Use Of Spectacles Research Articles

Exploring Spectacle Usage Patterns: A Thematic Analysis of Refractive Disorder Patients in Medan, Indonesia

Objectives: This study explores the behavioral patterns of spectacle users with refractive errors in Medan City, Indonesia, and identifies the key factors influencing the decision-making process in choosing and using glasses, contributing to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by addressing vision health. Theoretical Framework: The research is guided by the Precede-Proceed model and the Theory of Planned Behavior, which provide a framework for understanding health-related behaviors, including spectacle usage and its impact on overall well-being. Method: A qualitative methodology was employed, involving in-depth interviews with 30 Medan City residents diagnosed with refractive errors. This was supplemented by focus group discussions and consultations with eyewear experts. Data were analyzed using a descriptive-analytical approach. Results and Discussion: Key themes influencing spectacle usage behavior were identified, including needs, comfort, fashion, quality, perception, economy, and knowledge. Among these, needs, comfort, and quality emerged as the most significant factors influencing users’ choices of glasses. The findings suggest that people with refractive errors should prioritize glasses that meet health standards to ensure comfort and improve visual impairments, aligning with the goals of SDG 3 to promote health and well-being. Research Implications: Health practitioners, particularly optometrists, play a critical role in educating the community about the importance of using high-quality eyewear and addressing common misconceptions related to spectacle use, thus contributing to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). Originality/Value: This study provides novel insights into the behavioral patterns of spectacle users in a specific cultural context, offering valuable information for health professionals and policymakers to improve vision care services in Medan City in support of SDG 3.

Compliance and Determinants of Spectacle Wear Among Moroccan Adults Residing Beni-Mellal Khénifra Region.

Ensuring a high level of adherence to wearing spectacles is essential to preserve eye health and achieve optimal vision correction. Comprehending the factors influencing adherence to wearing spectacles can inform strategies to improve eye care outcomes. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors influencing adherence to wearing spectacles among Moroccan adults residing the Beni-Mellal Khenifra region. A cross-sectional interview survey was conducted involving 389 adult spectacle wearers. Participants were recruited through a multilevel random sampling technique and interviewed using a structured questionnaire. This questionnaire collected data on demographics, spectacle prescription, usage patterns, and barriers to compliance. Compliance was assessed based on self-reported frequency and duration of spectacle wear according to the prescription. Possible factors influencing the wearing of spectacles were investigated using both univariate and multivariate regression models. This study revealed that 57.6% of participants adhered to the recommended use of spectacles. Factors associated with compliance were higher education level, longer duration of spectacle use, awareness about the importance of spectacle wear, absence of a family history, specific refractive error types, and increased severity of refractive errors. Participants reported various reasons for not adhering to the recommended use of spectacles, with the most common being forgetfulness, perceiving improved vision without spectacle, discomfort while wearing spectacle, difficulty adapting to spectacle, and loss of spectacle. Given the high prevalence of non-compliance to spectacle wear among adults in the Beni-Mellal Khenifra region, it is evident that additional efforts are required to improve understanding and education regarding the advantages of consistent spectacle usage. Targeted educational and awareness initiatives have the potential to substantially enhance adherence rates and consequently improve visual health outcomes in the region.

Knowledge, attitude and the associated factors regarding spectacle use among adults living in Debre Birhan Town, North Shewa, Ethiopia, 2023: a community-based, cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude and the associated factors regarding spectacle use among adults living in Debre Birhan Town, North Shewa, Ethiopia.DesignA community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted...

Evaluation of Intermediate Visual Outcomes in Eyes Implanted with Bilateral Advanced Monofocal Intraocular Lens Targeting for Mini-Monovision and Its Association with Age and Corneal Asphericity.

