title: Etiology of corneal opacification in central Tanzania.
abstract: The frequency and causes of visually significant corneal opacification in central Tanzania was assessed by a population-based survey. The overall prevalence of bilateral corneal opacification was 1.16% (95% CI 0.31-1.44) and unilateral corneal opacification was 2.07% (95% CI 1.55-2.73). Bilateral corneal opacification was most frequently associated with trachoma, keratoconjunctivitis, vitamin A deficiency and measles. Unilateral corneal opacification had similar causes with the addition of cases caused by trauma. Corneal scarring is a frequent occurrence in this region. The majority of cases of corneal opacification are secondary to potentially preventable or treatable causes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Wisconsin-Madison 53792.
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Rapoza
authors.forename: S K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: West
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Katala
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Munoz
authors.forename: H R
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Taylor
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001766:Blindness / Q000209:etiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003318:Corneal Opacity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008457:Measles / Q000150:complications; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D013636:Tanzania / Q000453:epidemiology; D014802:Vitamin A Deficiency / Q000150:complications