Prevalence Of Visual Impairment Research Articles

Prevalence and Pattern of Visual Impairment among Adult Population in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria

Aim: Visual impairment is a public health problem globally. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and pattern of visual impairment among adult population in Mangu Local Government Area (L.G.A), Plateau State, Nigeria.
 Study Design: A population-based descriptive cross-sectional survey of 802 adult population aged 18 years and above was conducted in Mangu L.G.A, Plateau State, Nigeria using a multi-stage cluster random sampling design.
 Methodology: Subjects were evaluated using a magnifying loupe, Snellen E chart, direct ophthalmoscope and torchlight. Vision status was defined using World Health Organization categories of visual impairment based on presenting visual acuity (VA).
 Results: Out of a total of 960 respondents enumerated for the study, 802 (83.5%) adults participated. Prevalence of blindness (presenting VA of less than 3/60 in the better eye) was 8.1%; prevalence of low vision (presenting VA of at least 3/60 but less than 6/18 in the better eye) was 27.6%; prevalence of overall visual impairment (presenting VA less than 6/18 in the better eye) was 35.7%. Prevalence of visual impairment was higher in males (40.8%) than in females (34.9%), although not statistically significant (p=0.098). Prevalence of blindness and impaired vision increased significantly with increasing age, from 21.7% at 20 - 39 years to 83.6% among those aged ≥80 years (P < 0.001).
 Conclusion: Much can be done by individuals, governments and non-governmental organizations to reduce so much blindness and vision loss through cost-effective interventions such as wears of sunglasses and other preventive measures to prevent ultraviolet radiation effect on their eyes.

The Magnitude of Low Vision and Blindness: Association with Socio-Demographic Determinants and Ocular Pathologies Amongst Adults in Enugu, South-East Nigeria

Background: Low vision and blindness are emerging public health challenges worldwide. Nigeria, despite being the home for growing elderly population, does not have well-structured, low vision and rehabilitative services. South-East zone of Nigeria has the highest prevalence of low vision in the country. The changing demographics and epidemiologic transitions call for urgent need to generate recent data on the magnitude of low vision and blindness and advocate for establishment of Low vision and rehabilitation services. This study evaluated the magnitude of low vision and blindness, and highlights its association with socio-demographic factors in adult patients. Methods: This is a cross-sectional hospital based study. A total of 400 participants were enrolled. Thorough ocular evaluation to confirm diagnosis of low vision / blindness was carried out. Data was analysed with SPSS 20.0. Descriptive and inferential statistics were done. Kruskal-Wallis, Chi-Square or Fisher exact test were performed where appropriate and a p-value of <0.5 was considered significant. Moderately Severe Visual Impairment, MSVI and Severe Visual impairment/ Legal Blindness accounted for 72.8% and 91.0% respectively amongst those that were above 41 years of age. Prevalence of Visual impairment increased with advancing age and low education was associated with VI. Conclusion: The study observed that advancing age is constantly associated with visual impairment and blindness. Glaucoma contributed significantly to impairment of vision. The study buttressed the need for development of low vision and rehabilitation services in the state. Knowing the huge economic consequences of low vision/blindness, stakeholders should be encouraged to invest in comprehensive eye care. Keywords: Low vision/Blindness, Elderly, Rehabilitation services

Michigan Screening and Intervention for Glaucoma and Eye Health Through Telemedicine Program: First-Year Outcomes and Implementation Costs

The Michigan Screening and Intervention for Glaucoma and Eye Health Through Telemedicine (MI-SIGHT) program aims to engage people who are at high risk of glaucoma; we assess first-year outcomes and costs. Clinical cohort study. Participants ≥18 years of age were recruited from a free clinic and a federally qualified health center in Michigan. Ophthalmic technicians in the clinics collected demographic information, visual function, ocular health history, measured visual acuity, refraction, intraocular pressure, pachymetry, pupils, and took mydriatic fundus photographs and retinal nerve fiber layer optical coherence tomography. Data were interpreted by remote ophthalmologists. During a follow-up visit, technicians shared ophthalmologist recommendations, dispensed low-cost glasses, and collected participant satisfaction. The primary outcome measures were prevalence of eye disease, visual function, program satisfaction, and costs. Observed prevalence was compared with national disease prevalence rates using z tests of proportions. Among 1171 participants, the average age was 55 years (SD 14.5 years), 38% were male, 54% identified as Black, 34% as White, 10% as Hispanic, 33% had less than or equal to a high school education, and 70% had an annual income <$30,000. The prevalence of visual impairment was 10.3% (national average 2.2%), glaucoma and suspected glaucoma 24% (national average 9%), macular degeneration 2.0% (national average 1.5%), and diabetic retinopathy 7.3% (national average 3.4%) (P < .0001). Seventy-one percent of participants received low-cost glasses, 41% were referred for ophthalmology follow-up, and 99% were satisfied or very satisfied with the program. Startup costs were $103,185; recurrent costs were $248,103 per clinic. Telemedicine eye disease detection programs in low-income community clinics effectively identify high rates of pathology.