To assess the visualoutcomes in patients bilaterally implanted with novel Clareon® intraocular lens when targeting mini monovision post-operatively. The study was conducted at Laxmi Eye Institute; itis a tertiary care eye institution in Panvel, India. This is an investigator initiated, prospective, single-centre longitudinal study of 45 patients to assess the visual outcomes in patients who were implanted with Clareon ® IOL bilaterally. Patients with corneal astigmatism of ≤0.75 D who underwent bilateral cataract surgery with pseudophakic mini-monovision and implanted with novel Clareon® intraocular lens were included. Patients having post op manifest refraction >±0.25 D in the dominant eye and <-0.5 D or >-0.75 D in the non-dominant eye were excluded. The main study outcomes were assessed at 1 and 3 months; itincluded uncorrected visual acuities assessment, defocus curve, and patient reported spectacle use. The mean (SD) binocular distance corrected intermediate visual acuity at 3 months was 0.22 (0.09) LogMAR. At 3 months, 54% of patients enjoyed 0.4 LogMAR or better BUCNVA. The defocus curve showed good distance and intermediate visual acuity with >0.2 LogMAR vision from +0.50 D to -1.50 D. We found a positive correlation between the Q value of the dominant eye and the BCIVA at 3 months postoperatively, however it was not statistically significant. The Q value was more negative when the intermediate vision was closer to 0 LogMAR. Post operatively, at3 months,95% patients did not need glasses for distance and intermediate vision and 73% of patients were comfortable for intermediate vision without glasses all the time. Mini-monovision with Clareon® monofocal IOL implantation can offer overall satisfactory vision for far and intermediate distances with minimal need for use of spectacles for near vision.

The Efficacy of Prismatic Bifocal Spectacle Lenses in Controlling Myopia Progression in Children.

Objective: Progression of myopia can lead to vision impairment and increase the risk of sight-threatening complications. Various strategies were described to control the progression of myopia, including the use of specialized spectacle. This retrospective study aimed to analyze the efficacy of prismatic bifocal spectacle lenses in controlling the progression of myopia in pediatric patients. Materials and Methods: Fifty-two eyes of 26 patients using prismatic bifocal spectacle lenses were retrospectively analyzed. Both eyes of each patient with a cycloplegic objective refraction measurement of ≥-2.00 D were included. Demographic data of the patients such as age and gender were investigated. The increase in objective spherical equivalent and axial length over the one year of single-vision spectacle use was compared with the increase observed one year after the prescription of bifocal prismatic spectacle. Results: The mean age of the patients was 11.65 ± 2.70 years. Sixteen patients were male, and 10 patients were female. The increase in mean spherical equivalent in eyes using single vision spectacles over one year was 1.25 ± 0.76 D, compared to 0.24 ± 0.14 D with prismatic bifocal spectacles, which was statistically significant). Similarly, the increase in mean axial length was 0.66 ± 0.31 mm with single vision spectacles and 0.014 ± 0.015 mm with bifocal spectacle, also statistically significant Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that baseline higher myopia and baseline shorter axial length were significantly associated with the treatment effect. Conclusion: The findings suggest that bifocal prismatic lenses have the potential to be an effective intervention for managing myopia in children, particularly those with high rates of progression. However, further research with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods is needed to fully understand the long-term impacts of this treatment approach.

Eye care service utilization and associated factors among adults in Debre Berhan Town, North Shewa, Ethiopia, 2023.

Globally, the utilization of eye care services varies widely, ranging from 18 to 90%. Low utilization of eye care services can lead to delayed detection of vision problems. However, there are limited data on the proportion of eye care service utilization and its associated factors in Ethiopia at the community level. The objective of this study was to determine the proportion of eye care service utilization and its associated factors among adults in Debre Birhan town, North Shewa, Ethiopia. Using a multistage sampling method, a community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 960 adults in Debre Birhan town from 8 May to 8 June 2023. Binary logistic regression was performed. Variables with a p-value of less than 0.05 were considered significant. A total of 940 study participants participated, resulting in a response rate of 97.9%. The mean age of the participants was 54.67 years (SD ± 8.69). The proportion of good-level eye care service utilization was found to be 32.98% [95% confidence interval (CI): 29.97, 35.99]. Factors positively associated with good-level eye care service utilization included older age [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.58, 95%CI: 1.00, 2.51], higher educational status (AOR = 2.25, 95%CI: 1.25, 4.06), high family monthly income (AOR = 8.70, 95%CI: 4.99,15.18), awareness of regular eye checkups (AOR = 1.77, 95%CI: 1.15, 2.73), a history of eye disease (AOR = 2.57, 95%CI: 1.77,3.74), health insurance (AOR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.34, 2.95), and history of spectacle use (AOR = 1.94, 95%CI:1.34, 2.80). The study revealed that the proportion of good-level eye care service utilization was low. Older age, higher educational status, high family monthly income, awareness of regular eye checkups, a history of eye disease, health insurance, and history of spectacle use were significantly associated with a good level of eye care service utilization.

