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Childhood eye diseases in southwestern Nigeria: a tertiary hospital study

Oluwatoyin Helen Onakpoya1, Adenike Odunmorayo Adeoye

  • 1Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Surgery, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria.

Clinics (Sao Paulo, Brazil)
|October 21, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Ocular trauma, allergic conjunctivitis, infections, and refractive errors are common childhood eye diseases in Nigeria. Early intervention and health education are crucial for preventing vision loss and school absenteeism.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Pediatric Ophthalmology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Childhood eye diseases are a significant reason for medical consultations.
  • Disease spectrum varies geographically.
  • This study focuses on a tertiary hospital in Nigeria.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the spectrum of childhood eye diseases.
  • To analyze disease prevalence in a rural and semi-rural population.
  • To identify common eye conditions in children under 15.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 286 pediatric patients (under 15 years).
  • Data collected from January 2001 to December 2006 at Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa, Nigeria.
  • Statistical analysis using SPSS with a significance level of p<0.05.

Main Results:

  • Ocular trauma (21.7%), allergic conjunctivitis (17.8%), eye infections (15.4%), and refractive errors (14.3%) were most common.
  • Ocular injury more frequent in males and 6-10 year olds; infections more common in females and 0-5 year olds.
  • Congenital eye disease accounted for 13.3% of cases.

Conclusions:

  • Identified prevalent childhood eye diseases can cause school absenteeism and potential blindness.
  • Health education for ocular trauma prevention is recommended.
  • Prompt management of other eye conditions is essential.
Abstract

Keywords:
Allergic conjunctivitisNigeriaOcular traumaPediatric ocular disordersRefractive errors

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