Nationwide Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) in Armenia

ABSTRACT Purpose This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and main causes of blindness and visual impairment in population aged 50 years and older in Armenia using Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) methodology. Methods The study team randomly selected 50 clusters (each consisting of 50 people) from all 11 regions of Armenia. Data on participants’ demographics, presenting visual acuity, pinhole visual acuity, principal cause of presenting visual acuity, spectacle coverage, uncorrected refractive error (URE), and presbyopia were collected using the RAAB survey form. Four teams of trained eye care professionals completed data collection in 2019. Results Overall, 2,258 people of 50 years and older participated in the study. The age- and gender- adjusted prevalence of bilateral blindness, severe and moderate visual impairment were 1.5% (95% CI: 1.0–2.1), 1.6% (95% CI: 1.0–2.2) and 6.6% (95% CI: 5.5–7.7), respectively. The main causes of blindness were cataract (43.9%) and glaucoma (17.1%). About 54.6% and 35.3% of participants had URE and uncorrected presbyopia, respectively. The prevalence of bilateral blindness and functional low vision increased with age and was the highest in participants 80 years and older. Conclusion The rate of bilateral blindness was comparable with findings from countries that share similar background and confirmed that untreated cataract was the main cause of blindness. Given that cataract blindness is avoidable, strategies should be developed aiming to further increase the volume and quality of cataract care in Armenia.

Intraretinal Microvascular Abnormalities and Venous Beading Have Different Genetic Profiles in Caucasian Patients with Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of preventable visual impairment in the working age population. Despite the increasing prevalence of DR, there remain gaps in our understanding of its pathophysiology. This is a prospective case-control study comparing the genetic profiles of patients with no DR vs. non-proliferative DR (NPDR) focusing on intraretinal microvascular abnormalities (IRMA) and venous beading (VB) in Caucasians. A total of 596 participants were recruited to the study; 199 with moderate/severe NPDR and 397 with diabetes for at least 5 years without DR. Sixty-four patients were excluded due to technical issues. In total, 532 were analysed; 181 and 351 were in the NPDR group and no DR group, respectively. Those with severe IRMA and VB had distinctly different genetic profiles from each other and from the no DR group, which further supports the theory that these two features of DR might have different etiologies. This also suggests that IRMA and VB are independent risk factors for the development of PDR and may have different pathophysiologies. If these findings are confirmed in larger studies, this could pave the way for personalised treatment options for those more at risk of developing different features of NPDR.

Prevalence of visual impairment in older people living with dementia and its impact: a scoping review

Background and objectivesVisual impairment (VI) and dementia both increase with age, and it is likely that many older people are living with both conditions. This scoping review aims to investigate the prevalence and types of VI among older people living with dementia, and the impact of VI on older people living with dementia and their caregivers.MethodsThis scoping review used Arksey and O’Malley’s methodological framework. Studies in any setting involving people living with dementia and some assessment of either VI, eye diseases causing VI or the impact of VI were included.ResultsThirty-six studies were included. Thirty-one studies reported the prevalence of VI in older people living with dementia, while ten studies reported on impacts of VI on people living with dementia. Only one study reported on impacts on caregivers. The prevalence of VI or specific eye diseases among older people living with dementia ranged from 0.2 to 74%. The impacts of VI on older people living with dementia included increased use of hospital services, increased disability and dependency, reduced social engagement, negative emotions, increased abnormal behaviours, loss of hobbies, difficulty in using visual aids or memory aids, and greater Neuropsychiatric Inventory symptoms. And the impacts on caregivers included increased conflict and physical exhaustion.ConclusionVI is common in older people living with dementia and is associated with negative impacts on those with dementia and their caregivers. However, heterogeneity between studies in terms of setting and method for assessing and defining VI make it difficult to compare findings among studies. Further research is needed, particularly assessing the impact on caregivers.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of childhood visual impairment in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