Public Awareness Regarding the Differences Between Ophthalmologists and Optometrists Among Adults Living in Makkah Province, Saudi Arabia.

Background Patients' knowledge of the differences between ophthalmologists and optometrists has been identified as a crucial factor influencing the choice of eye care services. This study aimed to assess the level of understanding of the differences between ophthalmologists and optometrists among the population in the Makkah province. Methods This cross-sectional study utilized an online questionnaire distributed to adults via social media platforms in the Makkah province, Saudi Arabia, from January to April 2023. The total number of respondents was 1,404. Results This study revealed that 464 (33.3%), 690 (49.5%), and 241 (17.3%) of the participants demonstrated a low, fair, and good understanding, respectively of the distinction between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist. Overall, 936 (66.7%) exhibited good knowledge. The high level of knowledge is directly correlated with a history of previous eye examinations and the use of eyeglasses. The variables of age (specifically the 18-30-year cohort) and higher educational attainment (at or above university level) emerged as statistically independent predictors of sufficient knowledge acquisition. The odds ratios for younger age and a higher educational level were (confidence interval of 95%) 1.45 (1.11-1.88) and 1.42 (1.19-1.68), respectively. Conclusion This study revealed a fair public knowledge of the distinctions between optometrists and ophthalmologists. Additionally, we recommend the Ministry of Healthencourage and sustain ongoing initiatives to enhance public awareness.

Effect of prolonged wear and frame tightness of AR glasses on comfort

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of frame tightness on the wearing comfort of augmented reality (AR) glasses during a prolonged video viewing task. A frame prototype of AR glasses with an adjustable frame width was adopted to accommodate variations in head size within the Chinese population, and two hundred participants were recruited to wear the glasses for an hour under five different tightness conditions. Local and overall discomfort ratings were obtained as outcome measures, and the ratings exhibited a significant increase with higher tightness levels. Furthermore, females and older people reported greater discomfort than other participants did, whereas previous spectacle use and body type had nonsignificant effects on wearing comfort. Consideration of approaches to alleviate frame tightness is crucial in the design of AR glasses targeting females and older people. These findings provide valuable ergonomic insights for AR glasses design and offer considerations applicable to the glasses-type wearable device industry.

Performance of Extended Depth of Focus Intraocular Lens in Eyes with Preexisting Retinal Disease

Introduction: Extended depth of focus (EDOF) intraocular lens (IOL) offers improved near and intermediate vision, aiming to reduce spectacle dependence in cataract patients. This research aimed to evaluate the performance of EDOF IOL in patients with retinal pathologies following cataract surgery. Methods: The medical charts of thirty-three eyes with retinal pathologies and 100 healthy eyes that underwent cataract extraction with implantation of an EDOF IOL and had at least 3 weeks of postoperative follow-up were retrospectively included. Patients’ overall satisfaction, spectacle dependence, visual perception, and side effects were evaluated with a self-reported questionnaire. Results: Mean uncorrected visual acuities (LogMAR) were significantly better in the healthy eyes compared with the eyes with retinal pathologies: 0.05 and 0.10, p = 0.011 (distance), 0.06 and 0.16, p = 0.001 (intermediate), and 0.20 and 0.28, p = 0.026 (near), respectively. No or rare use of spectacles for any distance was reported by 71% and 38% of patients, respectively (p = 0.004). Haloes/glare were reported by 17% and 23%, respectively (p = 0.556); only in 7% and 4% it was clinically disturbing (p > 0.999). The same IOL would be chosen again in 77% and 73% of patients, respectively, (p = 0.550). Conclusion: Patients with retinal pathologies who were implanted with an EDOF IOL demonstrated excellent distant uncorrected visual results with reasonable intermediate and near uncorrected visual results alongside high satisfaction; however, results were inferior to those of the control healthy eyes.

Clinical and Visual Outcomes of Four Presbyopia Correcting Intraocular Lenses.

