Pattern and prevalence of eye diseases among farmers Inan agricultural industry in southern Nigeria

Abstract

Farmers are exposed to certain occupational hazards which predispose them to ocular diseases including ocular injuries. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and pattern of ocular diseases among farmers. A descriptive crosssectional survey carried out among farmers in an agricultural industry in Edo state. A detailed ocular examination including refraction was performed on participants. A predesigned questionnaire was administered to collect data on socio-demographic parameters and work-related ocular history. Three hundred and three (303) field farmers were examined out of which 184 (60.7%) were males. Their age range was 18 to 69 years with a mean age of 42.1 +10.8 (SD)years.A total of 242 (78.9%) had one or more eye disorder, the most common of which was presbyopia, 47.5%. Other eye diseases found were allergic conjunctivitis (17.2%), pterygium (16.5%), refractive error (15.2%), age related macular degeneration (8.6%), Cataract (7.6%), trauma related visual disorders (3.6%) and glaucoma (3.3%). Three farmers (1.0%) were blind. Trauma was responsible for one case (33%) of bilateral blindness and five cases(83%) of monocular blindness. Ocular diseases found among the farmers were predominantly those associated with hazards of the farming environment and constant exposure outdoors. Eyecare services including provision of protective eyewear should be provided along with general health services for farm workers.