Pattern of refractive error among staff of a tertiary health facility in Northwest Nigeria

Sadiat Saka Eletu; Aliyu Hamza Balarabe; Kehinde Fasasi Monsudi; Ismail Lawal

Authors

Sadiat Saka Eletu Department of Ophthalmology, Federal Teaching Hospital, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria
Aliyu Hamza Balarabe Department of Ophthalmology, Federal Teaching Hospital, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria
Kehinde Fasasi Monsudi Department of Ophthalmology, Federal Teaching Hospital, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria
Ismail Lawal Department of Ophthalmology, Federal Teaching Hospital, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Globally, uncorrected refractive error is a major cause of blindness, visual impairment and low vision. Healthcare providers require optimal vision to function effectively; therefore, it is essential to determine their refractive state and provide appropriate intervention when necessary.

Aim: To determine the refractive status and pattern of refractive error among staff of a tertiary health facility.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among staff of the Federal Teaching Hospital Birnin Kebbi between May and June 2018. Clinical and sociodemographic data, including level of education, tribe, department/unit, refractive state, and usage of corrective spectacles, were collected using a questionnaire designed for the study. Visual acuity was assessed using a Snellen chart; those with visual acuity less than 6/6 were further assessed using a pinhole. Streak retinoscopy at a working distance of two-thirds of a meter was performed in the eye clinic for those with features of refractive error. The data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 21.

Results: A total of 507 staff were examined; 113 (22.3%) had refractive error, 105(20.7%) had presbyopia, and 289 (57.0%) did not have any refractive error. There were 347(68.5%) males and 160(31.5%) females. Seventy-one subjects (14.0%) had myopia, 24(4.7%) had hypermetropia, while 18 (3.6%) had astigmatism. The commonest presbyopic correction was +1.00D.

Conclusion: Refractive error is fairly common among the staff of this health facility. Health care workers are advised to regularly check their eyes and obtain refractive correction, if necessary, for optimal vision and effective function.

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