shows a chronic course, initially causes visual field defect prior to reduced visual acuity, it is asymptomatic in the initial phase in most patients. Currently, this disorder is an important etiological factor for blindness. Therefore, in the future, glaucoma should be considered at ophthalmological checkups in remote places.