Childhood visual impairment has a significant effect on social life, educational performance, and professional choices, and can lead to poverty. To review the prevalence and causes of visual impairment among children aged 5-17 years in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR). This study was conducted in 2021 using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta- Analyses (PRISMA) method. We searched Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Index Medicus for the Eastern Mediterranean Region, and Medline for studies published between January 2000 and April 2020. The articles included were epidemiological studies of prevalence and causes of childhood visual impairment published in peer-reviewed journals. Of the 12 705 articles screened, 23 from 9 countries met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of uncorrected, presenting, and best-corrected childhood visual impairment was 11.57%, 8.34% and 1.21%, respectively. The most common causes of childhood visual impairment were refractive error (51.89%), amblyopia (11.15%), retinal disorders (3.90%), corneal opacity (3.0%), and cataract (1.88%). There was a highly significant heterogeneity between the studies (P < 0.0001). The prevalence of visual impairment among children in the EMR was high, and the leading causes were uncorrected refractive error and amblyopia, which were avoidable. Access to eyecare services may help improve early diagnosis and treatment of preventable causes of childhood visual impairment.

The prevalence and county-level socioeconomic correlates of visual impairment and glasses ownership among rural students in Western China.

Vision health has been a major issue in public health care. The vision problems of children in rural China are of particular concern. Effective policies for children's vision health should consider the heterogeneity of individual health levels and regional differences in healthcare services. This study systematically explored the relationship of student visual impairment and glasses ownership with county-level socioeconomic status (namely, county-level per capita GDP, population density and industrial structure) in rural China. The study sample included 99,670 students in grades 4-9 from 445 schools in 13 counties in Shaanxi Province. From 2014 to 2020, students took school-based vision screening tests and completed sociodemographic questionnaires. Multivariate regressions were used for empirical analysis. The prevalence of visual impairment was 30.4% in the total sample, and the rate of visual impairment in girls (34.3%) was higher than that in boys (27.0%). Among visually impaired students, the rate of glasses ownership was only 39.7%, with girls (40.6%) higher than boys (38.8%). The study also found that the visual impairment was significantly correlated with county-level average income, population density and industrial structure, and the glasses ownership was significantly correlated with population density and industrial structure (all p < 0.001). The study found that the county-level socioeconomic status was positively and significantly correlated with visual impairment and glasses ownership, respectively. The vision health management services for students should be jointly carried out by the education, medical and public health departments, and additional investment is needed to increase the accessibility and affordability of vision care services, with special focus on poor regions and disadvantaged groups, so as to narrow the gap in vision health services.

Provision of eye care services and interventions in care homes: a narrative synthesis review.

The prevalence of eye disease and visual impairment in care home residents is disproportionately higher compared to the general population. Access to eye care services and treatment can be variable for this vulnerable population. This paper reviews the available evidence of services and interventions for delivering eye care to care home residents. The key review questions are: (1) What is the existing evidence for eye care interventions or services (including service configuration) for care home residents? (2) Does the provision of these interventions or services improve outcomes? Literature search of EMBASE/MEDLINE for original papers published since 1995. Two reviewers independently reviewed abstracts/papers. Data were extracted and evaluated using narrative synthesis. 13 original papers met the inclusion criteria. Domiciliary optometrist services improved diagnosis and management of eye conditions, with one study showing 53% of residents benefited from direct ophthalmology intervention. Provision of interventions, such as cataract surgery, refractive error correction and low-vision rehabilitation, improved visual acuity and vision-related quality of life but did not improve cognitive or physical function, depression or health-related quality of life. There was little UK-based literature to inform eye service design or interventions to improve outcomes such as falls. Care home-based eye assessments improve the management of eye conditions. Interventions improve visual acuity and vision-related quality of life. Further research is needed to better understand current UK services, access difficulties or examples of good practice as well as to identify and test cost-effective service models for this vulnerable group.

