Presenting visual acuities in a new eye centre in Port Harcourt: initial report

Abstract

Background: Visual acuity is a fundamental of an eye examination. It establishes in a quantitative way how well an eye can see. Apart from being a starting point in dealing with an eye, it is also a prognostic reference point and a medico-legal tool. Very few studies directly related to visual acuities are available as many authors concentrate on blindness and visual impairment.
Aim: To document the presenting visual acuity of patients seen in a new Eye Centre in Port Harcourt over a 12 -month period.
Methods: The visual acuities of the first 202 patients seen at a new private eye centre were obtained from case file records. The visual acuities were then analysed from 6/6 and better to No Light Perception. The visual acuities were further analysed into satisfactory vision, low vision, bilateral and uniocular blindness. Also analysed were age and sex distribution and a panoramic overview of the ocular problems of the patients.
Results: Visual acuities 6/6 and better was seen in 32.2% of the patients. In functional vision groupings 78.7% had satisfactory vision, while 20.9% had low vision. Bilateral blindness was found in 0.5% and uniocular blindness in 0.9%. Males were 54.0% of the patients while 46.0 % were female. The age range 20-50 years accounted for 63.8% of the patients.
Conclusion: This study has documented the prevalence of satisfactory vision, low vision, bilateral and uniocular blindness in Port Harcourt and it will serve as a reference point in future visual acuity studies in the region
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Keywords: Visual acuities, Satisfactory vision, Low vision, Bilateral blindness, Uniocular blindness

Port Harcourt Medical Journal Vol. 3 (1) 2008: pp. 96-103