The prevalence and causes of low vision and blindness amongst learners at the Akropong School for the Blind in Ghana

Michael A Kwarteng,Pirindhavellie Govender-Poonsamy,Kovin S Naidoo,Khathutshelo P Mashige,Samuel B Boadi-Kusi

doi:10.4102/aveh.v80i1.611

Abstract

Background: Low vision and blindness have significant implications, resulting in a generally reduced quality of life amongst the sufferers. Aim: To determine the prevalence and causes of low vision and blindness amongst learners at the Akropong School for the Blind. Setting: The study was conducted in Akropong School for the Blind, Ghana. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used. Eye examinations included measurements of presenting distance visual acuity (PDVA) with the Tumbling ‘E’ distance LogMAR chart. Anterior and posterior segments were examined with an ophthalmoscope and a slit lamp. Results: Two hundred and sixty-eight ( N = 268) learners comprising 157 (58.6%) males and 111 (41.4%) females took part in this study and their ages ranged from 4 to 43 years (mean and standard deviation [SD] = 15.79 ± 6.15 years). The results indicated that 76.1% were classified as blind and 23.9% of the learners had low vision. The leading cause of low vision was glaucoma (39.1%) followed by pseudophakia (21.9%) and retinopathy (18.8%). The most common causes of low vision and blindness based on pathology found on ocular anatomical structures were corneal opacity/phthisis bulbi (35.5%), followed by glaucoma (25%), cataract (13.4%) and retinopathy (10.8%). Conclusion: The leading causes of low vision and blindness identified in this study were because of avoidable diseases such as corneal opacity/phthisis bulbi and glaucoma. This highlighted the need for adequate primary eye care services, equitable eye health workforce distribution and eye health awareness in Ghana to help prevent low vision and blindness.

Highlights

Optometrists are eye care providers who provide comprehensive eye and vision care services, including vision rehabilitation to the visually impaired.[1]
This study reported that the prevalence of low vision and blindness was 67% and 33%, respectively
The aim of this study was, to determine the prevalence and causes of low vision and blindness amongst the learners in Akropong School for the Blind to assess the need for services and to compare the results with other studies

Summary

Introduction

Optometrists are eye care providers who provide comprehensive eye and vision care services, including vision rehabilitation to the visually impaired.[1] These services are limited in developing countries such as Ghana because of the limited eye health workforce, which may result in a high prevalence of undetected visual problems and visual impairment.[2] Visual impairment contributes to poor academic performance amongst children in developing countries and as such, about 90% of children with blindness do not attend school.[3]. To achieve the goal of eliminating avoidable blindness and visual impairment, periodic estimates on the causes of vision impairment are essential as the causes vary with geographical location and time.[4] The data may be used in developing policies for eliminating visual impairment and to initiate future eye care planning. Low vision and blindness have significant implications, resulting in a generally reduced quality of life amongst the sufferers

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Conclusion