CAUSES OF REMOVAL OF THE EYE IN ETHIOPIA

The causes of removal of the eye in 282 patients are presented. A decr easing linear trend with increasing age as causes of removal of the ey e is observed. The most common causes of removal of the eye were: trau matic globe rupture (33%) malignancy (21%), ugly corneal staphyloma (1 1%) and panophthalmitis without external cause (11%). The M:F ratio wa s 2.2:1 and relative frequency of causes of removal of the eye in male s and females is shown to be different. Findings on other demographic data, duration of clinical history, causes of trauma and mode of surge ry is reported. The need for early presentation is discussed and preve ntive measures are suggested.