To compare objective and subjective outcomes of the multifocal intraocular lenses ReSTOR SN6AD1 and Tecnis ZKB00, extended depth of focus IOL Symfony ZXR00, and trifocal IOL PanOptix TFNT00. This study included 262 patients (524 eyes) who had phacoemulsification with IOL implantation, 128 eyes with SN6AD1, 124 eyes with ZKB00, 136 eyes with ZXR00, and 136 eyes with TFNT00. Objective outcomes included one-month postoperative uncorrected (U) and corrected (C) distance (D) and near (N) visual acuities (VA). Subjective outcomes included photic phenomena, spectacle use, and spectacle-independent visual function. Spectacle use (%) in the SN6AD1, ZKB00 ZXR00, and TFNT00 groups was 39, 64, 87, and 37 respectively (P 0.0001). Presence of photic phenomena (%) for SN6AD1, ZKB00, ZXR00, and TFNT00 was 66, 61, and 67, and 73, respectively (P = 0.57). Spectacle-independent mean VF-14 score (%) for SN6AD1, ZKB00, ZXR00, and TFNT00 was 89.5, 87.2, 80.9, and 83.6, respectively (P 0.01). All four IOLs provided excellent postoperative visual acuity and equally high rates of photic phenomena. SN6AD1 and TFNT00 provided the least spectacle use while ZXR00 had the highest spectacle use.

Hazard Perception in Visually Impaired Drivers Who Use Bioptic Telescopes.

Bioptic telescopic spectacles can allow individuals with central vision impairment to obtain or maintain driving privileges. The purpose of this study was to (1) compare hazard perception ability among bioptic drivers and traditionally licensed controls, (2) assess the impact of bioptic telescopic spectacles on hazard perception in drivers with vision impairment, and (3) analyze the relationships among vision and hazard detection in bioptic drivers. Visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and visual field were measured for each participant. All drivers completed the Driving Habits Questionnaire. Hazard perception testing was conducted using commercially available first-person video driving clips. Subjects signaled when they could first identify a traffic hazard requiring a change of speed or direction. Bioptic drivers were tested with and without their bioptic telescopes in alternating blocks. Hazard detection times for each clip were converted to z-scores, converted back to seconds using the average response time across all videos, and then compared among conditions. Twenty-one bioptic drivers and 21 normally sighted controls participated in the study. The hazard response time of bioptic drivers was improved when able to use the telescope (5.4 ± 1.4 seconds vs 6.3 ± 1.8 seconds without telescope); however, it remained significantly longer than for controls (4.0 ± 1.4 seconds). Poorer visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and superior visual field sensitivity loss were related to longer hazard response times. Drivers with central vision loss had improved hazard response times with the use of bioptic telescopic spectacles, although their responses were still slower than normally sighted control drivers. The use of a bioptic telescope by licensed, visually impaired drivers improves their hazard detection speed on a video-based task, lending support to their use on the road.

The Correlation Between the Use of Eyeglasses and Gender with Computer Vision Syndrome Symptoms

Background: Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is a group of symptoms related to eye and vision problems caused by long-term use of computers, tablets, smartphones, and other electronic devices. Several risk factors of CVS have been identified, including individual factors, such as gender and the use of eyeglasses. Objectives: Therefore, this study aimed to determine the correlation between the use of eyeglasses and gender with CVS symptoms among students at the Faculty of Medicine, Mulawarman University, Samarinda. Methods: The study procedures were carried out using an observational analytic method with a cross-sectional design. The sample population comprised 177 students from the Medicine, Dental, and D-3 Nursery Study Programs. Data were then obtained using the Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire (CVS-Q) with the assistance of Google Forms and analyzed with the Chi-Square test. Result and Conclusion: The results showed that a total of 146 students (82.5%) experienced CVS symptoms. In addition, the results of statistical tests revealed that risk factors, such as the use of eyeglasses (p= 0.019 OR= 2.990) and gender (p = 0.005 OR = 3.183) had a significant association with CVS symptoms.

