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Purpose: To document the spectrum and magnitude of eye disorders and visual impairment in the Dongaria—a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group in the Rayagada district of Odisha, India. Methods: A door?to?door screening protocol included a record of basic health parameters, visual acuity for distance, and near and flashlight examination of the eyes. Spectacles were dispensed to those who improved; those who failed the screening were referred to fixed (primary and secondary) eye care centers. Results: We examined 89% (n = 9872/11,085) of people who consented for screening. The mean age was 25.5 ± 18.8 years; 55% (n = 5391) were female; 13.8% (n = 1361) were under?five children, and 39% (n = 3884) were 6 to 16 years. 86% (n = 8515) were illiterate. 12.4% (n = 1224) were visually impaired, of which 9.9% had early moderate VI, and 2.5% had severe VI and blindness. Uncorrected refractive error was detected in 7.5% (n = 744) and cataracts in 7.6% (n = 754); among the adults, 41.5% (n = 924/2227) had presbyopia. In children, 20% (n = 790) had vitamin A deficiency, 17% (n = 234) had global acute malnutrition, and 18% (n = 244) were stunted for their age. Almost two?thirds (62%, n = 6144) confirmed habitual intake of alcohol, and 4% (n = 389) of adults had essential hypertension. Following the screening, 43.5% (n = 837) of referred patients reported to the fixed centers, and 55% (134/243) of people advised underwent cataract surgery. Spectacles were dispensed to 1496 individuals. Conclusion: Visual impairment and malnutrition are high in Dongaria indigenous community. Permanent health facilities and advocacy would improve this community’s health and health?seeking behavior.
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Purpose: Indian fishermen belong to a marginalized population and are continuously exposed to extreme occupational hazards and sunlight. A high prevalence of visual impairment (VI) is reported in the coastal fishing community. We aimed to investigate the association between VI and sunlight exposure measurement (SEM). Methods: In this cross?sectional observational study, 270 eyes of 135 participants were enrolled from a coastal fishing village. Participants underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic examination, which included best?corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and anterior and posterior segment examination. Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) and SEM questionnaire were administered to estimate the level of dry eye and ultraviolet?B (UV?B) exposure, respectively. VI was defined as presenting visual acuity worse than 6/12 (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR] > 0.3). Results: The mean age and spherical equivalent were 50.56 ± 11.72 years (range: 18–80 years) and 0.36 ± 1.68 diopters (D) (range: ?7.0 to +3.0 D), respectively. Age, SEM, OSDI, fishing as an occupation, and cataract were significantly associated with higher odds of VI in univariate analysis. Refraction, gender, education level, smoking status, amblyopia, systematic, and other ocular diseases were not significantly associated with VI. In the multivariate analysis, age, SEM, and presence of cataract remained significantly associated with a higher risk for VI. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values for age and SEM scores demonstrate a fair index of discrimination for the detection of VI. Conclusion: SEM level is directly associated with a higher risk of VI among fishermen. The fishing community might benefit from regular eye examinations and awareness about the harmful effects of sunlight exposure and preventive measures.
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Resumen Antecedentes: Los datos sobre discapacidad visual (DV) en pacientes con diabetes son necesarios para orientar los recursos económicos y humanos que disminuyan su prevalencia. Objetivo: Estimar la prevalencia de DV relacionada con retinopatía diabética en pacientes con diabetes tipo 2 en un entorno hospitalario. Material y métodos: Estudio transversal realizado de 2014 a 2019 en una consulta externa de oftalmología. Cualquier DV se definió como agudeza visual corregida con agujero estenopeico en el ojo con mejor visión (≥ 0.24 logMAR). Se evaluó la presencia de retinopatía diabética, edema macular diabético (EMD) y cataratas. Resultados: Se incluyeron 840 pacientes; la mediana de duración de la diabetes fue de 15 años. La prevalencia de DV fue de 30 %. Se encontró retinopatía diabética en 62 % (30 % tenía retinopatía diabética que amenazaba la visión [RDAV]); 17 %, EMD y 3 %, cataratas. La razón de momios para DV moderada o de mayor gravedad fue de 9.02 para RDAV (p < 0.001), 5.89 para EMD referible (p = 0.001) y 2.51 para catarata (p = 0.006). Conclusión: Treinta por ciento de los participantes tenía algún grado de DV. La DV moderada o de mayor gravedad mostró una fuerte asociación con RDAV y EMD referible.
