Prevalence of Presbyopia, Near Vision Spectacle and Barriers to Near Vision Spectacle Use - Dr. Saba Mohammed

PREVALENCE OF PRESBYOPIA, NEAR VISION SPECTACLE AND BARRIERS TO NEAR VISION SPECTACLE USE IN DUTSE, JIGAWA STATE

ABSTRACT

AIM: To determine the prevalence of presbyopia, near vision spectacle coverage and barriers to near vision spectacle use in Dutse Local Government Area, Jigawa State, Nigeria.

METHODOLOGY: Population based quantitative cross sectional study was done with cluster random sampling using probability proportional to size to select 18 clusters of 40 participants each. The study was conducted in Dutse Local Government Area (LGA), Jigawa State from August to November, 2015.

Examination consisted of distance visual acuity measurement with and without pinhole using the Smellen chart (or tumbling E chart where applicable) at 6 meters in ambient outdoor illumination. Subjective distance refraction was done and ophthalmology where necessary. To reduce testing time due to time constraints in data collection, astigmatism was not corrected for. 

Near visual acuity was assessed at 40cm with distance correction to place for those who required it. Spherical plus lenses in increments of 0.5 Dioptre were added until the participant was able to read N8 or no further improvement occurred. A participant was defined as having presbyopia if he or she required an addition of at least +1.00D in either eye to improve near vision to at least N8.

Presbyopia correction coverage (PCC) was calculated and information on barrier to using near vision spectacles identified. 

RESULTS: Of the 720 participants enumerated, 689 (95.7%) were examined. The prevalence of presbyopia was 62.4% (95% CI 58.8 - 66.0). The net need was 21.6% and unmet need was 78.4%. The presbyopia correction coverage was 21.6%. Barriers to the use of near vision spectacle include lack of money (56.5%) and not a priority (18.7%). 

CONCLUSION: The study has demonstrated a high magnitude of presbyopia in Dutse LGA. The presbyopia correction coverage is very low with a high unmet need. Lack of money was a major barrier to spectacle use, thus there is a need to create awareness and provide affordable optical services in rural communities.

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