Presbyopia among public senior high school teachers in the Kumasi metropolis

Abstract

SUMMARYBackground: Presbyopia if uncorrected causes inability to see and do near work. It is unavoidable as one ages. High school teachers whose work depends much on near work need proper and adequate correction of their presbyopia to increase effectiveness and efficiency. Objectives: The aim was to determine the uptake of correction and prescription for presbyopia of presbyopic teachers of public Senior High School (S.H.S.). Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Methods: The study was conducted in 12 public S.H.S. in the Kumasi, with a total sample size of 298. Questionnaire was administered to teachers. Their visual acuity, refraction and ophthalmoscopy were done. Results: The prevalence of presbyopia among the teachers was 68.1%. Out of the number examined 197(66.1%) were males and 10(33.9%) were females. Amongst the presbyopes 60 did not have presbyopic correction, representing 29.6% of the presbyopes. A total of 52 presbyopic teachers required an add of +2.00DS and this was the highest diopter of correction needed (25.6%). Among those with presbyopic correction 55.5% of them use single vision type of correction whiles the remaining 44.5% use bifocals. Out of the 48% presbyopic teachers who have had their presbyopia corrected before, 6% were not wearing their correction. Conclusion:The study has demonstrated a relatively higher prevalence of uncorrected presbyopia amongst teachers in public Senior High Schools in the Kumasi Metropolis of 29.6%. Among those with correction 6 % were not using their correction. Proper and adequate correction is needed by presbyopic teachers through screening to ensure their maximum performance.

Uncorrected Refractive Error and Presbyopia among Junior High School Teachers in Jakarta, Indonesia

“…In that study, 68.1% of teachers aged 36 years and over were presbyopic and 29.6% of these did not have any form of near-vision correction at the time of the study. 13 The overall proportion of teachers affected by presbyopia in our study and among Ghanaian teachers was similar. However, the Ghanaian study reports a much lower frequency of uncorrected presbyopia though this may have been due to differences in case definitions.…”

Toward eliminating blindness due to uncorrected refractive errors: assessment of refractive services in the northern and central regions of Ghana

“…Presbyopic populations constitute the largest demand for refractions in eye‐care facilities in most low‐income countries . In Ghana, a population‐based survey of teachers found 68.5 per cent were presbyopic, while Morny, using hospital chart reviews, found a prevalence of 65 per cent. Based on the findings of greater presbyopic visits in low‐income settings, the proportion of individuals aged 45 years and above in the districts covered by the facilities visited in the two regions was estimated and the demand for refraction in this population was calculated and compared with the current output of refractions in the facilities.…”

Near vision spectacle coverage and barriers to near vision correction among adults in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana

“…7 An average cost of near vision spectacle in Ghana is approximately $ 5.8 Near-vision spectacle could be dispensed as single vision, bifocal or progressive eye glasses to meet near vision needs. 2 population in Ghana has varied occupational and recreational tasks some of which require extensive periods of near work. Occupations such as fishing, farming, dress making which are common in many Ghanaian communities, could potentially benefit from near vision spectacles corrections.…”

“…Only two studies have reported on the prevalence of presbyopia in Ghana with little or no information on near vision spectacle coverage in those study populations. 2,13 This study therefore sought to determine the near vision spectacle coverage and identify barriers to near vision correction among adults aged 35 years and older in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana. This information is necessary to provide the basis for planning efficient near vision spectacle services.…”