Ocular status of commercial drivers in Osun State, Nigeria

To determine the ocular status of commercial vehicle drivers in Osun State, Western Nigeria and highlight the effect on safety on the road.

A cross-sectional-survey utilizing a multistage-random-sampling-technique done between May and June 2004.

99 consenting commercial vehicle drivers, registered with NURTW, Osogbo. Motorcyclists and non-registered NURTW drivers were excluded.

Clearance from LAUTECH Teaching Hospital's (LTH) ethical committee and informed consent obtained. Structured questionnaire and complete eye examination with vision test was done in the clinic. Driving test and ability to read number plates from a distance of 20.5m before and after dilatation were done in the hospital premises.

Mean age of the subjects was 45.9 years (SD 7.7). Prevalence of visual impairment was 6.1%.and of failed driving test was 6.1%, while, uniocular blindness was 5.1%. Pupillary dilatation significantly reduced both ability to drive and to read number plate p < 0.05. Road traffic accident was associated with visual impairement, field loss, protan colour deficiency, cup:disc ratio > 0.5, and intraocular pressure > 21 mmHg. RTA was less likely among those who could read number plates (OR = 0.51). Prevalence of cataract was 24.3%, pterygia 20.7%, cornea opacity 6.6% and uncorrected-refractive errors 31.3%, with hypermetropia being most prevalent (19.7%). None had corrective lenses as at time of examination.

Eye diseases causing uniocular blindness, visual impairment and uncorrected refractive errors were seen to be common among the commercial vehicle drivers. Mandatory, specific-periodic ophthalmological examination for correcting and preventing these are necessary before first issuance and revalidation of driver's license. Health education about eye care is therefore necessary to enhance safety on our roads.