Prevalence of Trachoma in Northern Benin: Results from 11 Population-Based Prevalence Surveys Covering 26 Districts.

AIMS: We sought to evaluate trachoma prevalence in all suspected-endemic areas of Benin. METHODS: We conducted population-based surveys covering 26 districts grouped into 11 evaluation units (EUs), using a two-stage, systematic and random, cluster sampling design powered at EU level. In each EU, 23 villages were systematically selected with population proportional to size; 30 households were selected from each village using compact segment sampling. In selected households, we examined all consenting residents aged one year or above for trichiasis, trachomatous inflammation - follicular (TF), and trachomatous inflammation - intense. We calculated the EU-level backlog of trichiasis and delineated the ophthalmic workforce in each EU using local interviews and telephone surveys. RESULTS: At EU-level, the TF prevalence in 1-9-year-olds ranged from 1.9 to 24.0%, with four EUs (incorporating eight districts) demonstrating prevalences ≥5%. The prevalence of trichiasis in adults aged 15+ years ranged from 0.1 to 1.9%. In nine EUs (incorporating 19 districts), the trichiasis prevalence in adults was ≥0.2%. An estimated 11,457 people have trichiasis in an area served by eight ophthalmic clinical officers. CONCLUSION: In northern Benin, over 8000 people need surgery or other interventions for trichiasis to reach the trichiasis elimination threshold prevalence in each EU, and just over one million people need a combination of antibiotics, facial cleanliness and environmental improvement for the purposes of trachoma's elimination as a public health problem. The current distribution of ophthalmic clinical officers does not match surgical needs.

[Management and functional results of traumatic cataract in the central region of Togo]. / Prise en charge et résultats fonctionnels des cataractes traumatiques dans la région centrale du Togo.

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic cataract is a serious condition because it can cause partial or total vision loss. Our study aims to assess the postoperative functional outcomes of patients undergoing surgery for traumatic cataract in the Central region of Togo. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study based on the analysis of medical records of patients who underwent surgical treatment for traumatic cataract in hospital based and outreach eye care services between 1 January 2009 and 30 June 2011. RESULTS: Out of a total of 1086 cases with cataract undergoing surgery during this period, 131 (12.06%) had traumatic cataract. The average age was 30.01 ± 16.61 years, ranging betrween 5 and 70 years, 85% of patients underwent implantation with good or average success rates of 66% after correction in the first postoperative day (according to WHO classification). At two months follow up, 85% of patients had visual acuity above 3/10. CONCLUSION: Despite micro-ophthalmic surgery advances, access to traumatic cataract surgery remains difficult for both the patient and the practitioner, especially in developing countries. For these reasons priority must be given to ocular trauma prevention.