Publication: Pattern and Prevalence of Refractive Error and Secondary Visual Impairment in Patients Attending a Tertiary Hospital in Dhulikhel, Nepal
Date
2018
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background
Uncorrected refractive error is one of the most important causes of visual impairment
worldwide.
Objective
To ascertain the pattern and prevalence of refractive error and secondary visual
impairment in subjects attending Ophthalmology department.
Method
A prospective hospital-based study was designed where presenting visual acuity, age
of presentation, refractive status, best corrected visual acuity and status of visual
impairment were assessed in participants, ages ranging from 3-39 years presenting
to the Ophthalmology department of Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University
Hospital. History of use of spectacle was noted and participants were categorized
into different visual impairment categories as per their presenting visual acuity.
Result
Out of a total of 4500 total clients examined during the study period, 388 (8.62%)
had refractive error where 219 (56.44%) were females and 169 (43.56%) were males.
Mean age at presentation was 22.70±7.69 years (range, 3-39 years). Astigmatism
was the most common subtype seen in 373 eyes (48.06%), followed by myopia
(366 eyes, 47.16%) and hypermetropia (31 eyes, 4.0%). Only 40.50% subjects who
required refractive correction were using spectacle. 62.37% (242 clients) had some
of visual impairment during their presentation. There was statistically significant
improvement in visual acuity after refractive correction (p=0.00).
Conclusion
Uncorrected refractive error is one of the most important causes of visual impairment.
Lack of awareness, infrequent ocular examination and lack of community or preschool
vision screening were the main causes for the late presentation and significant visual
impairment associated with the condition. Social stigma, economical limitation and
negative counseling and attitudes about spectacle wear were primary factors behind
the unsatisfactory spectacle use.
KEY WORDS
Astigmatism, Refractive correction, Refractive error, Visual impairment
Description
Kaiti R,1 Pradhan A,2 Dahal HN,3 Shrestha P4
1Nepal Eye Hospital (NEH)
Tripureshwor, Kathmandu, Nepal.
2Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology,
Kathmandu, Nepal.
3Drishti Eye Centre,
Kathmandu, Nepal.
4Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital,
Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal
Keywords
Astigmatism, Refractive correction, Refractive error, Visual impairment