Prevalence of presbyopia, spectacles coverage and barriers for unmet need among adult population of rural Jhajjar, Haryana

Abstract

Background: Presbyopia is a major cause for near visual impairment among adults. Presbyopia induced visual impairment can be corrected easily by spectacles. We aimed to study the prevalence of presbyopia among adults aged ≥35 years and spectacles coverage among them. We also studied the unmet need for presbyopia along with the barriers to uptake of services. Methods: This is a population-based cross-sectional study conducted among adults aged ≥35 years in a rural district of Haryana. Near vision assessment and semistructured interview schedule were administered by a team of trained ophthalmic assistant, social worker and health assistant. Results: A total of 3832 adults aged ≥35 years were enumerated, from which 3246 (84.7%) were examined. Prevalence of presbyopia was found to be 42.9% (95% confidence interval 41.2–44.6). Participants with increasing age, literacy and women had higher prevalence, and those that were employed and belonged to below poverty line economic status had lower prevalence of presbyopia. Spectacles coverage among presbyopes was found to be 25.8%. There was an inverse association between unmet need for presbyopia and women, increasing education status and office work. Lack of felt need and personal reasons were the most common barriers for unmet need due to presbyopia. Conclusions: There is high prevalence of presbyopia among adult population, with spectacles coverage being low. Awareness activities along with affordable, accessible and socially acceptable services for those affected with presbyopia would be one of the key components of management.

Prevalence and determinants of refractive errors at Sekororo District Hospital in Limpopo Province, South Africa

“…The prevalence of presbyopia in the right and left eyes in both 2018 samples is not consistent with that of other previous studies conducted in different parts of the world. The prevalence of presbyopia for the right of the present study in the 2018 sample is larger than that of other studies conducted outside Africa where the prevalence ranges from 30.4% to 42.9% 56,57 and is smaller than that of other studies conducted in Africa with the prevalence of 59%. 46 The prevalence of presbyopia for the left eye of the present study in the 2018 sample is larger than that of other studies where the prevalence ranges from 30.4% to 42.9%.…”

“…46 The prevalence of presbyopia for the left eye of the present study in the 2018 sample is larger than that of other studies where the prevalence ranges from 30.4% to 42.9%. 56,57 For the 2019 sample, the prevalence of presbyopia is smaller than that of another study (59%). 47 The age of patients consulted at a rural optometry clinic at Sekororo District Hospital in 2018 is associated with determinants of refractive errors based on the results of univariate logistic regression analysis as shown in Table 6, but with multivariate logistic regression analysis, age was not a determinant of refractive errors and not statistically significant.…”