Prevalence and Profile of Ophthalmic Disorders in Oculocutaneous Albinism: A Field Report from South-Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

To assess the burden and spectrum of refractive and non-refractive ophthalmic disorders in south-eastern Nigerians with oculocutaneous albinism. In a population-based survey in Enugu state, between August, 2011 and January, 2012, albinos were identified using the database of the Enugu state's Albino Foundation, and mass media-based mobilisation. The participants were enrolled at the Eye Clinics of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital and Enugu State University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital using a defined protocol. Relevant socio-demographic and clinical data were obtained from each participant. Descriptive and comparative statistics were performed. Statistical significance was indicated by p < 0.05. The participants (n = 153; males, 70) were aged 23.5 + 10.4 SD years (range 6-60 years). Both refractive and non-refractive disorders were present in all participants. Non-refractive disorders comprised nystagmus, foveal hypoplasia, hypopigmented fundi and prominent choroidal vessels in 100.0% participants; and strabismus in 16.3% participants. Refractive disorders comprised astigmatism -73.2% eyes, myopia -23.9% and hypermetropia 2.9%. Spherical refractive errors ranged from -14.00 DS to +8.00 DS while astigmatic errors ranged from -6.00 DC to +6 DC. Mixed refractive and non-refractive disorder i.e. presenting visual impairment was present in 100.0% participants. Overall, refractive error was associated with non-possession of tertiary education (OR 0.61; 95% CI 0.38-0.96; p = 0.0374). There is high prevalence of refractive, non-refractive and mixed ophthalmic disorders among albinos in south-eastern Nigeria. This underscores the need for tailored provision of resources to address their eye care needs, and creation of needs awareness amongst them.

Visual Status and Visual Challenges of Persons with Albinism in A Metropolitan City of Niger Delta Region, Nigeria

“…It has been postulated that the subnormal presenting visual acuity may be due to delayed visual maturation, foveal hypoplasia, nystagmus, strabismus and iris trans-illumination. Udeh., et al reported similar posterior segment finding in their study at Enugu, Nigeria [11]. Other studies in Nepal and the USA also had similar results [17,21,22].…”

“…In this study, presenting (uncorrected) and best corrected visual acuities were analysed based on WHO classification of visual impairment [15,16]. Our observations in this study is similar to the results reported by Udeh., et al and Ajose., et al in other parts of Nigeria [11,13]. Other developing countries with similar socioeconomic status such as Nepal, Cameroun and Malawi also had similar findings [17][18][19].…”

“…Nystagmus was present in 86.2% of the eyes, similar to studies in Nepal and the USA [17,21]. However, Udeh., et al reported 100% nystagmus in their study population [11]. This higher percentage of nystagmus in the study of Udeh., In almost all the eyes, varying degrees of iris trans-illumination was observed and this is due to the varying amount of melanin pigment present in every PWA.…”

“…East Nigeria where more than half of the participants had tertiary education [11]. The reason for this difference could be because The (Table 3).…”

Foveal Hypoplasia in Oculocutaneous Albinism and the Role of OCT

“…Clinical manifestations may include reduced visual acuity, refractive errors, colour vision defects, photophobia, nystagmus, iris transillumination, reduced retinal pigment, foveal hypoplasia and abnormal chiasmal decussation [1,2]. Earlier onset of nystagmus correlates with degree of foveal hypoplasia.…”