1210 PROVISION OF EYE CARE SERVICES AND INTERVENTIONS IN CARE HOMES - A NARRATIVE SYNTHESIS REVIEW

Abstract Introduction The prevalence of eye disease and visual impairment in care home residents is disproportionately higher compared to the general population. Access to eye care services and treatment can be variable for this vulnerable population. Objective This narrative synthesis reviews the available evidence of services and interventions for delivering eye care to care home residents. The key review questions: Methods Literature search of EMBASE/MEDLINE for original papers published since 1995. Two reviewers independently reviewed abstracts/papers. Data was extracted and evaluated using narrative synthesis. Results 13 original papers met the inclusion criteria. On-site optometrist-led services improved diagnosis and management of eye conditions, with one study showing 53% of residents benefited from direct ophthalmology intervention. Provision of interventions such as cataract surgery, refractive error correction and low vision rehabilitation improved visual acuity and vision-related quality of life but did not improve cognitive or physical function, depression or health-related quality of life. There was little UK-based literature to inform eye service design or interventions to improve outcomes. Conclusion Care home-based eye assessments improve the management of eye conditions. Interventions improve visual acuity and vision-related quality of life. Further research and/or clinical service scoping is needed to better understand current UK services, access difficulties or examples of good practice as well as to identify and test cost-effective service models for this vulnerable group.

Population Prevalence of Vision Impairment in US Adults 71 Years and Older

Existing estimates of the prevalence of vision impairment (VI) in the United States are based on self-reported survey data or measures of visual function that are at least 14 years old. Older adults are at high risk for VI and blindness. There is a need for up-to-date, objectively measured, national epidemiological estimates. To present updated national epidemiological estimates of VI and blindness in older US adults based on objective visual function testing. This survey study presents a secondary data analysis of the 2021 National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS), a population-based, nationally representative panel study of Medicare beneficiaries 65 years and older. NHATS includes community-dwelling older adults or their proxies who complete in-person interviews; annual follow-up interviews are conducted regardless of residential status. Round 11 NHATS data were collected from June to November 2021, and data were analyzed in August 2022. In 2021, NHATS incorporated tablet-based tests of distance and near visual acuity and contrast sensitivity with habitual correction. National prevalence of impairment in presenting distance visual acuity (>0.30 logMAR, Snellen equivalent worse than 20/40), presenting near visual acuity (>0.30 logMAR, Snellen equivalent worse than 20/40), and contrast sensitivity (>1 SD below the sample mean). Prevalence estimates stratified by age and socioeconomic and demographic data were calculated. In the 2021 round 11 NHATS sample, there were 3817 respondents. After excluding respondents who did not complete the sample person interview (n = 429) and those with missing vision data (n = 362), there were 3026 participants. Of these, 29.5% (95% CI, 27.3%-31.8%) were 71 to 74 years old, and 55.2% (95% CI, 52.8%-57.6%) were female respondents. The prevalence of VI in US adults 71 years and older was 27.8% (95% CI, 25.5%-30.1%). Distance and near visual acuity and contrast sensitivity impairments were prevalent in 10.3% (95% CI, 8.9%-11.7%), 22.3% (95% CI, 20.3%-24.3%), and 10.0% (95% CI, 8.5%-11.4%), respectively. Older age, less education, and lower income were associated with all types of VI. A higher prevalence of near visual acuity and contrast sensitivity impairments was associated with non-White race and Hispanic ethnicity. More than 1 in 4 US adults 71 years and older had VI in 2021, higher than prior estimates. Differences in the prevalence of VI by socioeconomic and demographic factors were observed. These data could inform public health planning.

Epidemiology of Ocular Trauma in the Elderly: A Population-Based Study.

To determine the prevalence of different types of ocular trauma and their relationship with some factors in the elderly population. The present population-based cross-sectional study was conducted on the elderly population aged 60 years and above in Tehran, Iran, using multi-stage stratified random cluster sampling in 2019. After selecting the samples and their participation in the study, demographic information and history of ocular trauma were obtained through an interview. Psychological evaluation was performed using the Goldberg's 28-question General Health Questionnaire. All study participants underwent optometric and ophthalmological examinations. Three thousand three hundred and ten people participated in the study (response rate: 87.3%). Of these, 1912 individuals (57.8%) were female and the mean age of individuals was 68.25 ± 6.55 (from 60 to 97) years. 7.46% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.51-8.41) of the study participants reported a history of ocular trauma. Blunt and chemical traumas were the most and the least common types of ocular trauma, respectively (5.72% and 0.16%). 3.93% of cases visited an ophthalmologist for ocular trauma, 1.67% reported a history of hospitalization, and 1.47% underwent surgery. The prevalence of visual impairment in individuals with a history of ocular trauma was 12.53%. Visual impairment was more prevalent in people with a history of ocular trauma than those without a history of ocular trauma (P < 0.05). History of ocular trauma was only significantly related to low education level (odds ratio = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.40-0.99). Participants with a history of ocular trauma had more anxiety and higher mean psychological distress score than those without a history of ocular trauma (P = 0.035). The development of preventive programs against the occurrence of ocular trauma can play an important role in reducing the psychological damage of affected patients while reducing visual disorders. These interventions should be especially considered in groups with a lower education level.