Abstract Background: Data on visual impairment (VI) in patients with diabetes are necessary in order to guide economic and human resources for reducing its prevalence. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy-related VI in patients with type 2 diabetes in a hospital-based setting. Material and methods: Cross-sectional study carried out from 2014 to 2019 in an ophthalmology outpatient clinic. Any VI was defined as corrected pin-hole visual acuity in the better eye of ≥ 0.24 logMAR. The presence of diabetic retinopathy (DR), diabetic macular edema (DME) and cataract was evaluated. Results: A total of 840 patients were included; median diabetes duration was 15 years. The prevalence of VI was 30 %. DR was found in 62 % of patients (30 % had sight-threatening DR [STDR]), 17 % had referable DME, and 3 %, cataracts. The odds ratio for moderate or worse VI was 9.02 for STDR (p < 0.001), 5.89 for referable DME (p = 0.001), and 2.51 for cataract (p = 0.006). Conclusion: Thirty percent of participants had some degree of VI. Moderate or worse VI showed a strong association with STDR and referable DME.
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Purpose: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID?19) pandemic affected the in?person rehabilitation/habilitation services in families with children with cerebral visual impairment (CVI) in India. This study aimed to develop a structured and family?centered telerehabilitation model alongside conventional in?person intervention in children with CVI to observe its feasibility in the Indian population. Methods: This pilot study included 22 participants with a median age of 2.5 years (range: 1–6) who underwent a detailed comprehensive eye examination followed by functional vision assessment. The visual function classification system (VFCS) was administered to the children and the structured clinical question inventory (SCQI) to the parents. Every participant underwent 3 months of telerehabilitation including planning, training, and monitoring by experts. At 1 month, the parental care and ability (PCA) rubric was administered to the parents. After 3 months, in an in?person follow?up, all the measures were reassessed for 15 children. Results: After 3 months of Tele?rehabilitation there were significant improvements noted in PCA rubric scores (P<0.05). Also, statistically significant improvements were noted in functional vision measured using SCQI and VFCS scores (P<0.05) compared to baseline. Conclusion: The outcomes of the study provide the first steps towards understanding the use of a novel tele?rehabilitation model in childhood CVI along?side conventional face?to?face intervention. The added role of parental involvement in such a model is highly essential.
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Purpose: To assess the incidence, visual impairment, and blindness due to retinitis pigmentosa (RP) in a rural southern Indian cohort. Methods: This is a population?based longitudinal cohort study of participants with RP from the Andhra Pradesh Eye Disease Study (APEDS) cohorts I and III, respectively. The study included participants with RP of APEDS I who were followed until APEDS III. Their demographic data along with ocular features, fundus photographs, and visual fields (Humphrey) were collected. Descriptive statistics using mean ± standard deviation with interquartile range (IQR) were calculated. The main outcome measures were RP incidence, visual impairment, and blindness as per the World Health Organization (WHO) definitions. Results: At baseline (APEDS I), 7771 participants residing in three rural areas were examined. There were nine participants with RP with a mean age at baseline of 47.33 ± 10.89 years (IQR: 39–55). There was a male preponderance (6:3), and the mean best?corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 18 eyes from nine participants with RP was 1.2 ± 0.72 logarithm of minimum angle of resolution (logMAR; IQR: 0.7–1.6). Over a mean follow?up duration of 15 years, 5395/7771 (69.4%) were re?examined, which included seven RP participants from APEDS 1. Additionally, two new participants with RP were identified; so, the overall incidence was 370/ million in 15 years (24.7/million per year). The mean BCVA of 14 eyes of seven participants with RP who were re?examined in APEDS III was 2.17 ± 0.56 logMAR (IQR: 1.8–2.6), and five of these seven participants with RP developed incident blindness during the follow?up period. Conclusion: RP is a prevalent disease in southern India that warrants appropriate strategies to prevent this condition.