Factors associated with Computer Vision Syndrome in students and teachers of a private university in Peru during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

Introduction: computer Vision Syndrome is also considered the ocular epidemic of the 21st century. It is essential to determine the number of individuals suffering from CVS and the associated factors.Objective: to identify the factors associated with Computer Vision Syndrome in medical students and faculty at Peruvian Private University during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in 2021.Methods: this was an observational, cross-sectional, retrospective, and analytical study. The participants included students and faculty members from the School of Human Medicine. The Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire (CVS-Q) from Google Forms was used. For bivariate analysis, the chi-squared test was used with a 95 % confidence level. Frequency and proportion calculations were used for qualitative variables, and measures of central tendency and dispersion were calculated for quantitative variables.Results: 56,0 % of faculty and students suffered from computer vision syndrome (CVS). In the bivariate analysis, it was found that the use of eyeglasses (p &lt; 0,004), a computer/cell phone screen distance of &lt;45cm (p &lt; 0,031), and a family history of visual diseases (p &lt; 0,010) were associated with CVS.Conclusions: there is a high prevalence of computer vision syndrome, with faculty members being the most affected. Factors associated with CVS were the use of eyeglasses, a computer/cell phone screen distance of &lt;45cm, and a family history of visual diseases

Impact of Aspheric Monofocal Intraocular Lens Implantation on Uncorrected Intermediate Visual Acuity: a Combined Analysis.

To evaluate binocular intermediate visual acuity (IVA), depth of focus, and other visual outcomes achieved with a monofocal aspheric intraocular lens (IOL) using pooled data from 2 randomized, double-masked, controlled trials. The studies conducted at 32 sites included patients aged ≥22 years with bilateral cataracts, preoperative corneal astigmatism 1.0 D, and lens power 18.0-25.0 D. Patients received bilateral AcrySof IQ IOLs (SN60WF). Primary endpoint data were collected at month 6. Binocular uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity (UDVA and CDVA) at 4 m, binocular uncorrected and corrected IVA (UIVA and DCIVA) at 66 cm, manifest refraction spherical equivalent (MRSE), and binocular defocus curve at 4 m were assessed under photopic conditions. Validated questionnaires were used to assess spectacle use and quality of vision. Of 233 patients who received SN60WF, 228 had visual acuity data at 6 months. Under photopic conditions, 51% of the eyes had pupils >4 mm, 40% had pupils 3-4 mm, and 9% had pupils <3 mm. Mean ± SD UDVA and CDVA were -0.019 ± 0.110 and -0.088 ± 0.082 logMAR, respectively. Mean ± SD UIVA and DCIVA were 0.125 ± 0.145 and 0.196 ± 0.139 logMAR, respectively. UIVA and DCIVA of 20/32 or better were achieved by 83% (188/228) and 71% (162/228) of patients, respectively. Mean ± SD MRSE was -0.007 ± 0.404 D for the first eye and 0.036 ± 0.371 for the second eye. The defocus curve demonstrated binocular vision of 0.24 logMAR or better from +1.2 to -1.5 D. Spectacle independence for distance and intermediate vision was reported by 86% and 41% of the patients, respectively. Based on questionnaires, 61%, 79%, and 65% of the patients did not experience starbursts, halos, or glare. A monofocal aspheric IOL (SN60WF) assessed in a large, pooled study provided excellent distance vision and clinically functional intermediate vision.

Time spent outdoors in childhood related to myopia among young adults in the Swedish ABIS cohort.

Elucidate the prevalence of myopia among young adults from a birth cohort of Swedish children and its relationship to possible risk factors during their childhood. Five thousand two hundred young adults, mean 23.4 years and 58% females, participating in the prospective birth cohort All Babies in Southeast Sweden (ABIS) answered a questionnaire including questions regarding health and physical activity, spectacle use, myopia and age at first optical correction. Questionnaires at previous follow-ups at ages 2-3, 5-6 and 8 years included information on type of housing, time outdoors, screen time and hours of reading. Myopia prevalence and associations with potential risk factors were analysed in univariate and multivariate regression models with Bonferroni's correction of p-values. In the ABIS Swedish birth cohort of young adults, the prevalence of myopia was 29%. A univariate logistic regression showed a higher odds ratio for myopia with female gender (OR 1.59; p < 0.05) and a completed and started university education (OR 1.52; p < 0.05). Significantly lower odds ratios were found for hours spent outdoors at 8 years of age (OR 0.82; p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression showed a higher odds ratio for myopia in females (OR 1.52-1.57; p < 0.05) and completed and started university education (OR 1.34-1.49; p < 0.05) in all models. In a model including accommodative effort, measured in diopter hours at 8 years of age, hours spent outdoors were associated with a lower odds ratio for myopia (OR 0.86; p < 0.05). No association could be detected between myopia and the type of housing or near work. The prevalence of myopia among young adults in a Swedish birth cohort was lower or unchanged compared to previous data. Female gender, higher education and less time spent outdoors in childhood were associated with an increased risk of developing myopia. Recommendations from child health services and schools should be given to stimulate children to spend enough time outdoors.

