Pattern of Refractive Errors Among Ophthalmic Outpatients of University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Uncorrected refractive error (RE) is the most common cause of visual impairment (VI) in the world. It has significant effects on individuals and community, restricting some educational and occupational employment opportunities of the otherwise healthy individual. A significant percentage of the world population is visually impaired/blind from uncorrected

RE.Aim: To determine the pattern of REs in ophthalmic outpatients in a teaching hospital.

Materials and Methods: Records of consecutive patients attending a tertiary eye facility who were diagnosed with RE and/or presbyopia from January 2010 to December 2011 were retrieved. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 20.0. Result: Presbyopia coexisting with other forms of RE 273 (40.4%) and presbyopia only was seen in 215 (31.8%). Myopia only was seen in 77 (11.4%), astigmatism only in 18 (2.7%), and hyperopia only in 13 (1.9%).

Conclusion: In line with the objectives of VISION 2020, the data presented in this study will help in planning result‑oriented intervention programs in the state.

Keywords: Presbyopia, refractive error, visual impairment