ABSTRACT
Aims/Objective:A community-based cross-sectionall comparative study was carried out to compare the pattern of ocular morbidity between residents in upland and riverine communities in Rivers State.Methods:The sample size was calculated using the formula for comparative studies, based on alpha of 0.05, beta of 0.20, the proportion of eye disorder of 40.4% from a community-based study in Rivers State. A minimum sample size of 84 per group was attained.Data on age, sex, visual acuity, cup-disc ratio, intra-ocular diagnosis were obtained using an interviewer-based pro forma. Collected data were entered into Microsoft Excel and exported to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) Epi Info version 7 software for statistical analysis. The Pearson's Chi square/Fisher's exact tests were used as appropriate to determine significant differences in demographic and eye examination findings between the two groups (riverine versus upland) while Chi-square homogeneity was performed to determine significant differences in the individual ocular diagnosis across the groups. Statistical significance was set at P≤0.05. Results:A total of eighty-six (86) participants per group were involved in the study, making a total of one hundred and seventy-two participants. The mean age was 37.9 (±18.1) and age range of 1-90years. Males comprised 30.2% of the sample population while females were 69.8%. The commonest causes of ocular morbidity in both communitieswere Refractive error. Allergic conjunctivitis and cataract were more common in the Riverine community compared to the upland one. Conclusion:Our study shows that the pattern of ocular morbidity may differ based on land surfaces. Ocular morbidity appears to be more prevalent in Riverine areas than upland.Government interventions and eye care service providers should take cognizance of this while planning intervention programs at the State and National levels
ABSTRACT
Aims:To determine the Intraocular Pressure (IOP) and visual acuity changes before and after Micropulse laser treatment among patients with open angle glaucoma.Study Design:A quasi-experimental study design.Place and duration of Study:The Ophthalmic Specialists, a peripheral ophthalmologist group practice in Rivers State between February 2018 and December 2018.Methodology:Twelve eligible patients with moderate and advanced open angle glaucoma on medical (topical) treatment were recruited after they gave informed consent. Baseline visual acuity (VA) and intra ocular pressure (IOP) were obtained prior to the use of the micropulse laser treatment. Following the laser treatment, VA and IOP were assessed at oneday, one week, one month and 6 month post laser. p=.05 was regarded as statistically significant.Results:A total of 12 patients were followed up for 6 months. Mean age was 37.42±7.00 years. Age range was 24-46 years with M: F ratio =1.4:1. Mean change in visual acuity across the time periods was statistically significant (p=0.0001). Mean IOP change over 6 months was 10.46mmHg (38.20%, p=0.0001). Median number of drugs used by participants dropped from 3 to 1. (P=0.002)Conclusion:Micropulse Trans-scleral cyclophotocoagulation is a safe and effective way of managing glaucoma. It caused a mean drop in IOP of 10.46mmHg (38.20%) over 6 months in our study