IJCM_230A: Obstacles Faced by Medical Undergraduates Wearing Spectacles In A Medical College In Mangalore

Background: Spectacle compliance is vital among the young population to combat visual impairment arising from untreated refractive errors. Encouraging spectacle use is crucial, despite the challenges they present, such as fogging, scratches, and discomfort when prescribed wrong Objectives: 1. To study the obstacles faced by medical undergraduates while using spectacles. 2. To find out the various factors associated with the obstacles faced by undergraduates while wearing spectacles. Methodology: The study protocol was submitted for the approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC) of Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore. After obtaining the approval from ethics committee, permission was obtained from the Dean of Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore and data collection was done after receiving informed consent from the participants. A semi- structured questionnaire was distributed to the participants Results: 72.7% faced obstacle of dependency on spectacles and 71.5% faced difficulty of adjusting spectacles with gloved hands. · Out of 60(34.9%) study participants who ride two-wheeler, 21(35%) participants faced difficulties while riding due to spectacle use and wearing helmet(42.8%), glaring(19.1%) and fogging(14.2%) were the major difficulties faced. · Among 54(32%) study participants who drive 4-wheeler, 9(16.6%) participants faced difficulties while driving due to spectacle use and the major difficulties encountered were glaring(55.5%) and restricted field of vision(22.2%). · A statistically significant association with P value of 0.001 was established between duration of spectacle usage and dependency on spectacles Conclusion: Based on our study, we have found that most of the participants have been using spectacles for 1-10 years mainly for correction of refractive errors like myopia and thus use spectacles throughout the day.

Relentless bilateral accommodation spasm in an adolescent treated with clear lens extraction

Introduction: Pathologic accommodation spasm occurs when persistent contraction of the ciliary muscle of the eye induces pseudomyopia. The purpose of this report was to describe the case of an adolescent with recurrent ciliary spasm, refractory to medical treatment for several years. Patient and Clinical Findings: A 10-year-old girl was evaluated because of complaints of decreased visual acuity (VA) and frequent headaches. Diagnosis, Intervention and Outcomes: The diagnosis of pseudomyopia due to accommodation spasm was established. No organic causes were detected. She started treatment with cycloplegics, which were successively titrated at different doses, along with the use of spectacles, over the following years. After 7 years of follow-up, the lack of efficacy of treatment and intolerance to its side effects demanded further action, so a clear lens extraction was performed, with the implantation of continuous focus transition multifocal intraocular lenses. Her final uncorrected distance VA was 6/6 in each eye, with good intermediate vision and J1 near vision with +2.00 addition. Conclusions: In severe cases of ciliary spasm, medical therapy and spectacle prescription may not be sufficient to control the disease. Intraocular lens implantation may be the only remaining therapeutic option to provide quality of life to the patient.

Prevalence of Visual Impairment and Associated Factors Among Older Adults in Southern Ethiopia, 2022.

Visual impairment is a functional limitation of the eye brought on by a disorder or disease that can make it more difficult to carry out daily tasks. Visual impairment causes a wide range of public health, social, and economic issues, particularly in developing nations, where more than 90% of the world's visually impaired people reside. Although many studies conducted in Ethiopia related with the topic, there were focused on childhood visual impairments. To assess the prevalence and factors associated with visual impairment among older adults. A community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted in Arba Minch Zuria District. Systematic sampling technique was employed to select 655 adults aged 40 and above. Data were gathered through face-to-face interviews and visual acuity measurements, and SPSS version 25 was used for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with visual impairment. The overall prevalence of visual impairment was found to be 36.95% (95% CI=33.2-40.8%). Factors associated with a higher odds of visual impairment included aged 51-60 years (AOR=2.37,95%CI=1.29-4.44), aged 61 and above (AOR=8.9, 95%CI=4.86-16.3), low wealth index ((AOR=1.81, 95%CI: 1.14-3.2), divorced and widowed (AOR=4.67, 95%CI:2.77-7.86), no formal education (AOR=14.28, 95%CI: 2.82-71.46), not utilizing eyeglass (AOR=3.94, 95%CI (1.65-9.40). The most possible causes of visual impairment were found to be refractive error and cataract. The prevalence of visual impairment among study population was relatively high, and more than three-fifths of participants had unilateral visual impairment. Age, marital status, occupation, educational status, wealth index, and not wearing of prescribed eyeglasses were significantly associated with visual impairment. Refractive error is the leading cause of visual impairment. Awareness of spectacle use and expanding cataract surgery coverage are urgently needed in this area.

