Pattern of refractive errors and presbyopia seen in a private eye clinic in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Abstract

Refractive errors and presbyopia pose a challenge in the developing world in spite of the priority it attracts in vision 2020 programme. It can negatively affect the socio-economic life of an individual. Ignorance and poor mobilization of refractive services are the major contributors to this problem. The aim of this study is to determine the pattern of refractive errors and presbyopia in patients attending a private eye clinic in Port Harcourt as this will help to improve their management and education.The case files of patients with refractive error and presbyopia who presented at DDS Eye Centre and Surgery, Port Harcourt over a period of 6 years were studied. Their bio data and relevant medical and ocular history were reviewed. Their visual acuity and complete clinic evaluation were also reviewed including objective and subjective refractions done with appropriate techniques. A total of 700 patients with refractive errors and presbyopia were seen during the study period. Three hundred and sixty-eight (52.6%)weremales and three hundred and thirty-two (47.4%)were females giving aM: F=1.1:1. Eighty-eight (12.6%)were children 18 years old or less. Sixty six subjects (9.4%) of the study population hadmyopia, 35 (5%) had hypermetropia, 156 (22.3%) had astigmatismwhile 443 (63.3%) had presbyopia.Among the children, astigmatism was the highest form of refractive error (64.8%), while myopia constituted 27.3% and hypermetropia 7.9%. Astigmatism was the leading refractive error among children attending DDS Eye Centre and Surgery, Port Harcourt and it should be addressed by prescribing glasses and educating parents on the importance of acceptance and compliance with spectacle use to prevent amblyopia. The establishment of a vision screening programme for children of school age will also be of great benefit. Adults presented more with presbyopia than with refractive errors in the study. This should be treated so that it does not interfere with the daily activities of those affected.