In addition to chronic hyperglycemia, there is increasing evidence that genetic factors may be im... more In addition to chronic hyperglycemia, there is increasing evidence that genetic factors may be important in the development of diabetes retinopathy (DR). Specifically, polymorphisms of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene (eNOS) have been reported to be associated with multiple health conditions including DR, hypertension, nephropathy, and cardiovascular diseases in several ethnic groups. However, there is a paucity of similar data in African Americans and other African populations. To address this issue, we investigated the potential association between polymorphisms of the eNOS gene and diabetes-related phenotypes in 384 persons with type 2 diabetes and 191 controls from two West African countries (Ghana and Nigeria). We genotyped the deletion/insertion (4a/b) and the G894T polymorphisms of eNOS gene in a total of 575 persons. The b/b genotype of the polymorphism was associated with a 2.4 fold increased risk of DR (95% CI 1.39-4.09). In contrast, we did not observe any assoc...
Methods: A survey of Public (State and Local Government administered) health care facilities in E... more Methods: A survey of Public (State and Local Government administered) health care facilities in Enugu North LGA was done. The health map of Enugu North Local Government Area was read to identify available health care facilities. Each facility was visited. A pre-tested, ...
Background: Differences exist in the impact of blindness by age and sex; the overall risk of deat... more Background: Differences exist in the impact of blindness by age and sex; the overall risk of death being higher for blind males than females. Aim: To describe the age and sex differences among the blind in Ahoada-East Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State, Nigeria. Methods: Age and sex data were analyzed for 24 blind persons seen during a cross-sectional, community-based study of blindness in Ahoada East LGA. A total of 866 subjects were studied and ocular examination included visual acuity, pen torch examination, fundoscopy and applanation tonometry. Ages were estimated from historic events or verified using hospital/immunization cards. Results: Of the 866 subjects examined, there were 400 males and 466 females. Children and adolescents (0-19 years) formed 44.1% while those ≥ 60 years old were 16%. Of the 24 blind persons, 21 (87.5%) were over 60 years while 3 (12.5%) were less than 50 years old; the difference in age among the blind was statistically significant (P <0.05)...
ABSTRACT Objective: As few data on presbyopia among Nigerians is available, it was decided to rev... more ABSTRACT Objective: As few data on presbyopia among Nigerians is available, it was decided to review the distribution and characteristics of presbyopia in a Nigerian private eye clinic population. Methods: Patients presenting for the first time with symptoms of presbyopia in the eye clinic of the Eastern Nigeria Medical Center, Enugu were recruited. Standard methods of assessment of the refraction for both distance and near were used to arrive at each patient&#39;s presbyopic correction. Results: The mean age at first presentation with symptoms of presbyopia was found to be 39 ± 0.5 years; slightly earlier in females (34.9 ± 0.8 years) than for the males(42.0 ± 0.7 years); and a wide range of ages (25 to 78 years) at first presentation. The mean power of plus lens required by the patients was found to be 2.1 ± 0.1D (males 2.1 ± 0.2D and females 1.8 ± 0.2D) with a wide range of individual variation (1.0 ± 0.6D to 3.0 ±1.7D). Conclusion: Nigerian presbyopes at first presentation require higher power plus lenses than Caucasians of comparable age. There is a need for a study of a larger series to establish the Nigerian standards as results obtained from other populations may be inappropriate. The wide variation of required lens power noted emphasizes the need for the individualization of presbyopic correction rather than prescription based on assumed changes with age.
ABSTRACT Objective: A cross-sectional survey of 560 computer users in Enugu urban, Enugu State wa... more ABSTRACT Objective: A cross-sectional survey of 560 computer users in Enugu urban, Enugu State was conducted between August and December 2002.The prevalence of asthenopic symptoms and risk factors to the occurrence of asthenopia were determined. Method: Interview was done using structured, pre-tested, interviewer- administered questionnaire. Subjects were examined with Snellen&#39;s chart to measure distance visual acuity, jaegers reading chart for near acuity, pen torch for anterior segment examination, direct ophthalmoscope for fundoscopy, streak retinoscope for refraction and metre tape for distance between the screen and the subject Result: Out of 560 subjects interviewed and examined 401 (71.6%) had asthenopic symptoms. Headache was the most common symptom occurring in 35% of the subjects. Tearing was seen in 27.1%, ocular discomfort or pains accounted for 26.6%. Some subjects had more than one symptom. Presence of ametropia was found to be significantly related to the occurrence of asthenopia (P=0.0), as also the female gender compared to the males, P=0.0000007. Distance of operators to their monitors, age of operators and the use of screen filters did not seem to significantly influence occurrence of asthenopia (P= 0.71, P=0.55 and P=0.39 respectively). Majority of the subjects (96%) had good vision (VA of 6/6- 6/18). Conclusion: Presence of ametropia is related to occurrence of asthenopia. Correction of existing ametropia would contribute to visual comfort of computer (vdt) users. Pre- employment and regular ocular examination should be made accessible to those who make regular and long use of computers.