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Aim: Visual impairment is a public health problem globally. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and pattern of visual impairment among adult population in Mangu Local Government Area (L.G.A), Plateau State, Nigeria.Study Design: A population-based descriptive cross-sectional survey of 802 adult population aged 18 years and above was conducted in Mangu L.G.A, Plateau State, Nigeria using a multi-stage cluster random sampling design.Methodology: Subjects were evaluated using a magnifying loupe, Snellen E chart, direct ophthalmoscope and torchlight. Vision status was defined using World Health Organization categories of visual impairment based on presenting visual acuity (VA).Results: Out of a total of 960 respondents enumerated for the study, 802 (83.5%) adults participated. Prevalence of blindness (presenting VA of less than 3/60 in the better eye) was 8.1%; prevalence of low vision (presenting VA of at least 3/60 but less than 6/18 in the better eye) was 27.6%; prevalence of overall visual impairment (presenting VA less than 6/18 in the better eye) was 35.7%. Prevalence of visual impairment was higher in males (40.8%) than in females (34.9%), although not statistically significant (p=0.098). Prevalence of blindness and impaired vision increased significantly with increasing age, from 21.7% at 20 - 39 years to 83.6% among those aged ?80 years (P < 0.001).Conclusion: Much can be done by individuals, governments and non-governmental organizations to reduce so much blindness and vision loss through cost-effective interventions such as wears of sunglasses and other preventive measures to prevent ultraviolet radiation effect on their eyes.
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Background: Uncorrected refractive error is one of the leading causes of visual impairment and blindness world-over. The distribution and pattern of presentation is variable depending on various factors. Regardless of the type, refractive errors are easily correctable with spectacles if diagnosed early.Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the pattern of refractive errors among medical students at University of Zambia - School of Medicine.Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the University Teaching Hospitals-Eye Hospital involving Master of Medicine, Master of Surgery (MBChB) students from third to seventh year of study at University of Zambia - School of Medicine, Ridgeway campus between October 2021 and March 2022. A total of 210 participants were recruited in the study. Subjects had non-cycloplegic autorefraction combined with a researcher administered questionnaire. Spherical equivalents (SE) ? - 0.50D were determined as myopia; SE of ? + 0.50D hyperopia and ? -0.50D cylinder as astigmatism. Statistical analysis was carried out using Stata version 13.0.Results: One hundred and forty-one (67.1%) subjects had a form of refractive error; 56.0%, 31.2% and 12.8% of them were astigmats, myopes or hyperopes, respectively. The prevalence of ametropia was 65.0 % in females and 69.0 % in males. Minus spherical errors ranged from -0.25 to -5.00D and plus spherical errors ranged from +0.25 to +3.00D. The mean spherical equivalent for the group was -0.45D. Parental history of refractive error was significantly associated with diagnosis of refractive error (p=0.001) while age and gender were not (p = 0.428 and 0.530, respectively). The majority (68.6%) of participants were not aware of their refractive error.Conclusion: The prevalence of refractive errors among medical students was high, with astigmatism being the most common type. The majority of those found with refractive error were not aware of the diagnosis.
