Purpose: This study was conducted in order to investigate the risk factors for major eye diseases (Cataracts, Glaucoma, Corneal opacity, and Refractive error) among peoples residing in rural areas of district Mansehra, Pakistan.

Place and duration: this research work was completed in the period of six months from the rural areas of district Mansehra KP Pakistan.

Study design and methods: Self-design questionnaire was used and data was collected with the help of expert Ophthalmologist. Statistical analysis were performed by using the SPSS 20.00 software for windows and P-value below 0.05 was considered significant.

Results: The results showed that cataract was most common (42%) in patients of eye diseases in rural areas of district Mansehra followed by refractive error (20%), corneal opacity (11%) and glaucoma (9.9%), respectively. The percentages were higher in female patients for all eye diseases as compared to male patients. Among risk factors of eye cataract ultraviolet radiations (71.55%) play highest role followed by obesity (51.28%) and hypertension (43.72%). Family medical history, consanguineous marriages, diabetes and use of statin medication were also among important risk factors of eye cataract.  Elevated eye pressure (75.64%), age (55.76%), nearsightedness (50%), congenital diseases (46.15%) and use of steroid medications (42.30%) were the main risk factors found associated with glaucoma. Similarly, measles scarring (63.52%), injury from a force of chemical agent (55.88%) and vitamin A deficiency (55.29%) were the leading risk factors for corneal opacity.

Conclusion: In conclusion life style and environmental factors play important role in causing major eye diseases among people of the study area rather than genetic factors.

Index Terms- Eye diseases, Cataract, UV radiations, Hypertension, Diabetes