Quality of Life Related to Visual Impairment in Visually Impaired Learners at the Center for Social Promotion of the Blind in Parakou in 2022

Introduction: Sight is important for learning and daily living life and becomes a challenge in cases of visual impairment. This study aims to assess the impact on the quality of life of learners at Parakou Social Promotion Centre for the Blinds. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 57 visually impaired and blind participants, using the PedEyeQ scale. Data were analysed using statistical tests to identify factors influencing quality of life. Results: The prevalence of visual impairment was linked to a variety of causes, with an overall satisfaction rate of 50.9%. Specific dimensions such as "Self-image" showed positive scores, but "Daily life" revealed dissatisfaction in 51.1% of blind people. Factors such as female gender and age between 15 and 25 were associated with a less positive quality of life. Conclusion: This study highlights disparities in the quality of life of visually impaired learners, underlining the importance of appropriate interventions to improve their well-being

Morbidity profile among older people at primary health care centers in Saudi Arabia during the period 2012-2020

To evaluate the morbidity profile and explore the geriatric giants, health problems, and their risk factors among old people in the older people health clinics at primary health care centers (PHCCs) in Saudi Arabia. This is a record-based descriptive cross-sectional study. Data was collected between 2012-2020 using the health data of older people to whom comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) was carried out at 1,481 PHCCs in Saudi Arabia. Data included sociodemographic and health related characteristics, medications, results of CGA, complete clinical examination, and laboratory results. Assessment was carried out for diabetes, hypertension, obesity, underweight, vision and hearing impairments, depression, memory and cognitive impairment, risk of falls, urine incontinence, bronchial asthma, and anemia. A total of 193,715 older people were screened. A high prevalence of diabetes (55.4%), hypertension (49.1%), diabetes and hypertension co-morbidity (26.8%), and obesity (22.2%) were found. The overall prevalence of anemia was 4.7% and asthma 8.9%. The prevalence of positive screening for depression was 5.9%, 2.9% for memory and cognitive impairment, 6.3% for urine incontinence, and 4.0% for risk of fall. The prevalence of vision impairment was 20.6%, hearing impairments was 12.6%, and for underweight it was 5.4%. There was high prevalence of risk factors like smoking (8.5%), and polypharmacy (25.3%). Health regions varied widely in prevalence of the studied health conditions. The study findings highlight the importance of CGA in early detection of geriatric giants, health problems, and associated risk factors among Saudi older people.

Assessment of the Effect of Blue Light on Visual Acuity among College Students

Visual acuity is the acuteness or clarity of vision which is dependent on the shortness of the retinal focus within the eye, and the sensitivity of the interpretative faculty of the brain. It is expressed as a fraction, such as 20/20 or 6/6 which is the normal visual acuity. Poor or impaired visual acuity is expressed as 20/40 and below or 6/9 and below. Blue light, which is one of the visible rays from the sun and also an artificial constituent of many modern devices, is a source of illumination which among other factors strongly affects our visual acuity. The present rapid, steady advancement in technology has led to a great increase in our usage and exposure to blue light. It is not uncommon nowadays to easily find someone who spends his entire day on digital screen, and many times even a great deal of the nighttime is also spent on blue-light-emitting technologies. The aim of this study is to assess and determine how this blue light affects college students and perhaps their productivity. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using the focus group discussion (FGD) technique amongst 100 college students across five departments in College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus. The mean age of the respondents was 22.06 years. More of the respondents were females (66%) while 34% were males. The prevalence of visual acuity impairment after a considerably long usage of blue light was 37%. The majority of the respondents (87%) use a light-emitting diode (LED) technology torch/lantern during their night studies. 82% also uses their mobile phones for their studies and other academic works in which they have to spend many hours at once on the screen. Many others are exposed to other sources of blue light, and more even combine usage of different sources of blue light at once. The prevalence of visual acuity status below 6/6 amongst the students was high, and this is worrisome with regards to its long term effects or cumulative effects on their vision. Adequate sensitization on the harmful effects of long exposure to blue lights, usage of blue light filters/glasses (photochromic lens, for instance), taking frequent breaks from digital screens, encouraging outdoor use of blue light screens, early and proper management of impaired vision and more intakes of foods that enhance eyesight are recommended.