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Introduction: Determinants of health are divided into four types, such as “Biological-Psychological-Environmental-Social Determinants”. The social determinants of health include gender disparities, economic status, ethnicity, race, geographic isolation, or having a specific health condition. Moreover, the social deter-minants are interdependent and interrelated with one another. There can also be a primary determinant that affects the other determinants. For example, educational level of the patients is associated with knowledge and awareness of eye care and its conditions. However, education might have a different effect than income in should be access of eye care when needed. Methodology: The study is mainly dependent on secondary data analysis. Results: The primary objective of the study is to illustrate the sociological aspects of visual impairment-related inequities and to identify the social determinants of visual impairments and disparities in India. An-other aim of the paper is to present a deeper understanding of how inequities impact the incidence of visual impairment and blindness based on the social determinants of health. The present study adopts the ecological and Commission on Social Determinants of Health (CSDH) framework 2008. We reaffirm the fact that inequi-ties negatively affect the visual impairment and blindness conditions. The national health policies should take into account the social determinants of visual impairment in their policies relating to comprehensive eye care. Social and economic factors are connected with health and welfare; those socio-economic inequalities con-tribute to health inequalities. For reducing the health inequalities around the world, we need effective policy implementation and proper fund pools. Furthermore, committed action on societal determinants of health, sufficient human resources are also necessary to control the health disabilities, include visual impairment
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La discapacidad visual afecta directamente la calidad de vida de las personas. Supone un obstáculo en el aprendizaje, y una menor productividad laboral, por lo que puede ser considerada un problema de salud pública en muchas regiones del planeta. Las grandes limitaciones en el acceso a la atención sanitaria, los diferentes hábitos alimentarios y de vida en general crean diferencias claras en las causas de la misma. Por ello, la lucha contra la discapacidad visual es un factor importante para disminuir la pobreza mundial. definir principales causas que originan la ceguera y la baja visión desde los referentes que brinda la ciencia y la tecnología. Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica extensa y actualizada en base de datos que ofrecen Internet, Infomed, Hinari Pubmed y Google académico, así como las páginas oficiales de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS). Se emplearon los términos oftalmología, baja visión y rehabilitación. Se puede afirmar que la ceguera y las discapacidades visuales graves tienen un notable impacto en el desarrollo socioeconómico del individuo y la sociedad(AU)
Visual disability directly affects people's quality of life; it is an obstacle to learning and lower work productivity, so it can be considered a public health problem in many regions of the planet. Where the great limitations in access to health care, the different eating habits and life in general create clear differences in the causes of it. Therefore, the fight against visual impairment is an important factor in reducing global poverty. An extensive and updated bibliographic search was carried out in databases offered by the internet, Infomed as well as Hinari Pubmed and academic Google as well as the official pages of the World Health Organization (WHO), also using basic texts of ophthalmology, low vision and rehabilitation. It is concluded that blindness and severe visual impairment have a significant impact on the socioeconomic development of the individual and society(AU)
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Humans , Education of Visually Disabled/trends , Review Literature as Topic , Databases, BibliographicABSTRACT
Purpose: This study was conducted to estimate the visual acuity improvement in patients with Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) with the help of low vision devices (LVDs) and to analyze the types of distant and near LVDs prescribed to the patients with LHON. Methods: A retrospective case review of 74 subjects with LHON who were referred to a low vision care clinic at a tertiary eye center from 2016 to 2019 were recruited. The reason for referral was assessed from the patients’ electronic medical records (EMR). Demographic data of the patients, visual acuity status, type of LVD prescribed, and visual acuity improvement with LVD were documented. Results: Out of 74 patients, 91.9% (n = 68) were male, and the median age of patients was 21 (16) years. A 4× monocular telescope was prescribed for 2.7% of patients (n = 2) and SEETV binocular telescope for 1.4% (n = 1) was advised for distance. The most commonly prescribed near LVD was the 6× cutaway stand magnifier for 22 patients (29.7%). Four patients (5.4%) were prescribed with Notex, the most commonly prescribed non?optical LVD. Niki CCTV (12.2%, n=9) was the most commonly prescribed assistive device. The subjects were divided into three groups based on age: group I consisted of those <18 years of age, group II 18–40 years, and group III >40 years for the interpretation of visual improvement. There was a statistically significant improvement (group I: P < 0.001, group II: P < 0.0001, group III: P < 0.003) in near vision with help of LVDs in all three groups. Conclusion: The use of LVDs and rehabilitation can help patients with LHON to lead a better life and will be more beneficial
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Purpose: This study utilized virtual focus group discussions to document the facilitators and barriers reported by the parents as part of the tele?rehabilitation service delivery model in India. Methods: This study included 17 participants who were enrolled into the Tele?rehabilitation program (16 mothers, 1 father) and the virtual focus group discussion (V?FGD) were conducted through a WhatsApp video call. Three V?FGDs were conducted involving two moderators and a note taker. The V?FGD, focused at extracting the perceptions of parents pertaining to facilitators, barriers and coping mechanisms to barriers related to the tele?rehabilitation model. Results: Thematic analysis resulted in four themes for barriers that included: family and support, time, parent and care taker, child and place of living related; facilitators reported included: continuous monitoring, accessibility to professional services, provision of resource materials and parental empowerment. Themes “family and support” and “child” were most reported by parents with children >3 years and ?3 years respectively. Finally, the barriers and facilitators were aligned with the chapters and codes of International Classification of Functioning, children and youth version (ICF?CY) environment and personal factors. Conclusion: This V?FGD highlights the importance of parental?centred and structured Tele?rehabilitation among children with CVI in India. The outcome of this study opens avenues for creating effective intervention.