Pterygium is common among outdoor workers who are daily exposed to sunlight and dust due to repea... more Pterygium is common among outdoor workers who are daily exposed to sunlight and dust due to repeated conjunctival /corneal drying and micro-trauma especially in the tropics. Commercial motorcyclists in Nigeria are outdoor workers who spend the greater part of the day outdoors under the intense heat and dust characteristic of this part of the world and would therefore be largely predisposed to developing this conjunctival disorder. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and severity of pterygium among these workers and relate these findings to their duration of work. A cross sectional study with a multi stage random sampling design was used to choose the 615 subjects enrolled in the study. The prevalence for pterygium was 19.3% (206 eyes) with stage 1 occurring mostly (52%) followed by stage 2(46%). Pterygium was common among riders who had been riding for 5 years or less. The relationship between duration of riding and pterygium severity was significant (p=0.009). This...
ABSTRACT The looks of children with sickle cell anaemia give an impression of malnourishment. Not... more ABSTRACT The looks of children with sickle cell anaemia give an impression of malnourishment. Not growing optimally, they have lower weight, height and muscle bulk in the upper limbs than age and sex matched controls. Their underlying state imposes an increased metabolic demand on them. Yet there is simultaneous inadequate nutritional intake and malabsorption in periods of crises. Evidence of depressed appetite also exists. Parents try to combat this through administration of blood tonics. As a first step in assessing the nutritional status of children with sickle cell disease it was decided to conduct a detailed dietary interview. The food intake of children with sickle cell disease attending the sickle cell clinic of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu was analyzed and compared with that of age matched controls that do not have sickle cell disease. Only differences which P-value was or 0.05 below were accepted as statistically significant. In the age stratum 4 years and under, generally no significant differences were noted in the food consumption pattern of children with sickle cell disease when compared with age-matched controls. However, children with sickle cell disease consumed significantly more spinach than controls. In the age stratum 5-16 years, children with sickle cell disease consumed more of the food items considered. Foods were sourced from mainly the market for all children and when not consumed, it was for similar reasons, mainly expensiveness and child=s dislike. Night blindness seems to occur more in children with sickle cell disease. It is concluded that parents no do not purposely bias quantity or quality of food presentation to children with sickle cell disease despite noticing that relative to their other children, these children looked always ill-fed. The value of taking the specific nutritional needs of these children into considerations in food presentation was discussed. In addition, it is suggested that more attention be paid to nutrition and that nutritionist be involved in the health care and management of these children.
ABSTRACT Background: Much attention has been drawn to the area of medical education in contempora... more ABSTRACT Background: Much attention has been drawn to the area of medical education in contemporary times with the aim of developing effectiveteaching strategies in our medical schools.Objectives: To identify the problems encountered by students in the study of Anatomy and suggest ways of enhancing their performance in the subject.Materials and Methods: Three hundred structured, pretested self administered questionnaires were applied to medical students of theFaculty of Medical Sciences, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus (UNEC), who had spent at least two years in the medical school. Data analysis was by SPSS version 15.Results: Of the 300 questionnaires, 201(67.0%) were correctly filled and analysed. One hundred and three (51.2%) of the respondents were females, 163 (81.1%) were aged 21 to 30 years and 105(52.3%) hadspent more than two years in the medical school. One hundred and eleven (55.2%) believed that dissection followed by audio-visual aids 101(50.3%) offered students adequate exposure to the learning of anatomy. One hundred and eleven, (55.2%) also implicated overcrowding as a major cause of students’ aversion for dissection leading to inadequate exposure to the subject and the resultant poor performance. One hundred and seven (53.2%) believed that the preparatory period for 2nd MBBS exams should be extended so as to offer students adequate exposure to laboratory specimens.Conclusion: Over-population causes inadequate exposure of students to anatomical specimens and thus affects their performance negatively.
