Prevalence and Causes of Blindness and Visual Impairment in Awka, South-East Nigeria: A Tertiary Hospital Study

Background: 10 years prior to this study period (2017) the Nigerian National Blindness and Visual Impairment Survey (2007) obtained data from all states and regions of Nigeria to enable for effective planning and provision of eye care. 10 years later on update of the statistics is most desirable especially with local studies. This is a preliminary study and the data obtained will act as template for effective formulation/planning on management of visual impairment and blinding ocular problems.

Objective: i. To determine the prevalence and causes of blindness and visual impairment in Awka, South East Nigeria. ii. To provide data-base for effective eye care delivery.

Methodology: A retrospective, hospital-based study of new patients seen over a 12 months period from January to December 2017 at the Eye Clinic Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka.

Result: A total of 1,776 patients were seen in the 12 months period. 737 (41.5%) were males, and 1039 (58.5%) females with ratio of 1:1.4 respectively. The most frequently occurring age group was 21-30 years, followed by 11-20 years. Out of the patients reviewed 185 (10.4%) had visual impairment (presenting VA 6/18) in at least one eye. 72(4.1%) had blindness (presenting VA<3/60) in at least one eye. 113(6.4%) had low vision or moderate and severe visual impairment (MSVI) (presenting VA 6/18 to 3/60) in at least one eye. 59 patients (3.3%) had visual impairment in both eyes. 16 (0.9%) were blind in both eyes whilst 43 (2.4%) had low vision in both eyes. The prevalence of blindness, low vision and visual impairment was 0.9%, 2.4%, 3.3% respectively. Major causes of blindness were Glaucoma (26%), Cataract (23.3%), Trauma (13.3%). For visual impairment it was cataract (24%) glaucoma (22%) and refractive Error (21.2%).

Conclusion: The common causes of blindness are avoidable. More robust eye care systems involving promotion, preventive and curative measures should be developed to address the identified common causes of blindness and visual impairment.