АНАЛИЗ ЭКОНОМИЧЕСКОГО БРЕМЕНИ БОЛЕЗНЕЙ ГЛАЗА И ГЛАУКОМЫ В ЛИПЕЦКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ ЗА 2014-2021 ГОДЫ

Significance. The problem of low vision and blindness is one of the most important public health challenges, due to both medical and social significance, and the increasing prevalence of visual impairments around the world. Purpose: to assess the economic burden of eye diseases and glaucoma in the Lipetsk region in 2014-2021. Material and methods. The burden of eye diseases was calculated on the basis of registers of invoices for medical care provided by medical organizations to the territorial fund of compulsory medical insurance of the Lipetsk region in 2014-2021. The cost of outpatient care, inpatient care, high-tech medical care (HTMC), hospital replacement and emergency medical care has been calculated. Results. In 2014-2021, the cost of outpatient care delivery to patients with eye diseases added up to 919,071.8 thousand rubles, inpatient care - 1,127,393.4 thousand rubles, care provided in day hospitals - 482,876.8 thousand rubles, emergency medical care - 2,743.5 thousand rubles, HCMC- 122,391.1 thousand rubles, the share of expenses for medical care delivery to patients with glaucoma in the cost structure of eye diseases equaled to 7.2%, 16.0%, 4.1%, 18.3% and 59.3% respectively. The amounts spent on HTMC provision to patients with glaucoma in 2015-2019 accounted for the vast share of the cost of HTMC delivery to patients with eye diseases, ranging from 92.0% to 98.7%. A 13.2-fold increase in the cost of medical care delivery to patients with eye diseases in day hospitals has been identified, which is not true for glaucoma, the cost of which has increased 1.3-fold. In the glaucoma cost structure, the cost of outpatient care accounted for 19.4%, on average, while the cost of inpatient medical care - 53.1%, the cost of care delivery in day hospitals and emergency medical care did not exceed 6.0% on average, while the cost of high-tech medical care accounted for 21.4%. Dynamics in the share of the gross regional product of the Lipetsk Region spent on medical care delivery to patients with eye diseases in the pre-pandemic period was characterized by a rise, reaching 0.082% in 2019. Conclusion. From 2014 to 2021, the cost associated with medical care delivery to patients with eye diseases and glaucoma increased. The share of the gross regional product (GRP) spent on medical care delivery to patients with eye diseases is characterized by a rise, adding up to 0.082% in the pre-pandemic period. The cost of medical care delivery to patients with glaucoma accounts for a significant share in the cost structure of eye diseases (12.8% on average). In the glaucoma cost structure, on average, inpatient ophthalmological care accounts for 53.1%, HTMC – for 21.4%, and outpatient care - 19.4%. Scope of application. The undertaken cost assessment associated with medical care delivery to patients with eye diseases and glaucoma is necessary for effective economic planning in the public health system.

Association between Visual Impairment and Nutritional Risk among Older Adults with Diabetes: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Despite the high prevalence of visual impairment caused by diabetic retinopathy and nutritional problems among older adults with diabetes, evidence regarding factors related to nutritional risk in this population is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the correlates of nutritional risk among older adults with diabetes, focusing on visual impairment. This study was a secondary data analysis of the 2020 National Survey of Older Koreans aged 65 years and above. The sample comprised 2,376 older adults with diabetes, and complex sample ANOVA and Rao-Scott chi-square tests were used to compare the groups according to visual impairment. Complex-sample logistic regression analyses were conducted to verify the association between visual impairment and nutritional risk. Older adults with diabetes, who also have severe visual impairment, are more likely to have nutritional risk status than those without impairment after controlling for covariates (odds ratio [OR] = 2.44, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.16~5.13). Among the covariates, depression (OR = 3.58, 95% CI 2.60~4.94), dependent activities of daily living status (OR = 2.79, 95% CI 1.60~4.86), and experience of hospitalization during the past year (OR = 2.51, 95% CI 1.57~4.03) were strongly associated with nutritional risk. Severe visual impairment increases the nutritional risk among older adults with diabetes. Therefore, it is essential to prevent visual impairment due to exacerbation of diabetes through appropriate management. Additionally, tailored nutritional interventions for visually impaired older adults with diabetes that consider visual characteristics are required.

