Background: Among various eye diseases leading to blindness, cataract is the most common one. Cataract is the reason for visual impairment throughout the world. The present study was conducted to assess the cases of cataract in the study population. Materials & Methods: It included 1250 subjects of both genders. General information such as name, age, gender, history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus and socio- economic status were recorded. Ocular examination was performed using torch & distant direct ophthalmoscopy by ophthalmologist. Results: Out of 1250 patients, males were 735 and females were 515. The difference was non- significant (P-0.2). Age group 40-50 years had 60 males and 75 females, 50-60 years had 80 males and 105 females, 60-70 years had 110 males and 140 females and >70 years had 485 males and 195 females (P<0.05). 410 males were literate and 325 were illiterate whereas 235 females were literate and 280 were illiterate. The difference was non- significant (P> 0.05). 40% males had hypertension and 48% had history of diabetes mellitus. 37% females had hypertension and 52% had history of diabetes mellitus. The difference was non- significant (P> 0.05). 83% had positive family history of cataract. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Cataract is commonly seen in older subjects. Risk factors includes diabetes, hypertension etc. Family history also plays vital role. Early detection and timely treatment is the key to prevention.
Key words: Blindness, Cataract, Diabetes mellitus, Hypertension.

Corresponding author: Dr. Rosy Karki, Lecturer, Department of Ophthalmology, Devdaha Medical College and Research Institute, Nepal

This article may be cited as: Karki R. Assessment of Risk Factors in Patients with Cataract- A Clinical Study. Int J Res Health Allied Sci 2018;4(1):24-27.