Purpose: The study was conducted to assess the demographic distribution of low vision in Niger State, Nigeria.
Methods: The retrospective cross-sectional study design was adopted. The study sample consisted of 306 low vision patients selected from a total of 12,960 clinical records of patients seen over a 5-year period (2012-2016) in three selected public hospitals in Niger State. Diagnostic criterion for low vision was based on World Health Organization (WHO) definition. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPPS) version 21.0.
Results: The prevalence rate of low vision was 2.36%. There were more males (184; 60.1%) than females (122; 33.9%). The males had a higher proportion of the middle-aged (36-55 years; 33.7%) while the females had more of older adults/elderly (≥ 56 years; 33.6%). Low vision was most prevalent among students (39.2%). Glaucoma (118; 38.6%) was the leading cause of low vision. Albinism accounted for more than half (16/31) of low vision cases amongst children while glaucoma (37/91) and cataract (38/91) accounted for 82.5% of low vision cases among older adults/elderly. The majority (115; 37.6%) of patients had severe low vision (VA < 6/60 to 3/60). The uptake of low vision devices was high (217; 70.9%) and the spectacle magnifier (70; 22.9%) was mostly dispensed.
Conclusion: The study has provided baseline information on the demographics of low vision in NigerState, Nigeria which could be the basis for the planning of low vision services in the State.
Keywords: Demographic, assessment, low vision, Niger State, Nigeria.
Aim: This was a cross-sectional study conducted to assess the oculo-visual status of children with special needs in three selected special schools in Imo State, Nigeria.
Children with special needs are at a higher risk of visual impairment as compared to normal population. Interestingly, majority of the ocular disorders are treatable.
Methodology: The study was conducted on children ages 5-25years (mean 12.0 ± 3.2 years) and detailed ocular examination on 296 children using standard examination techniques was recorded. Results: Results revealed that oculo-visual disorders were seen in 196 (66.2%) children. Oculo-visual disorders were found in 75.5% of children with hearing impairment, 83.3% in children with cerebral palsy, 75% in children with autism, 85.7% in children with Down syndrome, 38.6% in children with speech disability, and 64% in children who are deaf and dumb. The most common ocular disorders seen in these children were refractive errors (30.5%), strabismus (12.7%), amblyopia (8.9%) and cataract (7.7%). Children requiring further evaluation were referred to base hospitals in Imo State, Nigeria.
Conclusion: Oculo-visual problem is highly prevalent among children with special needs in Imo State, most commonly, the problems were refractive errors, strabismus, amblyopia, cataract and cornea disorders. The prevalence was predominant among the female teenagers (15-19years). Government and stakeholders in the health care and humanitarian sectors should place more priority on the ocular-health status of children with special needs.
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