Abstract
Aim: In this study we aimed to evaluate the pattern of eye diseases (PED) in people attending a government hospital in Arar city of Saudi Arabia. Material and Method: This study was carried out on 1238 people visiting the eye out patient department (OPD) of Arar Central Hospital. Anterior and posterior segment eye examination was done to diagnose the eye diseases and treat them accordingly. Results: A total of 620 (50.1%) males and 618 (49.9%) females were enrolled in the current study whose ages ranged from 6 months to 72 years (39.8 +/- 2.9 years). Majority of the patients (95.3%) were Saudi nationals. In this study conjunctivitis was found to be the most common eye disease in 392 (31.7%) cases followed by refractive error, cataract, diabetic retinopathy and strabismus in 259 (20.9%), 183 (14.8%), 99 (8%) and 38 (3.1%) cases respectively. Discussion: The results of this study indicate that men and women are equally interested to seek medical advice for their eye diseases. Strategies should target to reduce the burden of refractive errors, cataract and diabetic retinopathy. Availability of posterior segment subspecialists and pediatric ophthalmologists in the hospital are important for better outcomes of cases with diabetic retinopathy and strabismus.