ABSTRACT Background: Hydrocephalus has been known since antiquity. It has beendefined as an incre... more ABSTRACT Background: Hydrocephalus has been known since antiquity. It has beendefined as an increase in size of the ventricular system of the brain, resulting from raised cerebrospinal fluid volume.Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine the various ocular disorders that may be associated with hydrocephalus in children seen in the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Enugu.Patients and Methods: This study was carried out on 15 patients attending the neurosurgical outpatient clinic of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu. All patients who met the criteria for inclusion in the study of hydrocephalus, aged less than two years and attended the neurosurgicaloutpatient clinic between January and December 1998 were included. The diagnosis of hydrocephalus was made based on the history, clinical examination and brain ultrasonography. The data was analysed with a scientific calculator Casio FX-82 Lb and Epi info version 6 software.Results: Fifteen children with un-operated hydrocephalus confirmed bytransfontanelle ultrasonography were examined at presentation for ocularcomplications of hydrocephalus. The mean age at presentation was 29.8 weeks. The peak age group of presentation was 11-20 weeks. The male/female ratio was 1:1. Ocular complications of hydrocephalus included setting sun appearance, nystagmus, optic disc palor and hyperaemia.Conclusion: The Ophthalmologist has a well established role to play in assisting the paediatric neurosurgeon in the long term management of children with hydrocephalus if the risk of blindness is not to be added to their other physical disabilities.
ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the magnitude and pattern of ocular disorders and blindness amon... more ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the magnitude and pattern of ocular disorders and blindness among leprosy patients, presenting at three leprosy clinics in South —Eastern Nigeria. Methodology: All the in- patients, as well as the out- patients that presented to the 3 leprosy clinics during the 2- month period of the study were examined. Altogether, 171 patients were studied. All data were entered into the computer and analyzed using the SPSS software package. Results: Ocular examinations revealed that 60.2% of the patients had leprotic lesions. Other findings were cataract 24.6%; pterygium 24.6%; refractive errors 21.6%; glaucoma 12.3%; age- related macular degeneration 4.6%; presumed toxoplasmosis 1.2%; optic atrophy 1.2% and squint 0.6%.A total of 10.5% of patients were blind and 39.8% visually impaired. Cataract accounted for 55.6% blindness. Conclusion: It is concluded that non- leprotic lesions, particularly cataract were responsible for most of the blindness. We recommend that ophthalmic surgeons should organize regular and periodic surgical outreaches to leprosy centers with the aim of dealing with non- leprotic causes of avoidable blindness in such centres.
A survey to determine the prevalence and causes of blindness in Anambra State of Nigeria was cond... more A survey to determine the prevalence and causes of blindness in Anambra State of Nigeria was conducted. The aim was to provide baseline data for the planning, implementation and evaluation of both the state&#39;s and the National Programme for Prevention of Blindness. A multistage cluster random sampling technique was used. The World Health Organization/Prevention of Blindness (WHO/PBL) Eye Examination Record Form was used. The WHOs definitions of blindness and low vision were adopted for the analysis. The prevalence of blindness in the state is estimated to be 0.33% +/- 0.27%. Visual acuity of from 3/60 to less than 6/60 has a prevalence of 0.41% +/- 0.30% while visual acuity of from 6/60 to less than 6/18 has a prevalence of 0.67% +/- 0.39. There are equal numbers of blind males as females, although the prevalence among males is 0.44% +/- 0.26% while among females it is 0.24% +/- 0.15%. Most of the blind are above 50 y of age with prevalence of blindness in this age group being 2.62% +/- 1.31% (3.27% +/- 2.1% for males and 2.02% +/- 1.58% for females). Cataract caused most of the blindness (70.59%), followed by glaucoma (17.65%). Macular degeneration is becoming important (5.88%) while obvious infective causes are rare. Errors of refraction are important public eye health care problems. Methods of tackling the cataract problem (both backlog and incident), and other eye health needs within the primary eye/health care are recommended. The need to extend refraction services to the rural areas is emphasized.
Methods: In a retrospective, non-comparative case-series study, the records of all patients who h... more Methods: In a retrospective, non-comparative case-series study, the records of all patients who had cataract extraction with intraocular lens implant between January 2001 and October 2002 and were followed up for at least eight weeks were analyzed. ... Information on age, sex, ...
