Refractive Correction In A Selected Adult Population In Isiala Ngwa

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the types, distribution and frequency of refractive errors in adults in Isiala Ngwa South L.G.A. A 3-day vision screening program was carried out in November 2007 in which three hundred and forty two adults aged 40 to 80 years were screened for pathological conditions.The mean age was 57.8±3.58years. Two hundred and three females and 139 males were screened and refracted. Prevalence ofmyopia, hyperopia and astigmatismfound were 7.20%, 80.30%and 3.50%respectively. Emmetropes were foundto be 9.07%. Themost prevalent refractive error was hyperopia (80.30%). The occupations of the population screened were found to be mainly farming (47.95%), followed by civil service (15.20%) and trading (11.98%). The most prevalent age group in the populationwas 51-55years (26%).

Keywords: Vision screening,myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, presbyopia, community eye health.