Eye health of priests and novices in rural area.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Early detection and treatment of eye diseases is important to minimize visual morbidity and permanent visual loss in general and priests' population. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate eye health status, visual acuity and eye diseases of the priests and novices, to estimate the prevalence and causes of visual impairment, and to provide eye health education. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between May 2006 and March 2007, the priests and novices in selected village (stratified population cluster random sampling) of 22 provinces in The First National Survey of Blindness and Visual Impairment Program in Thailand (TVIP) had their visual acuity (VA) and intraocular pressure (IOP) measured and eye examined by ophthalmic nurses. An ophthalmologist examined the anterior and posterior segment and took fundus pictures. RESULTS: Two hundred sixty eight priests and novices were examined. Their age ranged between 12 and 88 years with a mean of 48.5 years. Most priests and novices had normal vision (20/20-20/40 - 67.54%). No priest and novices had bilateral blindness. Almost half (48.13%) had eyeglasses and 2.24% had bilateral low vision. Unilateral low vision and unilateral blindness were 3.73% and 3.36%. One eye blindness and one eye low vision was only 0.37%. Refractive error was the leading cause of visual impairment (22.39%), followed by cataract (17.54%), glaucoma (5.97%), vitreo-retinal diseases (1.49%), and glaucoma suspected (occludable angle and ocular hypertension) (3.35%). Fifty five priests (20.52%) were referred for further investigation and treatment. CONCLUSION: Because the mean age of the priests and novices in this survey was only 48.5 years, the prevalence of visual impairment was low. Most of the cases were avoidable or preventable. The implementation of an effective screening program and access to eye treatment with standard of care remains a priority for the priests in rural areas. For sustainable development, eye health education must be promoted.