Ophthalmic Problems of Adults in Rural Communities of Rivers State, Nigeria

Aim: To determine the ophthalmic problems and their possible causes among adults in rural communities in Rivers State.Methods: A multistage population based random sampling study of adults in five clans of Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State. Medical history was taken and comprehensive ocular examination done on each subject.Ocular examination included visual acuity, visual field, tonometry and ophthalmoscopy. Data taken were recorded and analysed using statistical software called Minitab 11. Ethical approval was obtained from relevant authorities.Results: Out of the 600 subjects seen in this study 276 (46.0%) were males and 324 (54.0%) females. They were all above 21 years old. Twenty six (2.4%) subjects had good vision while 8 (0.8%) were blind. The ophthalmic problems identified werePresbyopia 298 (28.0%), Refractive error 247 (23.2%), Cataract 126 (11.8%), Allergic conjunctivitis 106 (9.9%), Glaucoma 94 (8.8%), Pterygium 86 (8.1%), Bacterial conjunctivitis 35 (3.3%), Corneal opacity 32 (3.0%), Chalazion 4 (0.4%), Diabetic retinopathy 3 (0.3%) and Ptosis 1 (0.1%). Conclusion: The most common ophthalmic problems in this study which were dependent on gender and occupation include Presbyopia, Refractive Error, Cataract and Allergic Conjunctivitis. More females and farmers were seen in this study. The problems identified can be easily managed if well-equipped health facilities are provided by the government.