PREVALENCE AND PATTERN OF PRESBYOPIA IN A RURAL NIGERIAN COMMUNITY

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Presbyopia, an age-related loss of accommodation, significantly impacts near vision.
• Population-based data on presbyopia prevalence in developing countries is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of presbyopia in a rural Nigerian population.
• To assess presbyopia correction coverage and identify barriers to spectacle use.
• To investigate factors associated with presbyopia and spectacle adoption.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted in Esie, Kwara State, Nigeria.
• 404 subjects aged 35 years and above with best-corrected distance vision ≥20/60 were enrolled.
• Data collection involved vision testing and structured interviews regarding spectacle use and barriers.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of presbyopia was 59.7% among the 335 included subjects.
• Presbyopia correction coverage was 46.5%, with cost identified as the primary barrier to spectacle acquisition.
• Older age was significantly associated with presbyopia, while gender, occupation, and education were not.

Conclusions:

• Presbyopia represents a substantial burden and cause of visual impairment in this rural Nigerian community.
• The high cost of spectacles is the most significant barrier preventing access to near vision correction.
• Improving the availability and affordability of corrective eyewear is crucial to address this public health challenge.