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Purpose: Assistive technology (AT) has recently received considerable attention around the world. Studies have shown poor access to assistive technology for visual impairment (ATVI) in schools for the blind in India. The present article aimed at designing a school?based model to improve AT access in schools and provide hands?on training, and identify types of ocular morbidities present among students. Methods: The vision rehabilitation (VR) team of a tertiary eye?care center visited schools for the blind as a part of community? based VR services. The team conducted a basic eye examination and assessed best?corrected vision acuity (BCVA) and provided VR services. Furthermore, two schools were selected to establish an ATVI learning center as a pilot model. Results: In total, 1887 students were registered for VR and obtained their disability certificates in 2019?20. Retina problems (25.7%), globe abnormalities (25.5%), optic nerve atrophy (13.6%), and squint (12.0%) were common ocular problems identified in students. Around 50.3% of students had BCVA ³ 1/60 in the better eye who would be benefited from visual?based AT, and the remaining students with visual substitution AT. Further, 20.8% of them who had near vision between N18 to N24 would be benefitted from large print books. Two schools were provided ATVI with support from the WHO. Familiarization, demonstration, and initial training for ATVI were carried out. Conclusion: A sizable number of the students would be benefitted from visual?based AT apart from visual substitutions AT. Students were interested to have such ATVI centers in the school for academic and non?academic skills development.
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ObjectiveTo investigate the association between physical activity (PA), sedentary level and exercise self-efficacy for adolescents with visual impairment, and impacts of gender, age, body mass index (BMI), degree of visual impairment and exercise self-efficacy on PA. MethodsFrom October to December, 2022, 79 students aged 13 to 18 years with visual impairment from Nanjing School for the Blind were measured PA and sedentary level with accelerometer. The average percentage of daily sedentary time (ST), light physical activity (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were recorded. The students fininshed the Exercise Self-Efficacy Questionnaire with the help of teachers, and their height and body mass was measured. ResultsThe average percentage of daily LPA, MVPA and ST was (15.45±5.99)%, (4.55±2.15)% and (80.00±6.99)%, respectively. Compared with the girls, the boys spent more time in LPA (F = 5.330, P < 0.05) and less in ST (F = 5.760, P < 0.05). Compared with students aged 16 to 18 years, those aged 13 to 15 years spent more time in MVPA (F = 11.292, P < 0.001) and less in ST (F = 8.279, P < 0.01). The score of exercise self-efficacy correlated with ST, LPA, MVPA and age (|r| > 0.254, P < 0.05). The result of multiple linear regression showed that the exercise self-efficacy (β = 0.224) and age (β = -0.495) were the independently factors related with MVPA, which explained 34.7% of MVPA variation. ConclusionAdolescents with visual impairment aged 13 to 18 years spend more time in sedentary, and their PA level is very low. Improvement of exercise self-efficacy may help to improve PA level of them.