In addition to chronic hyperglycemia, there is increasing evidence that genetic factors may be im... more In addition to chronic hyperglycemia, there is increasing evidence that genetic factors may be important in the development of diabetes retinopathy (DR). Specifically, polymorphisms of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene (eNOS) have been reported to be associated with multiple health conditions including DR, hypertension, nephropathy, and cardiovascular diseases in several ethnic groups. However, there is a paucity of similar data in African Americans and other African populations. To address this issue, we investigated the potential association between polymorphisms of the eNOS gene and diabetes-related phenotypes in 384 persons with type 2 diabetes and 191 controls from two West African countries (Ghana and Nigeria). We genotyped the deletion/insertion (4a/b) and the G894T polymorphisms of eNOS gene in a total of 575 persons. The b/b genotype of the polymorphism was associated with a 2.4 fold increased risk of DR (95% CI 1.39-4.09). In contrast, we did not observe any assoc...
Methods: A survey of Public (State and Local Government administered) health care facilities in E... more Methods: A survey of Public (State and Local Government administered) health care facilities in Enugu North LGA was done. The health map of Enugu North Local Government Area was read to identify available health care facilities. Each facility was visited. A pre-tested, ...
Background: Differences exist in the impact of blindness by age and sex; the overall risk of deat... more Background: Differences exist in the impact of blindness by age and sex; the overall risk of death being higher for blind males than females. Aim: To describe the age and sex differences among the blind in Ahoada-East Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State, Nigeria. Methods: Age and sex data were analyzed for 24 blind persons seen during a cross-sectional, community-based study of blindness in Ahoada East LGA. A total of 866 subjects were studied and ocular examination included visual acuity, pen torch examination, fundoscopy and applanation tonometry. Ages were estimated from historic events or verified using hospital/immunization cards. Results: Of the 866 subjects examined, there were 400 males and 466 females. Children and adolescents (0-19 years) formed 44.1% while those ≥ 60 years old were 16%. Of the 24 blind persons, 21 (87.5%) were over 60 years while 3 (12.5%) were less than 50 years old; the difference in age among the blind was statistically significant (P <0.05)...
ABSTRACT Objective: As few data on presbyopia among Nigerians is available, it was decided to rev... more ABSTRACT Objective: As few data on presbyopia among Nigerians is available, it was decided to review the distribution and characteristics of presbyopia in a Nigerian private eye clinic population. Methods: Patients presenting for the first time with symptoms of presbyopia in the eye clinic of the Eastern Nigeria Medical Center, Enugu were recruited. Standard methods of assessment of the refraction for both distance and near were used to arrive at each patient&#39;s presbyopic correction. Results: The mean age at first presentation with symptoms of presbyopia was found to be 39 ± 0.5 years; slightly earlier in females (34.9 ± 0.8 years) than for the males(42.0 ± 0.7 years); and a wide range of ages (25 to 78 years) at first presentation. The mean power of plus lens required by the patients was found to be 2.1 ± 0.1D (males 2.1 ± 0.2D and females 1.8 ± 0.2D) with a wide range of individual variation (1.0 ± 0.6D to 3.0 ±1.7D). Conclusion: Nigerian presbyopes at first presentation require higher power plus lenses than Caucasians of comparable age. There is a need for a study of a larger series to establish the Nigerian standards as results obtained from other populations may be inappropriate. The wide variation of required lens power noted emphasizes the need for the individualization of presbyopic correction rather than prescription based on assumed changes with age.
ABSTRACT Objective: A cross-sectional survey of 560 computer users in Enugu urban, Enugu State wa... more ABSTRACT Objective: A cross-sectional survey of 560 computer users in Enugu urban, Enugu State was conducted between August and December 2002.The prevalence of asthenopic symptoms and risk factors to the occurrence of asthenopia were determined. Method: Interview was done using structured, pre-tested, interviewer- administered questionnaire. Subjects were examined with Snellen&#39;s chart to measure distance visual acuity, jaegers reading chart for near acuity, pen torch for anterior segment examination, direct ophthalmoscope for fundoscopy, streak retinoscope for refraction and metre tape for distance between the screen and the subject Result: Out of 560 subjects interviewed and examined 401 (71.6%) had asthenopic symptoms. Headache was the most common symptom occurring in 35% of the subjects. Tearing was seen in 27.1%, ocular discomfort or pains accounted for 26.6%. Some subjects had more than one symptom. Presence of ametropia was found to be significantly related to the occurrence of asthenopia (P=0.0), as also the female gender compared to the males, P=0.0000007. Distance of operators to their monitors, age of operators and the use of screen filters did not seem to significantly influence occurrence of asthenopia (P= 0.71, P=0.55 and P=0.39 respectively). Majority of the subjects (96%) had good vision (VA of 6/6- 6/18). Conclusion: Presence of ametropia is related to occurrence of asthenopia. Correction of existing ametropia would contribute to visual comfort of computer (vdt) users. Pre- employment and regular ocular examination should be made accessible to those who make regular and long use of computers.
