ETIOLOGY OF CORNEAL OPACIFICATION IN CENTRAL TANZANIA

The frequency and causes of visually significant corneal opacification in central Tanzania was assessed by a population-based survey. The ov erall prevalence of bilateral corneal opacification was 1.16 % (95 % C I 0.31-1.44) and unilateral corneal opacification was 2.07% (95% CI 1. 55-2.73). Bilateral corneal opacification was most frequently associat ed with trachoma, keratoconjunctivitis, vitamin A deficiency and measl es. Unilateral corneal opacification had similar causes with the addit ion of cases caused by trauma. Corneal scarring is a frequent occurenc e in this region. The majority of cases of corneal opacification are s econdary to potentially preventable or treatable causes.