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Abstract We aimed to characterize the clinical spectrum of patients diagnosed with SRD5A3-CDG, a subtype of congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) due to variants in the steroid 5a-reductase type 3 (SRD5A3) gene. It presents with multi-systemic involvement including neurological disability, dermatologic abnormalities, and ophthalmological defects. We conducted a cross-sectional study of children (n=6, ages 4-16 years) with a confirmed diagnosis of SRD5A3-CDG (c.57G>A, p.W19X). Families completed a detailed medical history questionnaire, two quality of life measures, and an adaptive behavior scale. Prevalent clinical features in our cohort included visual impairment (6/6), developmental delay (6/6), nystagmus (5/6), retinal dystrophy (4/6), and hypotonia (3/6). The Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales demonstrated deficits across all functional domains (Composite Mean 36.17 ± 26.88), although one child did not show significant deficits. The QI-Disability Form demonstrated a mean total score of 64.8 (±12.7), and the PedsQL-Family Impact Module demonstrated a mean total score of 56.5 (±31.5). Vineland composite scores did not correlate with levels of disability captured by the QI-Disability Form (Pearson Correlation range -0.63 to +0.69, p>0.05 on all subscales). Ultimately, despite genotypic homogeneity, there is notable variability in adaptive functioning and quality of life among affected children that does not correlate with age.
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RESUMO: Este artigo explora as texturas táteis que têm sido utilizadas na confecção de mapas e imagens temáticas para crianças com deficiência visual no Chile nos últimos 20 anos. De um grupo representativo composto por mais de 300 lâminas de conteúdo educacional inclusivo, foram selecionadas 14 texturas para identificar sua natureza, propriedades psicofísicas e características morfológicas a partir de sua composição geométrica. O objetivo foi gerar as bases teóricas e tecnológicas relacionadas ao design e à produção digital de mapas, imagens e gráficos táteis. O trabalho buscou tipificar as formas de relevo e suas possíveis aplicações pelo uso de padrões de repetição que permitam melhorar a linguagem e o reconhecimento das texturas envolvidas com o intuito de expandir e diversificar seu uso em material educativo inclusivo no ensino e na disseminação do conhecimento por meio do toque.
ABSTRACT: This article explores the textures that have been used in the development of thematic maps and images for children with visual impairment in Chile over the last 20 years. From a representative group of more than 300 sheets of inclusive educational content, 14 textures were selected to identify their nature, psychophysical properties and morphological characteristics based on their geometric composition. The aim was to generate the theoretical and technological grounds related to the design and digital production of tactile maps, images, and graphics. The work sought to typify the embossed shapes and their possible applications by using repetition patterns that allow to improve the language and recognition of the textures involved, with the intention of expanding and diversifying their use in inclusive educational material in the teaching and dissemination of knowledge through tact.
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RESUMO Este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar um programa de formação em informática para professores que atendem a alunos com deficiência visual. A pesquisa teve como objetivos específicos: contribuir para a apropriação de conhecimento teórico e prático, por parte de professores sobre deficiência visual; propiciar aos professores formação para operar o computador usando as funções básicas dos principais produtos, tais como sistemas operacionais, editores de textos, planilhas eletrônicas, aplicativos de apresentação, Internet; possibilitar aos professores formação para a utilização de softwares para a construção de materiais acessíveis, ampliadores de telas e leitores de telas, no atendimento de alunos com deficiência visual. Participaram do estudo 12 professoras, a saber: uma professora do Instituto Federal Baiano (IF Baiano) - campus Guanambi; e dez professoras da Rede Municipal de Ensino de Guanambi; e uma professora da Rede Municipal de Ensino de Caetité, Bahia. O local de coleta de dados foi o IF Baiano - campus Guanambi. Os instrumentos utilizados para a coleta de dados foram: um questionário inicial de caracterização e de nível de conhecimento em informática; pré e pós-testes dos módulos. Os resultados mostraram que a pesquisa contribuiu com o processo de aprendizagem das professoras no sentido de operar o computador. Também habilitou as professoras para a utilização de softwares na construção de materiais acessíveis, bem como o emprego dos softwares ampliadores e leitores de tela.
ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate a computer training program for teachers who assist students with visual impairment. The research had as specific objectives: to contribute to the appropriation of theoretical and practical knowledge by teachers about visual impairment; to provide teachers with training in operating the computer using the core functions of major products, such as operating systems, text editors, spreadsheets, presentation applications, the Internet; to provide teachers with training in the use of softwares to construct accessible materials, screen magnifiers and screen readers to assist students with visual impairment. Twelve teachers participated in this study, namely: one teacher from the Instituto Federal Baiano (IF Baiano) - campus Guanambi; ten teachers from the Municipal Education Network of Guanambi; and one teacher from the Municipal Education Network of Caetité, state of Bahia, Brazil. The data collection place was the IF Baiano - campus Guanambi. The instruments used for data collection were: an initial questionnaire on the characterization and the level of computer literacy; pre and post tests of the modules. The results showed that the research contributed to the teachers' learning process in order to operate the computer. It also enabled the teachers to use softwares in the construction of accessible materials, as well as the use of magnifying softwares and screen readers.
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Aim The study aimed to determine the epidemiology and evaluate the trends in the uptake of refractive error services in Harare. Methods A clinic-based retrospective study at the Greenwood Park Eye Centre and its three subsidiaries was conducted from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2020. Results 12,216 patients' records were retrieved, out of which 1074 (8.79%) had refractive error cases. The prevalence of visual impairment at presentation was 5.80% [95% CI: 5.39 6.23]. Among those with refractive error, the sample prevalence of visual impairment before correction was 41.30% [CI: 38.3 44.3, 95%], and 2.20% [95% CI: 1.4 3.3] after correction. There was inconsistency in the percentage utilization of refractive error services, with the highest being 42.60% in 2015. Refractive error types were related to age, employment position, and type of visual impairment prior to refractive error treatment. Conclusion There was a low percentage of refractive error services uptake in urban Zimbabwe.
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Humans , Male , Female , Refractive Errors , TherapeuticsABSTRACT
Objective: This survey determined the utilisation of eye care services and associated factors among adults in the Ashanti region of Ghana. Design: A population-based cross-sectional descriptive study Method: Data for this study was collected from 1615 randomly selected individuals in the Ashanti region of Ghana, using a structured, pretested interviewer-guided questionnaire. Information regarding the accessibility and determinants of, and barriers to, eye care services was based on self-reports, using the WHO Eye Care Services Assessment Questionnaire. Inferential analyses were performed using the chi-square test for statistical significance, set at p=0.05.Setting: Ashanti Region, Ghana Participants: One thousand six hundred and fifteen randomly selected adults Results: Public eye care facilities were used by 58.2% of the participants for their last eye exam. Of the participants, 47.0% had travelled less than five kilometres for their last eye exam. Waiting time and service cost were participants' most frequently cited challenges in seeking care. No need felt (40.1%), self-medication (37.7%) and cost (22.2%) were the most frequently mentioned barriers to seeking ophthalmic services. Conclusion: The major challenges encountered in seeking eye care services were waiting time and cost of service. Major barriers to ophthalmic services utilisation were no need felt, self-medication and cost. Factors such as cost, lack of felt need and self-medication, which serve as barriers to utilising eye care services, should be addressed by stakeholders through eye health education and promotion
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Humans , Ophthalmic Solutions , Vision Disorders , Cross-Sectional Studies , Self Medication , Home Care ServicesABSTRACT