School eye screening survey in the Gaza Strip/Palestine

Aim: To estimate prevalence of vision impairment and associated refractive error in basic school children in the Gaza Strip in the State of Palestine. The study will also provide an estimate of the use of corrective spectacles among children with refractive error. Associated factors like age, sex, type of school, residence, parents’ education, parents’ occupation, other indicators of socio‐economic status and vision problems in the child and the family will be studied.Methods: This is the first comprehensive study of school children vision impairment in the Gaza Strip.The method is an adaptation of WHO's Assessment of the prevalence of visual impairment attributable to refractive error or other causes in school children (RESC) methodology.Study population are students in the first and the nineth grades from public and United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) schools in the Gaza Strip.The sampling unit (cluster) was classes in the target grade levels and the strata were grade (grade 1 and grade 9), type of school (public and UNRWA) and school gender (all male, all female and co‐ed schools).Based on an expected prevalence of blindness of 20% among target population, 95% confidence level, 20% non‐response rate (refusals and absent students/total number of students), 3.4% margin of error and a design effect of 1.35 to account for clustering, a sample size 1100 students was determined. 28 classes were selected with probability proportionate to size from a list of classes of target grades along with number of children enrolled within each class in public and UNRWA schools in the Gaza Strip.Results: The actual number of students was 1094 in 15 UNRWA and 13 public schools (15 first grade classes and 13 ninth grade classes). The total non‐response rate was 12%.Data collection was completed on 18.5.2023. I did not have time to clean and analyse the data. Results will be presented at the conference.Conclusions: Conclusions will be presented at the conference.

Factors influencing the need and willingness for presbyopic correction: a cross sectional study from south India

Presbyopia is an age-related physiological phenomenon in which eye gradually losses its ability to accommodate. It is one of the leading causes of visual impairment worldwide, especially in adults above the age of 40. If uncorrected, it can significantly impair a patient's quality of life. This study aims to evaluate the factors which affects patient’s need and willingness to accept presbyopic correction. This cross-sectional analytical study was carried out in a semi urban tertiary care hospital from Jan 2021 to June 2022 among patients aged 40 and above who presented to Outpatient department (OPD). Demographic details, medical history, presenting ocular complaints pertaining to presbyopia, spectacle use and decision regarding using near vision correction were noted. Ocular examination included refraction and ocular biometry. Factors that may have influenced complaints of presbyopia or willingness to accept presbyopic correction were analysed. Three hundred and forty two patients with a mean age of 48.55 ± 6.68 years were included. Of these, 262 (76.61%) patients presented with chief complaints related to presbyopia. Those with higher educational qualification (p = 0.031), hypermetropia (p = 0.021), shallower AC depth (p = 0.028) and on medications for systemic ailments (p = 0.01), were more likely to present with chief complaints attributable to presbyopia. Among them, those with higher educational qualifications (p = 0.02) and skilled workers were more likely to accept near vision glasses (p = 0.02), while those with lower Hb (p = 0.01) and myopia (p = 0.01) were less likely to accept correction for presbyopia. Among the 80 patients without chief complaints related to presbyopia, 35 (43.75%) were not willing to accept near vision glasses. Those with higher BMI (p = 0.04) and hypermetropes (p = 0.05) were more willing to accept presbyopic correction. Presbyopia constitutes a significant reason for patients above the age of 40 visiting eye care facility. Multiple socio-economic, systemic and ocular factors influenced both the chief complaints related to presbyopia and willingness to accept presbyopic correction.