ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the etiology of visual disturbances among young men at the age of recruitment according to the anatomical parts of the eye. The study includes 2604 cases about whom the decision that "they were not convenient for military service" was given by Ankara Military Hospital at their admission to or during military service between June 1999 and December 2004. The records of the patients were examined retrospectively, and cases who were not convenient for military service were divided into four groups of anterior segment diseases, posterior segment diseases, disorders that damage the anatomical entirety and others. The most common ophthalmic diseases that prevent performing military service were anterior segment diseases (n=1561, %59.94), posterior segment diseases (n=556, %21.35), disorders that damage the anatomical entirety as phtysis bulbi, anophthalmia, enucleated/eviscerated eyes (n=309, %11.86) and the others (n=178, %6.83) in respect order. The ratio of trauma in etiology was detected as 28.45% (n=741). Most of the diseases detected were preventable diseases. Anterior segment diseases were more common in ophthalmic diseases that prevent performing military service. Amblyopia caused by refractive errors and diseases caused by trauma were very common among young male adults in our country. Loss of working power in young people could be decreased to minimum by effective health care programs and educational studies.