Pterygium is common among outdoor workers who are daily exposed to sunlight and dust due to repea... more Pterygium is common among outdoor workers who are daily exposed to sunlight and dust due to repeated conjunctival /corneal drying and micro-trauma especially in the tropics. Commercial motorcyclists in Nigeria are outdoor workers who spend the greater part of the day outdoors under the intense heat and dust characteristic of this part of the world and would therefore be largely predisposed to developing this conjunctival disorder. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and severity of pterygium among these workers and relate these findings to their duration of work. A cross sectional study with a multi stage random sampling design was used to choose the 615 subjects enrolled in the study. The prevalence for pterygium was 19.3% (206 eyes) with stage 1 occurring mostly (52%) followed by stage 2(46%). Pterygium was common among riders who had been riding for 5 years or less. The relationship between duration of riding and pterygium severity was significant (p=0.009). This...
ABSTRACT The looks of children with sickle cell anaemia give an impression of malnourishment. Not... more ABSTRACT The looks of children with sickle cell anaemia give an impression of malnourishment. Not growing optimally, they have lower weight, height and muscle bulk in the upper limbs than age and sex matched controls. Their underlying state imposes an increased metabolic demand on them. Yet there is simultaneous inadequate nutritional intake and malabsorption in periods of crises. Evidence of depressed appetite also exists. Parents try to combat this through administration of blood tonics. As a first step in assessing the nutritional status of children with sickle cell disease it was decided to conduct a detailed dietary interview. The food intake of children with sickle cell disease attending the sickle cell clinic of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu was analyzed and compared with that of age matched controls that do not have sickle cell disease. Only differences which P-value was or 0.05 below were accepted as statistically significant. In the age stratum 4 years and under, generally no significant differences were noted in the food consumption pattern of children with sickle cell disease when compared with age-matched controls. However, children with sickle cell disease consumed significantly more spinach than controls. In the age stratum 5-16 years, children with sickle cell disease consumed more of the food items considered. Foods were sourced from mainly the market for all children and when not consumed, it was for similar reasons, mainly expensiveness and child=s dislike. Night blindness seems to occur more in children with sickle cell disease. It is concluded that parents no do not purposely bias quantity or quality of food presentation to children with sickle cell disease despite noticing that relative to their other children, these children looked always ill-fed. The value of taking the specific nutritional needs of these children into considerations in food presentation was discussed. In addition, it is suggested that more attention be paid to nutrition and that nutritionist be involved in the health care and management of these children.
ABSTRACT Background: Much attention has been drawn to the area of medical education in contempora... more ABSTRACT Background: Much attention has been drawn to the area of medical education in contemporary times with the aim of developing effectiveteaching strategies in our medical schools.Objectives: To identify the problems encountered by students in the study of Anatomy and suggest ways of enhancing their performance in the subject.Materials and Methods: Three hundred structured, pretested self administered questionnaires were applied to medical students of theFaculty of Medical Sciences, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus (UNEC), who had spent at least two years in the medical school. Data analysis was by SPSS version 15.Results: Of the 300 questionnaires, 201(67.0%) were correctly filled and analysed. One hundred and three (51.2%) of the respondents were females, 163 (81.1%) were aged 21 to 30 years and 105(52.3%) hadspent more than two years in the medical school. One hundred and eleven (55.2%) believed that dissection followed by audio-visual aids 101(50.3%) offered students adequate exposure to the learning of anatomy. One hundred and eleven, (55.2%) also implicated overcrowding as a major cause of students’ aversion for dissection leading to inadequate exposure to the subject and the resultant poor performance. One hundred and seven (53.2%) believed that the preparatory period for 2nd MBBS exams should be extended so as to offer students adequate exposure to laboratory specimens.Conclusion: Over-population causes inadequate exposure of students to anatomical specimens and thus affects their performance negatively.
