Establishing the Profile of Eye Diseases at Nkhatabay District Hospital, Malawi: A Retrospective Study

ABSTRACT Background The distribution of eye diseases differs depending on the geographical and socioeconomic context. Aim Therefore, this study analysed the pattern of eye conditions and diseases among patients at Nkhatabay District Hospital in Malawi. Methods This was a quantitative retrospective study conducted by extracting data from the outpatient eye department's registers for the period from January 2017 to December 2019. The study retrieved data on the reported eye morbidities, including variables such as patient gender, patient age, and year of visit, eye morbidity type, and season of the year. The study employed frequencies and percentages to show the distribution of study variables. Results The most prevalent disease was allergic conjunctivitis (26.50%), followed by cataract (9.92%), refractive error (9.34%), and bacterial conjunctivitis (8.46%). The commonest ocular morbidity was allergic conjunctivitis in young age groups of 0–49, in females, and mostly in the dry season. Cataract was common in the elderly (50–91 years), and there was no association of cataract morbidity with season and gender. Conclusion The study confirms that the pattern of ocular conditions in the district is similar to other parts of the country. Therefore, efforts should be geared towards mass media sensitisation to ensure improved eye health‐seeking behaviour and eye health.