Purpose: To evaluate the causes, associated neurological and ocular findings in children with cerebral visual impairment (CVI), and to identify risk factors for severe vision impairment. Methods: A multicenter, retrospective, cross?sectional analysis was carried out from January 2017 to December 2019 on patients less than 16 years of age with a diagnosis of CVI. Results: A total of 405 patients were included of which 61.2% were male and 38.8% were female. The median age at presentation was 4 years (range 3 months to 16 years). Antenatal risk factors were present in 14% of the cases. The most common cause of CVI was hypoxic?ischemic encephalopathy (35.1%), followed by seizure associated with brain damage (31.3%). The most common neurological finding was seizure (50.4%), followed by cerebral palsy (13.6%). Associated ophthalmological findings were significant refractive error (63.2%), esotropia (22.2%), exotropia, (38%), nystagmus (33.3%), and optic nerve atrophy (25.9%). Severe visual impairment (<20/200) was associated with optic atrophy (odds ratio: 2.9, 95% confidence interval: 1.4–6.0; P = 0.003) and seizure disorder (odds ratio: 1.9, 95% confidence interval: 1.2–3.3; P = 0.012). Conclusion: The various ophthalmic, neurological manifestations and etiologies could guide the multidisciplinary team treating the child with CVI in understanding the visual impairment that affects the neuro development of the child and in planning rehabilitation strategies
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Objetivo: Describir la discapacidad visual por catarata en la población de 50 años y más de edad y la cobertura de la atención oftalmológica en Cuba durante el año 2016. Métodos: Se realizó una investigación epidemiológica, descriptiva y transversal en personas de 50 años o más, que tomó la encuesta rápida de ceguera evitable realizada en Cuba en el año 2016. Con los datos obtenidos en los cuestionarios se confeccionó una base de datos. La muestra estuvo conformada por 3 920 habitantes distribuida en 112 conglomerados. Las variables estudiadas fueron la discapacidad visual, tipo de cirugía, tiempo de operados, resultados visuales y causas de malos resultados. Resultados: La prevalencia de ceguera bilateral fue de un porciento, para la discapacidad visual severa 2,7 por ciento, y moderada un 9,0 por ciento. El 66,2 por ciento de los ojos estudiados presentó buenos resultados visuales, de los cuales al 69,2 por ciento se le implantó una lente intraocular. Las comorbilidades oculares (67,1 por ciento) fueron la causa más frecuente de malos resultados visuales posquirúrgicos y representó el 44,7 por ciento en el total de ojos afectados. Conclusiones: El riesgo de presentar ceguera por catarata es del 1 por ciento. La discapacidad visual moderada es la más prevalente. En todos los rangos de discapacidad, la catarata bilateral no presenta diferencias entre sexo, pero en la unilateral el sexo masculino es el más frecuente. La primera causa de malos resultados posquirúrgicos son los trastornos refractivos en discapacidad visual moderada y las comorbilidades oculares para la discapacidad visual severa y ceguera(AU)
Purpose: To describe visual disability due to cataract in the population aged 50 years and older and the coverage of ophthalmologic care in Cuba during 2016. Methods: An epidemiological, descriptive and cross-sectional research was conducted in people aged 50 years and older, who took the rapid survey of avoidable blindness conducted in Cuba in 2016. With the data obtained from the questionnaires, a database was made. The sample, distributed in 112 clusters, consisted of 3 920 inhabitants. The variables studied were visual impairment, type of surgery, time of surgery, visual results and causes of poor results. Results: The prevalence of bilateral blindness was 1 percent, for severe visual impairment, 2.7 percent and for moderate visual impairment 9.0 percent. Good visual outcomes were observed in 66.2 percent of the eyes studied, of which 69.2 percent were implanted with an intraocular lens. Ocular comorbidities (67.1 percent) were the most frequent cause of poor postsurgical visual outcomes and accounted for 44.7 percent in the total number of affected eyes. Conclusions: The risk of presenting blindness due to cataract is 1 percent. Moderate visual impairment is the most prevalent. In all ranges of disability, bilateral cataract does not show differences between genders, but in unilateral cataract the male gender is the most frequent. The first cause of poor postoperative outcomes are refractive disorders in moderate visual impairment and ocular comorbidities for severe visual impairment and blindness(AU)