Visual Status and Causes of Low Vision and Blindness among HIV/AIDS Patients in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background of study:The visual status and causes of visual impairment among HIV/AIDS patients in Yenagoa is not yet determined. In order to optimize the gain of an effective HIV/AIDS control programme, this information is vital. Aim/Objectives:To determine the visual status and causes of visual impairment among HIV/AIDS patients in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state, Nigeria. Method:A prospective cross sectional study was carried out on new consecutive HIV positive patients presenting to the "heart to heart" clinic of the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital, Okolobiri over a period of 16 months. Relevant history was obtained from the patients and their base line data such as age, sex and CD4 count was recorded. The patients underwent a full ophthalmic examination including visual acuity assessment and an anterior and a posterior segment examination. (139), was evaluated consisting of 91 males and 48 females (M/F ratio of 1:1.9). 15(10.8%) had visual impairment while 124(89.2%) had normal vision. Eighty (80 %) of patients with visual impairment was found to be blind while 20% had low vision. Eighty percent (80%) of patients with visual impairment has CD4 counts of 300 cells/µl or less. Retrobulbar optic neuritis was the commonest cause of blindness (33.4%) followed by cataract (24.9%) and maculopathy (16.7%). Cytomegalovirus retinitis, herpes zoster ophthalmicus and toxoplasmosis were each responsible for 8.3% of blindness. Result: One hundred and thirty nine patients Conclusion:The visual status of this population was generally good. For a few with visual impairment, it was largely due to retrobulbar optic neuritis and cataract. Improvement of the visual status of this population must pay priority attention to these diseases.

Visual Status of HIV and Non-HIV Infected Children in Relation to Anti-retroviral Drug Use and CD4+ Count in Jos, Plateau State Nigeria

“…Center for Disease Control (CDC) in 1981 reported the first case of HIV/AIDS infection in the world in the United States of America (USA) [1]. This pandemic has taken a toll of the entire human race with diverse economic and social consequences and above all a potential for visual loss and ultimately blindness [2]. At the end of 2012, it was estimated that 2 million children under 15 years old were infected by HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa, which was almost 62% of the world total population in this age group [3,4].…”

Health manpower development in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

“…In spite of the fact that the first military governor and the first executive governor of the old Rivers State were indigenes, the area had remained developmentally marginalized. For instance, prior to the creation of Bayelsa State and despite its rich economic resources, the old Rivers State was ranked 16th among the 30 states (ie, before becoming a state in 1996) on the basis of a doctor-patient ratio of 1:10,2154 and 19th for its mortality rate of 197 per 1000 in children under five years 5. Therefore, creation of Bayelsa State was seen to ensure uniform accelerated development of the area.…”