The Prevalence of Visual Acuity Impairment among Children in Nigeria – A Systematic Review

Background: Blindness is a major health problem, and there is an increasing trend of visual acuity impairment among children in developing countries. Vision loss in childhood has serious implications in all stages of a child's growth and development. It poses social, educational and occupational challenges, with affected children being at greater risk of developing behavioural, psychological and emotional problems, lower self-esteem and poorer social integration. The study aimed to assess the prevalence of visual impairment among children in Nigeria. Method: A systematic review of papers published on the prevalence of visual acuity impairment among children in the country was carried out. We covered works published in Google Scholar, PubMed, ResearchGate, ScienceDirect, and African Journals Online. Primary search terms included the combination of the following keywords; “prevalence”, “visual acuity”, “visual impairment”, “children”, “Nigeria”. The database search for published articles was done without date restriction till 1st December 2021. The review was restricted to primary research published in English and peer-reviewed journals. Results: Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria out of the 56 studies reviewed. In Nigeria, the prevalence of visual acuity impairments ranged from 1.7% to 26.1%. Conclusion: The prevalence of visual acuity impairment among children in Nigeria is in epidemic proportions. There is a need to pay attention to proper health education; early detection and appropriate management of impaired vision to fight against this health disorder.

PREVALENCE OF VISUAL ACUITY DISORDERS AMONG INTERMEDIATESCHOOL STUDENTS IN RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA 2022

Our objectives in this study are to determine the prevalence of visual acuity disorders and to identify the important risk factors that associated with visual acuity disorders among Intermediate school students in Riyadh, 2022.Design.a cross sectional study was preformed the prevalence of visual acuity has been measured in Riyadh schools district. a sample size of 580 students throw a Multi-stage random sampling technic was conducted. The tools that has been used to collect data in this study are self administered questioner and the Snellen chart through placing it on 6 meter distance from the student, it contains C-letter-like shapes in different direction and sizes, which should be identified by the student. Study Sample: All Male intermediate school students in governmental schools in Riyadh city, 2022. which included a total of 580 students. Results: The prevalence of visual acuity impairment in our study was 14.3%, with a mean age of 14.14 ± 5.497 years old. 44.58 % of the students who are visually impaired didnt wear glasses. Mean hours spent on watching TV of visually impaired students is 4.02± 2.437 and mean hours spent on reading 1.76 ± 1.061. Mean number of students who feel tired after time watching TV is 15.70%. There is increase in visual impairment among students as age increased. We observed that 60% of visually impaired students dont follow up with ophthalmologists. Conclusion: We found that there is a significant relationship between visual acuity impairment and inheritance. Also one of the risk factors among students who suffer from visual acuity impairment is that they dont regularly follow up with an ophthalmologist, and 44.58 % of the students who are visually impaired didnt wear glasses.

Prevalence of Refractive Error among Children of Koshi Rural Municipality of Sunsari District: Door-to-Door Screening

Background: Uncorrected refractive error is the commonest cause of preventable visual impairment and disability among children. This study aimed to find out the prevalence of refractive error among children in the Koshi Rural Municipality of Sunsari district. Methods: This cross-sectional study conducted from 1 November to 31 December 2020 involved children between the ages of 4 - 18 years from Koshi Rural Municipality. The variables recorded included gender, age, religion, school type, visual acuity, and types of refractive error. Ethical approval was taken from the rural municipality and institutional review committee of Biratnagar Eye Hospital. Results: A total of 7830 children were screened in the door-to-door campaign. The majority (n = 5508, 72%) were Hindu and 2232 (28%) were Muslims. Only 6575 (84%) children were enrolled in school. Among them 3130 (40%) were going to government schools, 2105(26.9%) were going to private schools and 1340 (17.1%) children were going to a Madrassa (Muslim school) for education. The prevalence of refractive errors among children of Koshi Rural Municipality was 131 (1.7%) (95% CI: 1.4 - 2.0). Hypermetropia was seen in 69 (53%) children, followed by Myopia 60 (46%). Conclusion: The prevalence of uncorrected refractive error among children of Koshi Rural Municipality was low. However, the prevalence of refractive error was high among Muslim children.