ABSTRACT Background: Hydrocephalus has been known since antiquity. It has beendefined as an incre... more ABSTRACT Background: Hydrocephalus has been known since antiquity. It has beendefined as an increase in size of the ventricular system of the brain, resulting from raised cerebrospinal fluid volume.Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine the various ocular disorders that may be associated with hydrocephalus in children seen in the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Enugu.Patients and Methods: This study was carried out on 15 patients attending the neurosurgical outpatient clinic of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu. All patients who met the criteria for inclusion in the study of hydrocephalus, aged less than two years and attended the neurosurgicaloutpatient clinic between January and December 1998 were included. The diagnosis of hydrocephalus was made based on the history, clinical examination and brain ultrasonography. The data was analysed with a scientific calculator Casio FX-82 Lb and Epi info version 6 software.Results: Fifteen children with un-operated hydrocephalus confirmed bytransfontanelle ultrasonography were examined at presentation for ocularcomplications of hydrocephalus. The mean age at presentation was 29.8 weeks. The peak age group of presentation was 11-20 weeks. The male/female ratio was 1:1. Ocular complications of hydrocephalus included setting sun appearance, nystagmus, optic disc palor and hyperaemia.Conclusion: The Ophthalmologist has a well established role to play in assisting the paediatric neurosurgeon in the long term management of children with hydrocephalus if the risk of blindness is not to be added to their other physical disabilities.
ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the magnitude and pattern of ocular disorders and blindness amon... more ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the magnitude and pattern of ocular disorders and blindness among leprosy patients, presenting at three leprosy clinics in South —Eastern Nigeria. Methodology: All the in- patients, as well as the out- patients that presented to the 3 leprosy clinics during the 2- month period of the study were examined. Altogether, 171 patients were studied. All data were entered into the computer and analyzed using the SPSS software package. Results: Ocular examinations revealed that 60.2% of the patients had leprotic lesions. Other findings were cataract 24.6%; pterygium 24.6%; refractive errors 21.6%; glaucoma 12.3%; age- related macular degeneration 4.6%; presumed toxoplasmosis 1.2%; optic atrophy 1.2% and squint 0.6%.A total of 10.5% of patients were blind and 39.8% visually impaired. Cataract accounted for 55.6% blindness. Conclusion: It is concluded that non- leprotic lesions, particularly cataract were responsible for most of the blindness. We recommend that ophthalmic surgeons should organize regular and periodic surgical outreaches to leprosy centers with the aim of dealing with non- leprotic causes of avoidable blindness in such centres.
A survey to determine the prevalence and causes of blindness in Anambra State of Nigeria was cond... more A survey to determine the prevalence and causes of blindness in Anambra State of Nigeria was conducted. The aim was to provide baseline data for the planning, implementation and evaluation of both the state&#39;s and the National Programme for Prevention of Blindness. A multistage cluster random sampling technique was used. The World Health Organization/Prevention of Blindness (WHO/PBL) Eye Examination Record Form was used. The WHOs definitions of blindness and low vision were adopted for the analysis. The prevalence of blindness in the state is estimated to be 0.33% +/- 0.27%. Visual acuity of from 3/60 to less than 6/60 has a prevalence of 0.41% +/- 0.30% while visual acuity of from 6/60 to less than 6/18 has a prevalence of 0.67% +/- 0.39. There are equal numbers of blind males as females, although the prevalence among males is 0.44% +/- 0.26% while among females it is 0.24% +/- 0.15%. Most of the blind are above 50 y of age with prevalence of blindness in this age group being 2.62% +/- 1.31% (3.27% +/- 2.1% for males and 2.02% +/- 1.58% for females). Cataract caused most of the blindness (70.59%), followed by glaucoma (17.65%). Macular degeneration is becoming important (5.88%) while obvious infective causes are rare. Errors of refraction are important public eye health care problems. Methods of tackling the cataract problem (both backlog and incident), and other eye health needs within the primary eye/health care are recommended. The need to extend refraction services to the rural areas is emphasized.
Methods: In a retrospective, non-comparative case-series study, the records of all patients who h... more Methods: In a retrospective, non-comparative case-series study, the records of all patients who had cataract extraction with intraocular lens implant between January 2001 and October 2002 and were followed up for at least eight weeks were analyzed. ... Information on age, sex, ...
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Papers by Udechukwu Felix Ezepue