ABSTRACT
Aim: To determine the socio demographic distribution of ocular axial length (AL) for use in estimating intraocular lens power, detect abnormal values and possibly associate them with pathological conditions.Methods: This is a community based descriptive study carried out in Port Harcourt City LGA, Nigeria of subjects 18 years of age or older and with Visual Acuity > 6/18. The major ethnic/linguistic groups in Rivers state are Ikwerre, Ogoni, Ekpeye Kalabari, Okrika, Ogba, Igbani, Obolo and Etche. Socio demographic data was obtained through a proforma. Ocular examinations done included visual acuity, applanation tonometry, and ophthalmoscopy. Axial length (AL) was measured using Amplitude (A) scan ultrasonography (SONOMED PACSCAN 300AP). Data analysis was by SPSS (Version 17), and p value was set at ≤ 0.05.Results: Four hundred and sixty six (466) subjects participated in the study made up of two hundred and twelve (212) males (45.5%) and two hundred and fifty four (254) females (54.5%) with M: F ratio of 1:1.2. The age range was 18-92 years and mean age of the subjects studied 43.0±14.2 years.Findings revealed mean AL to be 23.2±1.0 mm which was greater in males than females. The longest mean AL in males was seen among age group 51 and 60 years and that for females was seen in age group 41 and 50 years after which in both gender there was noticed to be a decline in mean axial lengths. There was no statistically significant relationship between age and axial length. Axial length was found to be longer in subjects with higher level of education and this pattern was statistically significant.Conclusion:AL was significantly longer in males and has a positive relationship with the level of education of the study population. The longest mean AL in males was seen among age group 51 and 60 years and that for females was seen in age group 41 and 50 years after which in both gender there was noticed to be a decline in mean axial lengths
ABSTRACT
Background: Amblyopia is a common cause of visual impairment in children with uncorrected refractive errors, so screening and treatment should be carried out as early as possible to prevent permanent visual loss. Objective: To determine the prevalence of amblyopia among individuals less than 18years with refractive errors presenting to the Ophthalmology clinic of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH). Methods: Children with refractive errors presenting at UPTH over a period of 2 years were studied. Their bio-data and relevant medical and ocular history were obtained. Their visual acuity was measured and standard ophthalmic examination was done for the anterior segment with a pen torch and slit lamp bio-microscope. The posterior segment was examined with Welch Allen direct ophthalmoscope. All the children in the study were refracted using the appropriate techniques. Result: A total of 306 children with refractive errors were studied, out of which 110 (36%) were males and 196 (64%) were females. Of these children, 204 (66.7%) had astigmatism, 68 (22.2%) had Myopia, 23(7.5%) had hypermetropia and 11(3.6%) had inconclusive refraction. Two hundred and seventy eight (90.8%) of these children with refractive errors had optimal correction by refraction while 17(5.6%) had developed amblyopia. All the children who had amblyopia were between 13 and 18years; five (29.5%) were males while twelve (70.5%) were females which is statistically significant (p=0.00001). Conclusion: The prevalence of amblyopia among children with refractive error is high and therefore early screening and intervention is important to prevent permanent visual loss.