Causes of removal of the eye in Ethiopia.

The causes of removal of the eye in 282 patients are presented. A decreasing linear trend with increasing age as causes of removal of the eye is observed. The most common causes of removal of the eye were: traumatic globe rupture (33%) malignancy (21%), ugly corneal staphyloma (11%) and panophthalmitis without external cause (11%). The M:F ratio was 2.2:1 and relative frequency of causes of removal of the eye in males and females is shown to be different. Findings on other demographic data, duration of clinical history, causes of trauma and mode of surgery is reported. The need for early presentation is discussed and preventive measures are suggested.