Pattern Of Refractive Errors Among Computer Users In A Nigerian Urban Community

Abstract

Background: Refractive error is a common cause of ocular morbidity. Computer use is associated with eye strain which may be due to refractive errors. Objective: To ascertain the prevalence and pattern of refractive errors among computer users. Method: A cross-sectional survey of 560 computer users in Enugu urban, Enugu State, Nigeria was conducted between August and December 2002 Interview was done using structured, pre tested, interviewer- administered questionnaire. Subjects who met the inclusion criteria were recruited by random sampling and examined with Snellens chart to measure distance acuity, Jaegers reading chart for near acuity, pen torch for anterior segment examination, direct ophthalmoscope for fundoscopy, streak retinoscope for refraction and meter tape to measure distance between the screen and the subject. Result : Out of the 560 subjects interviewed and examined 115(20.5%) had refractive errors. There were 51(44.3%) males and 64(55.7%) females. Male: Female ratio was 1: 1.3. Ninety (78.2%) subjects had spherical errors while 25(21.8%) had astigmatic errors. Presbyopia was present in 35(6.3%) of the subjects, the youngest age of presentation was 32 years. Myopia was the most common error found occurring in 79 (68.7%) subjects. Myopic astigmatism was the commonest type of astigmatism, presenting in 24(96%) subjects. More than 50% of all the errors of refraction were less than 1.0 dioptre. One subject had anisometropia. Conclusion: Low errors of refraction were found among computer users. Pre employment examination, regular ocular examinations and treatment are recommended. Keywords: Computer, errors, Nigeria, refractive, users.Ebonyi Medical Journal Vol. 6 (2) 2007: pp. 83-88