Ocular Morbidity among Auto Mechanics at Suame Magazine Area in the Kumasi Metropolis

Department of Optometry and Visual Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana.

Corresponding Author: David Ben Kumah, Department of Optometry and Visual Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana, Tel: +233266307211; E-Mail: [email protected]

Received Date: 04 Mar 2017   
Accepted Date: 13 Mar 2017  
Published Date: 14 Mar 2017

Copyright © 2017 Kumah DB

Citation: Kumah DB, Kuutiero IWN, Merepa SS, Bempong BB, et al. (2017). Ocular Morbidity among Auto Mechanics at Suame –Magazine Area in the Kumasi Metropolis. Mathews J Ophthalmol. 2(1): 014.

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of ocular conditions and investigate safety practices among auto mechanics at ‘Suame –Magazine’ area in the Kumasi metropolis. 
Methods: A cross-sectional study across five randomly chosen zones of auto mechanics was carried out. A hundred and fifty (150) auto mechanics (mean age of 34.4 ± 1.2 years) were sampled for the study. History taken from participants included participants’ demographics, ocular and occupational history. Ocular examination included distance and near visual acuity, cover tests, ophthalmoscopy and refraction. Diagnoses were made on the presence of a condition(s) in either or both eyes. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 was used to analyze data collected. Descriptive statistics andPearson’s Chi Square test were employed. 
Results: Out of the 150 respondents, 85.3% were males and 14.3% were females. The overall prevalence of eye diseases was 100.0%. Pinguecula (33.3%) was the most prevalent condition, followed by dry eyes (22.7%), pterygium (15.3%), allergic conjunctivitis (4.7%), bacterial conjunctivitis (4.0%), refractive errors (8.0%) and presbyopia was (8.0%). The least prevalent ocular condition was macula scar (1.3%). Many of the respondents (90%) knew of personal protective equipment but few of them used them at work. There was a significant relationship between the presence of an ocular condition with number of years of work as an auto mechanic (p< 0.0001).
Conclusion: The study revealed a high ocular morbidity rate. There is generally low voluntary attendance to clinics for eye checkups by the auto mechanics at the ‘Suame- Magazine’ area in the Kumasi metropolis.

KEYWORDS

Auto Mechanic; Morbidity; Pinguecula; Pterygium; Conjunctivitis; Refractive Error.