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A Descriptive Study of Refractive Error Among Adults in Selected Practices in Witbank, South Africa
Bevily Nukeri1, Velibanti Sukati1, Pheagane Motsime William Nkoana1
1Department of Optometry, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, South Africa.
Purpose:
Refractive errors are among the leading causes of visual impairment globally and remain a significant contributor to avoidable vision loss in South Africa. However, data describing refractive error patterns within private optometry settings in urban areas such as Witbank remains limited.
Patients And Methods:
A retrospective cross-sectional study of 1245 clinical records selected through systematic random sampling at three selected private optometry practices in Witbank. Data included demographic characteristics, unaided visual acuity, refractive status, and presbyopia. The mean age of participants was 44.58 ± 13.9 years, with an age range from 18 to 101 years. Data were analysed using SPSS version 28, employing descriptive and inferential statistics with statistical significance set at P<0.05.
Results:
Overall, 66% presented with refractive error,51% were female and 49% were male. The majority of the participants with refractive error were black Africans (72%), followed by whites (25%). Astigmatism was the most prevalent (43%), followed by myopia (13%) and hyperopia (10%). Compound myopic astigmatism (51%) was the dominant subtype. Hyperopic participants had a mean age of 57.82 years, while myopic individuals had a mean age of 39.29 years. Most patients presenting with reduced unaided visual acuity had astigmatism (58%), followed by myopia (28%). No significant associations were found between refractive errors: myopia (p<0.376; Cramer's V=0.437), hyperopia (p<0.284; Cramer's V =0.4), and astigmatism (p<0.888, Cramer's V=0.159), and gender. Similarly, no significant association was found between refractive errors (myopia (p<0.208; Cramer's V=0.448), hyperopia (p<0.719; Cramer's V=0.347), and astigmatism (p<0.325; Cramer's V=0.205)) and ethnicity. The majority (70.6%) of participants aged 35 and older had presbyopia.
Conclusion:
The study's findings reveal a significant prevalence of refractive errors in the population examined, with astigmatism constituting nearly half of all identified cases. This data provides a valuable baseline for eye care planning in similar clinical settings.
