R U N Akpalaba
University of Benin, Optometry, Benin City, Nigeria
PURPOSE
Study was an appraisal of Low Vision among Nigerians in Benin. The
aim was to determine the causes of Low Vision; Age Characteristics;
and to find out the role of age in Low Vision occurence.
METHODS
Patients examined during two-week eye camp were stratified into
those with Normal vision, moderate low vision, severe low
vision, proof und low vision, near total blindness and total
blindness. Etiology was established using diagnostic procedures. Data
was further stratified into age ranges (years) - below 25, 25 - 34, 35 - 44,
45 - 54, 55 - 64 and 65 years and above. T Test was done for low
vision occurrence among the age groups.
RESULTS
1,305 patients were seen, 5.67% of them had Low vision. 8.1% of Low vision occurred in those below 25, 6.8% in those 25 - 34 and 35 - 45, 13.5% in those 45 - 54, 17.6% in those 55 - 64, and 47.2% in those 65 and above. Study revealed that maculopathy contributed 33.8%, glaucoma 18.9%, cataract 16.2%, Optic atrophy 10.8%. Retinitis pigmentosa, diabetic retinopathy and retinal detachment contributed 9.5%, 6.8% and 4.0% respectively. 92% of the total population was in the normal group, while 2.3% was in the total blindness group, 2.6% was in the moderate low vision group, 1.3% in severe low vision group, 0.8% in profound low vision group and 1% in total blindness group. A significant difference was found in the occurrence of low vision among the age groups (p< 0.05).
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