Prevalence of blindness and low vision in the Wenchi district; Ghana

ABSTRACT

A population-based survey of the prevalence of major blinding disorders was conducted in ten villages in the Wenchi district in central Ghana. 1425 people above the age of 30 were screened; using the WHO eye-examination record. In the age group of 30 and older; the prevalence of bilateral blindness (best acuity less than 3/60) was 1.6 per cent and monocular blindness (visual acuity of 3/60 in one eye) was 2.5 per cent. The prevalence of low vision (visual acuity between 6/18 and 3/60) in both eyes was 2.0 per cent and in one eye 2.2 per cent. The causes of bilateral blindness were cataract 65.2 per cent; onchocerciasis 13 per cent; cornea opacity (non-trachomatous) 8.7 per cent; refraction 4.3 per cent and others 8.7 per cent. An estimated 365 people in the Wenchi district require cataract surgery; 142 people glaucoma treatment and 255 people spectacles to correct a refractive error which causes a visual acuity less than 6/18. In the endemic onchocerciasis area near the Black Volta in the north of the district a higher prevalence of blindness (8.1 per cent) and low vision (4.0 per cent) was found. In this area Ivermectin distribution is needed. This survey provides basic data for the establishment of preventive and curative eye-care in the Wenchi district